randyp Posted May 17, 2015 Share Posted May 17, 2015 I'm old enough to know more, but I have forgetful mind in my old age. I bought a real clean 80 r-model dump truck couple years ago, 2 stick 6 speed. A Mack mechanic at dealership told me to never ever do any thing other than when leaving pit, use first gear, low range, shift to high range on highway and just drive it like 5 speed. Well, bout the last month I been shifting 1,2,3 low, then go to high side after winding 3 low out, gear ratios are spaced closer like that, faster recovery time, less jet black smoke, and nary a scratch of any kind at all. I even downshift high to low sometimes on certain road conditions, no scratches at all. My question my friends, am I messing up? Doesn't seem to bother trans at all, and truck stays in a cleaner powerband. I think that dealership mechanic was full of doodoo,,what y'all think? randyp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
randyp Posted May 17, 2015 Author Share Posted May 17, 2015 Empty I just drive 5 speed high, does great! randyp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alex g Posted May 17, 2015 Share Posted May 17, 2015 I'm told over time it will cause damage because the low side gears are not made to spin that fast and will cause damage.On that note I have a 6 speed here I'll sell you if I'm right 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrsmackpaul Posted May 17, 2015 Share Posted May 17, 2015 HMMMMMMMMMMMMMM drive it like its meant to or given time you will get a big bill but what do I know ??????Paul Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
85snowdog Posted May 17, 2015 Share Posted May 17, 2015 I've been driving my 2 stick 6 speed like you for the last 17 years. I'm sure its wrong (like every thing else i do ) But it seems to work better for what I do. 1 Quote Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post hatcity Posted May 17, 2015 Popular Post Share Posted May 17, 2015 You're doin' fine Randy!!REAL men don't follow directions anyway 6 Quote Success is only a stones throw away.................................................................for a Palestinian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
41chevy Posted May 18, 2015 Share Posted May 18, 2015 You're doin' fine Randy!!REAL men don't follow directions anywayTil we break it. 2 Quote "OPERTUNITY IS MISSED BY MOST PEOPLE BECAUSE IT IS DRESSED IN OVERALLS AND LOOKS LIKE WORK" Thomas Edison “Life’s journey is not to arrive at the grave safely, in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting ‘Holy shit, what a ride!’” P.T.CHESHIRE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
randyp Posted May 18, 2015 Author Share Posted May 18, 2015 Dernit, powerband just seems so much easier on engine that way,,,i think I'm gonna keep breaking Macks rules,, thanks my friends,,randyp 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lmackattack Posted May 18, 2015 Share Posted May 18, 2015 I have also always did the 1-2-3 in low then go into direct 3-4-5.Gotta get your road speed up to make the shift out of low and most times 1st and 2nd are just to slow on anything besides pavement. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post 41chevy Posted May 18, 2015 Popular Post Share Posted May 18, 2015 Dernit, powerband just seems so much easier on engine that way,,,i think I'm gonna keep breaking Macks rules,, thanks my friends,,randypI would think it also depends on how you drive it, like you stole it or like you got to pay to repair it. Makes a difference to my usage. Paul 3 Quote "OPERTUNITY IS MISSED BY MOST PEOPLE BECAUSE IT IS DRESSED IN OVERALLS AND LOOKS LIKE WORK" Thomas Edison “Life’s journey is not to arrive at the grave safely, in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting ‘Holy shit, what a ride!’” P.T.CHESHIRE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tjc transport Posted May 18, 2015 Share Posted May 18, 2015 (edited) i ran a 79 DM800 with 237 and a mud stick for 15 years and close to 750,000 miles shifting 123 in low, then 2345 in high when loaded. never broke anything, and still had the original clutch in it when the new truck came in in 95.the dm also had the dynatard engine brake hooked up to a 2 speed rear switch on the main stick so i could pop it on/off between shifts to keep the rpms up. Edited May 18, 2015 by tjc transport Quote when you are up to your armpits in alligators, it is hard to remember you only came in to drain the swamp.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kav Posted May 21, 2015 Share Posted May 21, 2015 Hi Randy, we worked a 6 speed for 18 years on heavy local work. We did over 600,000 miles (but huge hours) and in that time wore out 2 Maxidyne Motors and is now on its third Motor. We always did the123 then into high, as it was easier to get a smooth change at low speed that way. The truck is still going and still has all its original bearings except the rear output one. It is hard to make the first change from Low to High smoothly without grating, at very low speeds unless you are going down hill on a hard road, so I think that the smoother change far outweighs any other possibilities.-Just my thoughts - Kav. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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