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MANUAL TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
You can see the manual transmission shift patterns on either the shift
lever knob or the sun visor. Study this information carefully before you
drive your vehicle even though you may be familiar with similar units. Do
not attempt to drive your vehicle without knowing the exact shift pattern
of the transmission. Consult an authorized dealer if any questions exist
as to the shifting instructions posted in your vehicle.
Driving Hints
WARNING:Do not coast the vehicle with the clutch pedal
pressed or with the transmission in neutral. This practice could
result in loss of vehicle control.
The following driving hints are a brief, general guide in operating the
different manual transmissions used in your vehicle.
•When shifting into first gear or reverse with your 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 your
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.
To go forward, press the clutch pedal in and shift into first gear while
the engine is idling. Engage the clutch while pressing the accelerator to
start forward. Operate the clutch and upshift as required by driving
conditions.
To go backward, put the gearshift lever in reverse and engaging the
clutch while pressing lightly on the accelerator.
Shifting with a Synchronized Transmission
With the clutch pedal pressed in, use the second gear synchronizer to
stop the clutch disc rotation, this allows smooth engagement of first gear
or reverse. To complete the gear engagement, it may be necessary to
apply light pressure to the gearshift lever during initial engagement of
the clutch. It takes a second or two to match gear speeds; steady
pressure on the gearshift lever helps the synchronizer perform its job
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Rotation may not advisable:
•Front (Steering) Axle:Remove tires when tread wears down to
four–thirty seconds inch (3 millimeters) or less. Retread or rotate
worn tires to drive position. We do not recommend using retreaded
tires on steering axles.
•Rear Axles:Remove tires when tread wears down to two–thirty
seconds inch (2 millimeters).
If using a rib tire on front axle and lug or off-road type on rear axle
positions:
•Front (Steering) Axle:Replace tires at front wheels when tread is
worn to four–thirty seconds inch (3 millimeters) or less.
•Rear Axles:Remove tires when the tread wears down to two–thirty
seconds inch (2 millimeters) or less. Tires identified with the word
re-groovable molded on the sidewall can be re-grooved. There must
be a minimum of three–thirty seconds inch (2.5 millimeters) of
under-tread 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.
You can correct out-of-round tires and wheel assemblies by re-clocking
the tire relative to the wheel.
You should then dynamically balance the tire and wheel assembly.
Tire Wear
Radial tires can exhibit three types of normal wear patterns:
•Even
•Erosion
•Chamfer
Even wear:A sign that the tire is being properly used and maintained.
Erosion wear:Also called rolling wear, channel or river wear, erosion
wear occurs more often on free-rolling tires. This is an indication of
using the tire 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 one–sixteenth
inch (2 millimeters) or more, you can rotate the tire to a drive axle.
Chamfer or shoulder wear:With tires inflated properly, this 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.
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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 also adversely affects the
handling of your vehicle, which is dangerous.
Rotating tires from one wheel position to another is an often-used way to
even out many types of irregular wear or to avoid it altogether. Some of
the more effective tire rotation programs are:
•You can rotate steer tires that have developed some type of irregular
wear pattern to drive axles if using rib tires on all wheel positions.
Applying steer tires to a drive position often cleans them. You can
move them 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.
•You can place drive axle tires on the other end of the same axle to
reverse the direction of rotation. This is often helpful if a heel and
toe or alternate lug wear pattern has developed.
You can help minimize irregular wear 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
See the chain manufacturer’s recommendation for correct tire chain
usage, installation and removal.
WHEELS
General Information
Note:Remember to replace the wheel air valves when replacing the road
tires at the end of their useful lives.
Inspect, lubricate and adjust wheel bearings at regular intervals. This is
especially important if operating in deep sand, mud or water. See the
Capacities and Specificationschapter.
Mount wheel balance weights on the dome-side of the wheel only. Failure
to do so may result in loss of wheel weight or damage to brakes or
wheels.
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