The Ford Barn

stickshift · 03-19-2023, 04:57 PM

I'm glad this was brought up again. I'm getting pretty good at shifting my AA truck's 4 speed tranny, but for the life of me, I suck at downshifting. In my mind I can see through that transmission housing and visualize the gears getting damaged. I thought if I had a tachometer, it would help me select a proper RPM to match the engine speed to the transmission during a downshift. I don't know it this would help or not, but I'm welcoming suggestions for an authentic looking tachometer and where to get it.

Gene F · 03-19-2023, 06:44 PM

stickshift I am no expert, but arent you trying to match the drive shaft RPM to the gear. Hence you are not trying to match the engine RPM. I guess you would use the engine to get the RPM above and then let it drift down through the RPM you are trying to hit though.

The more you drive it, the better you get at it? Maybe it's a practice makes perfect thing.

stickshift · 03-19-2023, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gene F

stickshift I am no expert, but arent you trying to match the drive shaft RPM to the gear. Hence you are not trying to match the engine RPM. I guess you would use the engine to get the RPM above and then let it drift down through the RPM you are trying to hit though.

The more you drive it, the better you get at it? Maybe it's a practice makes perfect thing.

I thought that's what "double clutching" was all about. As you said, I am getting better with practice though, I just don't like the grinding. I've only had the truck 3 months and I love driving it. I also love all of the good ideas and advice I get from this forum. 1st class people!

Ray in La Mesa · 03-19-2023, 10:45 PM

When downshifting, you have raise the engine RPM a lot higher than you think it should be. When you find the sweet spot, practice, practice, practice.

Gene F · 03-20-2023, 03:55 PM

And the transmission oil being warned up makes a difference on the efficivness of the double-clutching too.

mcgarrett · 03-20-2023, 04:12 PM

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Funny how this thread has drifted from gauges to gears.

03-19-2023, 04:57 PM	#41
stickshift Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2023 Location: Grass Valley, Ca Posts: 245	Re: Model A Gauges I'm glad this was brought up again. I'm getting pretty good at shifting my AA truck's 4 speed tranny, but for the life of me, I suck at downshifting. In my mind I can see through that transmission housing and visualize the gears getting damaged. I thought if I had a tachometer, it would help me select a proper RPM to match the engine speed to the transmission during a downshift. I don't know it this would help or not, but I'm welcoming suggestions for an authentic looking tachometer and where to get it. __________________ Stickshift 1915 Model T touring 1931 Ford Model AA Flatbed

03-19-2023, 06:44 PM	#42
Gene F Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,967	Re: Model A Gauges stickshift I am no expert, but arent you trying to match the drive shaft RPM to the gear. Hence you are not trying to match the engine RPM. I guess you would use the engine to get the RPM above and then let it drift down through the RPM you are trying to hit though. The more you drive it, the better you get at it? Maybe it's a practice makes perfect thing.

03-19-2023, 10:45 PM	#44
Ray in La Mesa Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: La Mesa Ca Posts: 1,166	Re: Model A Gauges When downshifting, you have raise the engine RPM a lot higher than you think it should be. When you find the sweet spot, practice, practice, practice.

03-20-2023, 03:55 PM	#45
Gene F Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,967	Re: Model A Gauges And the transmission oil being warned up makes a difference on the efficivness of the double-clutching too.

03-20-2023, 04:12 PM	#46
mcgarrett Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Waxahachie, Texas Posts: 949	Re: Model A Gauges Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Funny how this thread has drifted from gauges to gears.