Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) using 1st gear

[jeepit]

In the latest edition of TDR I read an article regarding the use of 1st gear on every launch. Claims in the aritcle have been made it is easier on the clutch and should be done even without a load. I myself have been launching fron 2nd gear w/o a load. What are you other members doing?

 

[fkovalski]

Interesting question. I have not read the article that you are refering to, but I do start out in first gear as it does seem easier on the clutch (i. e. less slipping. ) The only time I start in second gear is when I am going down hill after a stop or rolling (as in slow traffic. ) I guess one would have to ask if a slight "dumping" of the clutch to minimize slipping does any harm as the engine has enough power as to not stall.

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

I always start in 2nd gear unless I've got a trailer behind me. Starting in 1st I have to shift nearly immediately - it would drive me nuts. BTW, in the earlier trucks first was labeled as low and 2nd was labeled as first.

 

[RustyJC]

When towing our 13,500 lb 5th wheel, I always start in 1st. Empty, 2nd gear is plenty low for takeoff (bear in mind that the truck has 4. 10's!) Heck, I can almost use 3rd.



Rusty

 

[lschultz]

Haven't read the article yet but I take off in second. I use first if I am on a hill or slight grade and when I got a load. Been doing it that way since my 95.

 

[DiTrani]

It's easy to believe that launching in 1st is a bit easier on the clutch, but using 1st all the time makes driving a PITA. Even worse if you have the big rear. I use 1st fairly frequently - parking, launching on hills, inching in traffic, etc. , but I'll sacrifice a little clutch and launch in 2nd most of the time.



Plus, you may be saving the clutch, but you're wearing other parts of the transmission shifting more, not to mention the added stress on the drivetrain if you're heavy-footed (I can feel my springs wrapping if I step on it in 1st).

 

[Dkevdog]

I find myself doing both, just depends on the mood. The owners manual states that starting in first is NOT necessary unless you have a load or are startup up an incline from a stop.

As for clutch longevity... ... ... ...



Kev

 

[athompson]

The only time I use 1st is if I need or want to go SLOW. If I need to go less than 5 mph, I use 1st. I always start in 2nd, even going uphill. I will sometimes start in 3rd if I'm going downhill. If I ever had a load, I'd have to play it by ear. Even with the 315s and 3. 54s, I find 2nd a bit low anyway.

 

[fj40charles]

I don't agree that starting in first always is better on the clutch. You'll just end up wearing out the throwout bearing a little faster

and placing more stress on the driveline.



IMHO, first gear is only to be used when towing a load or sitting in rush hour traffic where 2nd gear is just too fast.



Charles

 

[AggieJustin]

I use first when I'm pulling a trailer with some weight to it, or when I need to just creep along slowly (through the pasture or driving on I-35). The rest of the time second works nicely.

 

[tarussell]

I use second gear for take off's un-loaded. In my opinion granny gear is for slow going or heavy loads on take off. If ya' need to use it during normal driving than ya' need more gear in the axles.

Just my opinion, Thomas

 

[PSL53]

I have a 98. 5 and just started out by using first gear and have just gotten use to it. I now couldn't start in second, habits are hard to break. I have 90,000 miles on the original clutch.

out

Peter

 

[Rob Thomas]

I always start in 2nd also, and sometimes even 3rd, I CAN do that with my clutch, and it loves it! (tires don't though)



Later, Rob

 

[Rob Thomas]

Originally posted by PSL53

I have 90,000 miles on the original clutch.

out

Peter

Well, ya better get steppin', my neighbor has 260,000+ on his. .



Later, Rob

 

[Hohn]

Using 1st...

Owner's manual says second is fine, so I use it. It's still a wee bit short.



1st I only use like others have said-- parking lots and slow traffic. When I tow, I will use 1st to start. If you start in second in a parking lot, it's scary how fast a 7K pound truck can move.



Mileage on a clutch doesn't indicate much. It's the amount of shifting. 200K highway miles on a clutch and that thing will still be new. 40K of stop and go around town can shred it.



Bottom line is that clutch is a wear item- like brakes. Don't worry about your clutch if you aren't riding it. Especially if you are stock like me



Just get out there and drive it!



BTW-- you should have seen how hard it was trying to teach my wife to drive stick with the granny gear!! She would go from a John Force launch to engine braking and back again. Starting in second made it easier for her since the engine brakig was less.



Don't laugh at me for teaching her to drive my truck. I already know it's dumb. What the hey, though, she's paying for it too... .

 

[Behr]

Well... . when I bought my Ram the salesman suggested I just start off in 2nd gear. I tried it... . and yes it worked ok... . but I just thought the longer it takes before the clutch is totaly engaged the more wear will take place. Why shorten the life of the clutch. Bottom line for me is... when starting up on a downhill fine... use 2nd... but when starting from level or upgrade use 1st.



Gordon

 

[One Old Dog]

I use 2nd gear. The only time I use 1st is when I am pulling something. I have 89,000 miles on the truck . Its about time for a new clutch anyway

 

[pkennedy]

Curiousity wants to know why would there be that much slippage starting in 2nd gear with 400+ftpds torque on an empty truck. I hate my new truck in that it wont idle under 850 rpm, when you let the clutch completely and then apply throttle like a big truck where is the clutch wear. Most of the guys have more trouble backing up loaded as they can't gear down and burn the clutch riding it to stop clutch hop. PK

 

[Pit Bull]

I alway start is 1st when towing over 60,000 lbs :-laf I'm with Steve, if I don't have a load or heading up a hill I would not start in 1st gear.

 

[Bob Cochran]

Anyone posted that starts in first have 4. 10's? Only start in 1st when hooked to my 14,000# 5er or other pretty large load. Winds out way to fast with 4. 10!!!! this is my 5 cents worth just wondering start in waht ever makes you happy and not lug the engine.