Use of manual transmission

BLUESTRAT

MEMBER
FORD BRONCO

I own a 1996 Ford full size Bronco, 5 liter 8 cylinder engine, manual 5 speed transmission, 4WD, mileage 122,000. The question is not repair oriented but use oriented. I have always been told to downshift the manual transmission to help slow the vehicle, either with or without brakes, in normal driving as well as 4WD conditions. I have been doing this for 35 years, as I have always had manual transmissions. I have never had a single transmission problem, nor any unusual clutch problems. Clutch replacement frequency is no higher than would be expected in any vehicle driven properly. Am I correct in using downshifting in this manner? Would this damage the transmission, or cause early wear (assuming the downshifting is being done correctly)? Thanks.

3 Replies

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

As long as the downshifting being done correctly and no clutch rider you'll be fine. Also keep the gear and transfer oil maintain. In an automatic tranny its done for you automatically.

Also be checking for a needed free play adjustment once in a while-keep it adjusted.

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Saturday, August 25th, 2007 AT 4:20 PM

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

Personally I tend to let the brakes do the work because I'd rather stress out the brakes more than the clutch disc. But I have done it both ways and not had a problem.

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Saturday, August 25th, 2007 AT 6:47 PM

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

What SW is trying to say is you can replace the brakes easier than the clutch disc. Lmao Nice try my friend.

Riding them brakes creates a lot of heat and were not talking peppers can break a rotor or shoe at any given time-unpredictable lol I'll just use my tranny for the engine braking that don't work I'll slam on the brakes. And make the sign of the cross before I pull on the E-brake. That's my opinion

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Sunday, August 26th, 2007 AT 2:12 AM