How to Down Shift a Truck Transmission

Driving a large truck requires skill and practice. While some large, commercial, trucks require special licenses, other trucks can be driven by anyone with a regular Class C license. To drive trucks with more than five gears, you'll need to become familiar with double-clutching because large trucks do not have synchronizers like those in small trucks and cars.

Instructions

1. Push in on the clutch pedal.

2. Take the truck out of gear and put it in neutral.

3. Allow the RPMs on the truck to drop to 1,000 and then rev the engine up to 2,000.

4. Push the clutch in halfway and shift into the next lower gear.

5. Take your foot off the clutch to engage the next lower gear.

References

• "How To Repair Your Car: Car-Care Tips, Simple Repairs, Driving & Maintenance Tips, and more..."; Paul Brand, Motorbooks International; 2006
• "Drive to Survive!"; Curt Rich, Motorbooks International; 1998

Resources

• More information about manual transmissions