Double-clutch procedures - non-synchronized transmissions
In order to properly upshift or downshift:
1. Press the clutch pedal to disengage the clutch.
2. Shift the transmission into neutral.
3. Release the clutch pedal.
If upshifting,wait until the engine speed matches the transmission
speed of the gear you are selecting.
If downshifting,accelerate the engine until the engine speed matches
the input speed of the gear you are selecting. Press the clutch pedal
immediately and shift into the desired gear, then release the clutch
pedal.
MANUAL TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
Manual transmission shift patterns
are displayed on either the shift
lever knob or the sun visor. Study
this information carefully before you
drive the vehicle even though you
may be familiar with similar units.
Do not attempt to drive the vehicle
without knowing the exact shift
pattern of the transmission. Consult
your authorized dealer if any questions exist as to the shifting
instructions posted in your vehicle.
Driving hints
The following driving hints are provided as a brief, general guide in
operating the different manual transmissions used in your vehicle.
•When shifting into 1 (First) or R (Reverse) with vehicle standing still,
quickly release and press the clutch pedal (if necessary to complete
gear engagement).
•Always use the lowest (or most appropriate) gear to start the vehicle.
•Always use a gear ratio low enough to allow the engine to operate
above the minimum engine operation speed range.
•Do not lug the engine.
•Do not slam or jerk the gearshift lever into gear.
•When more power is required, shift to a lower gear and accelerate the
engine near the governed speed.
R 1 3 5
4
6 2
Driving
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Suspension ft-lb N•m
Rear axle with multi-leaf 260-300 353-407
Rear axle with IROS air suspension 370-400 502-542
Rear axle with Hendrickson air suspension 400–450 542–610
See air suspension U-bolt re-torquing and installation information below.
Air suspension U-bolt checks and re-torquing procedures
1. Inspect the threads of the U-bolt and nut for rust and debris. Clean
the threads if contaminated.
2. Using a torque wrench, determine if any nuts can be turned with a
force below the specified torque.
3. Using the lowest discovered torqued nut as a starting point, retighten
the nuts using the sequence listed underAir suspension U-bolt and
U-bolt nut installation.
Air suspension U-bolt and U-bolt nut installation
1. Inspect the threads of the U-bolt and nut for rust and debris. Clean
the threads if contaminated.
2. Install the U-bolts and nuts and torque the nuts to seat the cap flat
which is about 18 ft-lb (25 N•m) using a diagonal pattern. Use the same
diagonal pattern for each of the following U-bolt nut re-torque steps.
3. Tighten U-bolt nuts in increments of 74 ft-lb (100 N•m) until
tightened to final torque for the particular suspension.
DRIVESHAFT
Check the universal joints for any evidence of wear or looseness at the
regular lubrication interval. Stop the vehicle immediately, should
driveshaft vibrations occur, to avoid possible hazardous consequences or
damage to other components.
REAR AXLE LUBRICANT
Refer to theScheduled Maintenance Guidechapter for rear axle
lubricant level check/change intervals.
Your rear axle may be filled with an optional synthetic lubricant which
allows the use of extended service intervals. A tag on the filler plug
identifies the use of the synthetic lubricant.
Only use a lubricant that meets manufacturer specifications; refer to
Lubricant specificationsin this chapter.Use of a non-approved rear
axle lubricant may cause internal axle component damage.
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If rib tire is used on front axle and lug or off-road type on rear axle
positions:
1.Front (Steering) Axle:Replace tires at front wheels when tread is
worn to 4/32 inch (3 mm) or less.
2.Rear Axles:Tires must be removed when the tread is worn to
2/32 inch (2 mm) or less. Tires identified with the word “re-groovable”
molded on the sidewall can be re-grooved. A minimum of 3/32 inch
(2.5 mm) of under-tread must be left at the bottom of the grooves.
Wheel and tire balancing
Out-of-round or out-of-balance wheels or tires can cause vehicle
vibration, bounce and shimmy. Replace damaged or out-of-round wheels.
Out-of-round tires and wheel assemblies can be corrected by re-clocking
the tire relative to the wheel.
The tire and wheel assembly should then be dynamically balanced.
Wear
Radial tires can exhibit three types of normal wear patterns:
1. Even
2. Erosion
3. Chamfer
Even wearis a sign that the tire is being properly used and maintained.
Erosion wearhas also been called rolling wear, channel or river wear.
Erosion wear is found more often at free rolling tires. This is an
indication that the tire is being used in a slow wearing operation. What
happens is that the belt plies are held very rigid and the tread is not
allowed to distort as it passes through the contact area. Wear only occurs
at the edge of the tread. No corrective action required. If erosion gets to
be 1/16 inch (2 mm) or more, the tire may be rotated to a drive axle.
Chamfer or shoulder wear,with tires inflated properly, is a normal
tendency of most radial tire designs. If both inside and outside shoulders
are wearing evenly around the tire, no further action is required.
Over-inflation is not effective in correcting this effect.
Tires: Irregular Wear
If irregular wear is present, check the axle alignment, tire pressure,
wheel balancing, shock and suspension component condition, and wheel
bearing end play.
This condition not only shortens tire life, but adversely affects the
handling of your vehicle, which is dangerous.
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Rotating tires from one wheel position to another is a way often used to
even out many types of irregular wear or to avoid it altogether. Some of
the more effective tire rotation programs are:
•Steer tires that have developed some type of irregular wear pattern
can be rotated to drive axles if rib tires are being used on all wheel
positions. Applying steer tires to a drive position often cleans them
and they can be moved back to the steer axles or run out to re-tread
stage on the rear axle.
•Another rotation possibility for fleets with rib tires in all wheel
positions is to break in the new steer tires in the drive axle positions,
then move them to steer axles. This wears away tread rubber
relatively quickly in the early life of a tire when it is most likely to
develop an unusual wear pattern.
•Drive axle tires may be placed on the other end of the same axle so
that direction of rotation is reversed. This is often helpful if a heel and
toe or alternate lug wear pattern has developed.
Irregular wear can be minimized by:
•Using the right inflation pressure for the load being carried.
•Maintaining proper front wheel alignment -especially toe-in-to
specifications.
•Maintaining proper tire and wheel balance.
•Maintaining shock absorbers and suspension components.
Use of tire chains
Refer to chain manufacturer’s recommendation for correct tire chain
usage, installation and removal.
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