G56 Start in 3rd?

[AHarris]

Fellas, I avoid starting in 3rd because I'm worried about burning up the clutch, so I always start in 2nd which means having to shift in the middle of a turn or just after starting out. The couple times I did this, the starts were smooth and easy with no noticeable lugging. Question is: will it hurt anything to do this from time to time when completely unloaded?



7,500 miles so far--4,000 towing 5000# across country--18 mpg average--ZERO problems. This has to be the most bulletproof and fun to drive vehicle I have ever owned!



Thanks

 

[GCroyle]

My . 02$ worth.



Don't do it.



Even though the engine doesn't care, it can handle it, the clutch is not going to be very happy doing it. You are extending the slip time during the engagement process, wearing away more friction material than necessary, creating more heat for a longer period of time, you are going to reduce the overall clutch life.



If you just owned the truck and had employees doing that, I bet you would be all over them about starting out in 1st with a load and maybe accept it starting it in 2nd empty, I'd fire the guy that didn't get this message if I was the boss.

 

[RVTRKN]

Not good for it, second OK without load, first a must when loaded. When I start out in second with my C&C I must slip the clutch a little or it will stall. My 04. 5 2500 all I have to do just let the clutch out slow and away I go in second.

 

[AHarris]

Thanks guys--I'll take your advice.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

I usually start in 2nd in my '04... I'll start in 1st if the mood suits or if I'm at high altitude.



I usually start in 1st in my 12v trucks because the static timing often doesn't lend itself to low RPM w/ the timing bumped



I wouldn't start in 3rd... I value my clutch too much

 

[oneshotkyle]

heck i start in 3rd with the throttle pinned in 4wd and it don't slip much at all:-laf:-laf:-laf