Is it bad to "Down Shift" a lot?

Sorry, mate, but I don't think I understood.

 

trexTRD lives again!!

 

manual shifting an auto... because you can't work a clutch

 

I wouldn't do this on either an auto or manual, but I think it's probably better in an auto. With a manual you will be needlessly wearing your clutch, which is harder to change than brake pads. The auto was designed for this but personally I only mess with gears other than regular D if I'm towing (keep it out of OD), wheeling, or coming down out of the mountains.

 

Why do you suppose they have 4,3,2,L ?

 

My bad, papi. I didn't realize I only put 70%. Math skills deteriorating.

When I down shift, RPM only goes to about 4,000. Still no bueno?

 

I just drove the "Million Dollar Highway" in Colorado. I downshifted plenty to keep from crapping my pants. Guard rails are few and far between.

 

sweet!!! that looks pretty fun...but intense tho...

 

My fear of heights will keep me from going over 25 mph on that road.

 

It forces you to focus that's for sure. It's supposed to be one of the hairiest roads in the country. Passes are all around 10 to 11,000ft. A real white knuckler.

 

I think the issue is how often you are doing "fast stops." This indicates that you are constantly surrounded by horrible drivers, or you aren't paying enough attention to your surroundings, or both. To answer your question, no it is not bad to downshift. I do question downshifting on a regular basis, if the reason for downshifting can be avoided. Like others said, you should use the transmission as it was designed whenever it's necessary to downshift. But I am one of those people who will question how often you are manually downshifting. Why is it necessary on such a regular basis? Regardless, do regular maintenance on your transmission and it should last a very long time, unless it is being abused (and it doesn't sound like you are abusing it).

And your school mech is correct -- anything that helps to slow the truck will reduce wear on your brakes. It's just physics. Over my years of driving and wrenching, everyone I have asked about downshifting to help slow down my cars, all of them have replied in this way: "Consider the cost of brake replacement vs the cost of transmission replacement... there is really no comparison." Some of them also added that the very reason for brakes is to slow and stop the truck. That is their purpose. Use them.

These trucks have a deceleration fuel cutoff DFCO feature where the engine significantly slows the truck when you let off the gas. This doesn't happen every time you lift -- certain conditions must be present for the DFCO feature to engage (engine near or at full temp, speed above 35mph, etc). But the DFCO feature is kind of pointless if you don't anticipate the slowing or stopping, and let off the gas early.

The statements above are for normal everyday driving without a load or trailer. Downshifting on downhills with a load or a trailer, that's normal and safe, and recommended. Downshifting on uphills is also completely normal -- if you don't do it manually, the transmission will probably do it for you.

 

op is long gone

 

Hypothetically: If John Doe drives like a maniac through everyday traffic and is constantly at 2,700 RPM and above anticipating all openings on the road and gunning for it as he sees it, would this be considered abuse? Or would John Doe's Taco still live to see 250,000 miles without issues?

 

Mountains and towing. Normal driving? For poeple that can't work a clutch

 

Don't think i've done shelf, but i've been to pikes peek and mount evans as well as some other non highway roads between estes park and vail. 2nd gear is such a great gear. From 10 to 45+ mph zoom zoom

 

I drive a 6 spd and the only time I use downshifting to help stop is on ice or snow. In this case, you can slow down significantly while still maintaining traction and staying off the brakes. It can help in an emergency stopping situation, but otherwise it's best to not do it.

 

Why do you think its " best not to do it " ?

 

C'mon.....some of us were shifting gears while you were probably a twinkle in your daddy's eye.

 

aaand Bingo was his name O