Shifting a big Ford - o/t

Stupid question...

I have a 1988 Ford F700 with 5-speed transmission and Eaton split axle. I've never double-clutched to shift it, and some guy was telling me that I should be.

I'll be the first to say that I am no professional trucker, but it doesn't grind when I shift (using the clutch, of course). There are factory instructions for using the split printed on the visor, and they say nothing about double clutching.

The way I see it, if it doesn't grind then it must be synchronized. If it isn't, how would I know what RPM it is synched at?

If the gears do not grind when shifting, then you are doing it right, and if you can shift it without even using the clutch and still not grind the gears, then that method is correct also. If you want to wear out your left leg and knee, go ahead and do that double clutching thing.

only time I ever use the clutch is starting off and if it has pressure from a pull but wound out and need to shift.

The really old trucks required double clutching because their transmissions were collectively referred to as crash-boxes since the gears were not synchronized.

My understanding, per Eaton's website, is that 5 and 6 speeds do not require double clutching. 10, 13, 15, and 18 speeds including deep reduction transmissions do require double clutching. They actually have some nice videos for the roadranger transmissions that show shifting techniques.

Now, maybe someone can help us with the two speed. I was originally told you didn't need to clutch when shifting the two speed. Just pull up on the switch, wait, let off the gas, and get back on. More recently, I've been clutching when shifting the rear end. It's much smoother and feels better.

That is what the instructions in my truck say. Pull the split button up, release the accelerator, then step on it again. The clutch is not needed.

I looked at some of the videos on the Eaton site you mentioned. It commented that while the clutch isn't needed, you might want to use it in the lower gears for a smoother shift.

You said it correctly. If it feels smother it is because it is smother an therefore easier on center of clutch an all drive line parts. Double clutch it.!!! Will last a lot longer.

If it is indeed a "two - speed" axle, most manufacturers recommend simply releasing/letting off the throttle when up-shifting and sometimes clutching when down-shifting...............as for the transmission. If it's a syncronized unit it needs to be clutched for both up-shifting and down-shifting. If it's not syncronized, the use of the clutch is entirely up to the driver.............

Did you watch the video for the super 18? I thought the fellow was saying that lots of folks don't use the clutch, but they really should. In all honesty, I don't know anyone who double clutches a road ranger and they seem to hold up just fine. To each their own!
Super 18

My thoughts exactly!

You don't have to. That one has syncronizers in it. Not like the big Petes and FTLs and such. On those,I nor anybody else that I know clutches them at all unless you have to stop.The Petes and FTLs that is.

The Transmission is a synchronized style. The 2 speed rear allows you to split the gears in half when on the road,and loaded .

Say your already moving and you are in third gear button in up position and truck speed is calling for a down shift, By the way if you're anticipating this move you can "pre select" move that button anytime as long as you don't let off the throttle til you depress clutch. push button down, and a one time clutch should do it . The reason double clutching is recommended by some is that sometimes if you shift too fast the 2 speed don't shift completely causing a clash in the gears and shifts erratically and is hard on drive train.

Up shift is simple as say third gear lo side [button down] and you are pulling a hill [ remember to not let off the throttle til ready to shift]pull button up any time and when ready, back of throttle completely for a second and let it have time to shift and mash er down again .

Or some use it as over drive and full gear it till 5th and pull it up.

I always split them to make time on the road when a half gear would be a little faster.

The trannies in those are synchronized, until you get to a 9 or 10 speed. The rear axle can be shifted without using the clutch simply by popping the button up, taking your foot off the throttle for a second, and then putting your foot back in it.
I can usually slip the 15 speed in my Kenworth dump truck, unless I"m pulling a hill or under other severe load, like drivng off road, then I"ll have to double clutch it. The two speed rear axles in my Kenworth aren"t shifted on the run, good way to destroy rear axles in a tandem axle truck.
Sorry to get a little off the subject of the solo, tandems with two speed rears aren"t shifted on the run, solos are.

I guess it makes a big difference what sort of hauling you're doing too. OTR doesn't take much shifting so you wouldn't wear out your knee clutching. I helped out a friend once driving his rubbish packer. Just the 140 stops and starts on the first day did a number on my knee. On the second morning they taught me how to start and stop that old Mack without clutching. Much easier on the knee.

Forty years ago working for Toledo Scale, driving a truck like that, asked partner, What is this 2 speed axle about? He said never mind nobody knows how to drive it. Well we were in some hilly terrain, partner sound asleep. I read the visor instructions and started shifting and downshifting and such. Smooth as silk. Like a new cadillac. He never even woke up. I would trust visor information any day. Loved that truck, got to drive a lot, cause everybody complained a bout it.

Nah, you don't double clutch that thing. The transmission is syncronized. Just drive it normally. I'm not really sure what the 'correct' procedure is for shifting the Ruxel, but it's probably on the visor. I just pre-select it, clutch, and then wait for the speedo to jump and then settle back down.
Personally I'd sooner drive a RoadRanger any day than one of those things but one of our fire pumpers is set up just like that...
RoadRangers are 'supposed' to be double clutched but I know very few people who actually use the clutch. The only time I use it is starting away when she won't roll off first... then I use the clutch. When coming to a stop I generally just slip them out of gear and roll up. I'm running a 13 right now and I find that the first few gears in that are a lot easier if you snap the Jake for a second. Once you have some momentum up the rest get pretty easy.
When I first started driving a truck I had a 15 speed. I clutched all the time then. I also found that I was adjusting the clutch quite often... Figured if I didn't get away from that I'd have a job I didn't need before long so now the clutch just gets used for starting.
Keep in mind that the Automated RoadRangers work on the same principle.

Rod