Downshift or use brakes?

[dremelts]

Just curious...



With a manual trans and an exhaust brake, under normal driving conditions, i. e. not loaded, not towing (yeah, I know, that's not normal for a CTD ) - is it better to downshift and let the exhaust brake do its thing when coming to a stop or leave it in whatever gear it's in and use the brakes, then push the clutch in before coming to a complete stop?

 

[jmeehan]

It's probably a matter of personel preference. One reason I bought the stick shift for was compresion braking.

I down shift through all the gears, until third. I figure if I match engine and transmission RPM I'm not wearing out the clutch. I know the front brakes will wear out, and the rotors will warp.

 

[dresslered]

I downshift as far as third (with a 6-speed) and listen to that exhaust brake do its thing... blah... . blah... blah. Below third, I think that you might be wearing the mesh a little.

 

[sheldon]

Bottom line, it is easier to replace premature worn brake pads than to replace a premature worn clutch. I don't like to do either so I try to take it easy on my truck.

 

[abledog]

I'm with Sheldon Unless towing I use the brakes, pads are cheaper than engine /driveline parts.

Terry

 

[azcummins]

I'll 3rd that...

 

[Chipstien]

I'll forth that... . Of course I have a auto so I don't have much choice.

 

[Michael Hughes]

I hardly ever use the service brakes since I put my e-brake in. I have always used the gears to slow my truck(s) down. I have never had any problems.

 

[Wiredawg]

Use Both!

Fellow Rammers:



I like downshifting and hear the sweet sound of that exhaust brake and engine. My 2500 weighs 8,860 as she sits. My stock clutch is fine, but I have my Con FE O SBC ready at first sign she going.



Love to see the Ferd and Cheby owners faces when I come blahhh, blahhh, blah-blah-blah... up beside 'em.



Guys, Life is good!



Wiredawg

 

[MikeBeggy]

I recently replaced my clutch with the modified South Bend flywheel/clutch assembly. I installed the Jacobs brake when the truck was new... probably the best addition to the truck. I use it all the time loaded or not. I weigh in at 7900 lbs. The clutch facings and flywheel/pressure plate were in perfect shape at 110k miles since I always start in low gear and never slip the clutch. The center hub springs were very loose and was causing a worsening engagement chatter. Peter at SBC was completely correct when he told me I had worn out the hub springs. If you think about what's happening, it makes sense that the hub is in double trouble when it has to work to get the truck moving and then work in reverse to help stop the rig. By the way, I still use the E brake and am happy to have near perfect working service brakes at all times. The clutch life has not been an issue with me. My 2 cents worth.

 

[Jeff H]

My 5spd is the only thing never been touched on my truck. Exept for oil change. I normally shift it down one to do most of the slowing for me. I have 174,000 mile on it.

 

[Missouri Mule]

I down shift and bake a little. Usually just into third but sometime second ( even if I don't let clutch out I put into 2nd gear).



One of the reasons I down shift to take wear and tear off the brakes ,slow down quicker and for control of the truck ( I don't want to be in 5th gear if traffic is starting to move or emergeny situations arises).