powerrammaster

Does anyone shift without the clutch? ( not sure if possible with the Rag)

I've heard the term late shifting referring to the Rag, what is the reason for this?

Does anyone run a Gear Vendors with it? I wish i had one I think.1st is too low and starting in second with 3:54's is a bit of a lug in my opinion. Do the gear vendors act like a split rear or will they shift like the trans? I don't tow much, and I would like as many gears as possible to keep the rpms going on my commute. will the GV shift quicker than the trans?

I have my own opinion of what sounds like lugging, what is a good low rpm to stay above for longevity of the eng/trans?

rbrettctd

Every now and then I can shift into 2nd or 3rd without it, but I dont cause I dont like it.

I dont have any problems starting in 2nd, and I have a 3.07 rear.

bendturbo

I am running the Rag w/3:54 rears and a Gear Vendor. I used it a lot when I had a 4:10 rear, mostly for over/over. But with the taller gear the GV is only used for mid gear cruising, ex: 35-40 do I use 3rd or 4th, how about 3rd/over,perfect. As for over/over only useful on the interstate cruising 70 plus. This can all change with the tire you run, mine are 235/85R/16's.
Mike

dpuckett

As long as the clutch engages smoothly, there is no reason to use 1st. The RPMs come up fast enough in 2nd that some slight lugging at light throttle wont hurt a thing.

Lugging in the proper sense is going a road speed and engine RPM from which you cant accelerate. General rule of thumb is to keep the RPMs above 1500 at all times (except when starting out, as that is impossible then), dont get into it hard til 1800-2000 RPM. The high torque, coupled with the unique vibrations of the Cummins, are not good for the Getrag.

There are several people using the GV or the like behind a Getrag. From what I have read and in talking to people there isnt much in the way of MPG to be gained if you have 3.54s- by the time your RPMs come up, wind resistance takes away any beneift you get from the lower RPM. With 4.10s, you have a window in which the lower RPM gives more benefit than wind resistance takes away. I'm sure there are exceptions, as there are with most rules.

Daniel

wannadiesel

What he said. Try not to work it hard below 1800 RPM. Lugging is rough on the whole driveline, not just the trans.

Just puttering around town there's no harm in shifting like grandma.

Use the clutch. If you don't get it exactly right it's tough on the synchros to float it in and out of gear.