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We do not recommend, or approve, performing axle conversions.
However, we understand that, on occasion, others install aftermarket
add-on axles on the truck chassis that allow operator control for weight
transfer from other axles (such as air lift axles).
TWO-SPEED REAR AXLE (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:Never shift a two-speed axle when descending a
steep grade as this may cause loss of vehicle control and result in
personal injury.
Note:Do not shift between ranges when the speed control is on.
A two-speed rear axle allows the
driver to select a low range for
greater pulling power and a high
range for greater road speed and
fuel economy. You can also use
these ranges to provide extra steps
between transmission shifts when
driving on steep grades or fuel
economy may be factors.
Axle Shifting with a Manual Transmission
To downshift, select the next lower gear, release and press the
accelerator pedal rapidly, or while holding the accelerator pedal down,
release and engage the clutch rapidly.Note:Use the clutch method
when driving at slower speeds.
To upshift, keep the accelerator pedal down, select the next higher gear,
release the accelerator and pause until the axle upshifts.Note:
De-clutch for smoother axle upshifts when driving at slower speeds.
Axle Shifting with an Automatic Transmission
Note:You cannot split-shift with an automatic transmission. In addition,
downshifting above 40 mph (64 km/h) may result in transmission or axle
damage.
Note:Do not shift the axle to LOW with your vehicle is moving.
Use LOW when you drive a fully loaded vehicle on a severe grade or in
congested traffic. Press the upper portion of the switch.
Use HIGH for all normal driving conditions with a lightly loaded or
partially loaded vehicle. Press the lower portion of the switch.
2SPD
LOW
HIGH
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To shift the axle from LOW to HIGH with your vehicle stopped, place the
transmission in positionN,then press the lower part of the switch.
To shift the axle from LOW to HIGH with your vehicle moving, accelerate
to approximately 35 mph (56 km/h), press the lower part of the switch
while the transmission is in positionN,then release and apply the
accelerator.
To shift the axle from HIGH to LOW with the vehicle stopped, place the
transmission in positionN,then press the upper part of the switch.
Split-shifting (Combined Axle and Transmission Shift) (Manual
Transmission Only)
To downshift the axle to a slower ratio and shift the transmission, shift
the transmission and move the switch to the lower ratio before the
clutch is re-engaged.
To upshift the axle and shift the transmission, move the switch to a
faster ratio and make the transmission shift in the usual manner.
Split-shift Sequence
Ratio combination 1234567891011
Transmission gear 1st 1st 2nd 2nd 3rd 3rd 4th 4th 5th 6th 6th
Axle range LO HI LO HI LO HI LO HI LO LO HI
Ratio Extender Use
Low end:You can use a two-speed axle as a ratio-extender when
split-shifting is not necessary. For low end use, just shift the axle into
LOW to start out, and shift to HIGH when you longer need the extra
torque.
Transmission (5-speed) 1st 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th
Two-speed axle Axle low Axle high
High end:To use the two-speed axle as a high-end ratio-extender, stay
in the LOW range for normal upshifts and only shift the axle to HIGH on
the freeway for greater road speed.
Transmission (5-speed) 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th
Two-speed axle Low for gradeability Axle high
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GENERAL INFORMATION
All standard equipment brakes self-adjusting. Automatic adjustment,
when required, occurs whenever you apply and release the brakes during
forward or reverse operation.
Note:Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous
grinding or continuous squeal sound is present, this may indicate worn
brake linings. Have them inspected by an authorized dealer. If your
vehicle has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while
braking, an authorized dealer should inspect the vehicle.
Know the required stopping distances for all driving conditions you may
encounter. For longer brake lining life, take full advantage of engine
braking power when coming to a stop.
WARNING:Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake
pedal. This results in abnormally high brake temperatures,
excessive lining wear and increased stopping distances.
Before descending a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear and avoid
continuous application of the brakes. Normally, choose the same gear to
descend the hill that you use to ascend the hill.
WARNING:Continuous application of the brakes causes the
brakes to overheat, resulting in a temporary loss of braking.
See theInstrument Clusterchapter for information on the
brake system warning light.
Wet brakes result in reduced braking efficiency. Gently press the brake
pedal a few times when driving from a car wash or standing water to dry
the brakes.
If Brakes Do Not Grip Well
•If you have been driving through deep water, gently apply the brakes
several times while your vehicle is moving slowly.
•Let the brakes cool if you have been using them excessively, as in
mountain driving or after several fast, high-speed stops.
•Check brake adjustment.
•Check brake linings for excessive wear.
•Check system air pressure on vehicles equipped with air brakes.
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Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
This system helps you maintain steering control during emergency stops
by keeping the brakes from locking.
The ABS lamp momentarily illuminates when you switch on the
ignition. If the light does not illuminate during start-up, if it
remains on or flashes, the ABS may not be working and
requires servicing.
If the ABS is disabled, normal braking is still effective. If the
brake warning lamp illuminates, have your brake system
serviced immediately.
If you connect a PLC trailer with the ignition on, the trailer
ABS light also illuminates. If the light fails to illuminate, if it
remains on after you start the vehicle or continues to flash,
have the system serviced immediately.
FULL POWER BRAKE SYSTEM
WARNING:If the red BRAKE warning lamp in the instrument
cluster remains illuminated after engine start up, this indicates a
system failure in the Full Power Brake System. Stop the vehicle safely
as soon as possible and seek service immediately.
This system incorporates standard braking, an anti-lock braking system
(ABS) and optional Power Park Brake into one fully integrated hydraulic
brake system. With the Full Power Brake System, braking energy is
stored, similar to an air brake system, resulting in faster response times
and shorter stopping distances. This is accomplished using motor and
pump assemblies that pressurize the system by pumping brake fluid into
accumulators. This is similar to the air compressor of an air brake system
pressurizing the air tanks. The system includes a master cylinder that
provides the normal pedal feel and transfers the pedal force, via brake
fluid, to the main components of the system.
Note:The motor and pumps run momentarily with the ignition switch in
the on or run position, or in the off position with the brake pedal
pressed.
Note:During normal driving, you may hear the pump and motors
replenishing the accumulators. This is a normal function of the system.
AIR BRAKES
After starting the engine, give the air compressor time to build up the air
pressure to 60 psi (414 kPa) before moving your vehicle.
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WARNING:Do not drive or continue to drive if the low air
pressure buzzer is sounding or the brake warning light is lit.
These warnings indicate that air pressure is not to normal operating
level. Continued use of the vehicle could result in loss of braking ability.
WARNING:Avoid repeated light application of the brake pedal.
This depletes air pressure faster and could result in loss of
braking capability.
Periodically check the air pressure
gauge while driving. Pressure should
range between approximately
100–125 psi (690–862 kPa). The air
compressor governor cut-in and
cutout pressure settings are set at
the factory and are not adjustable.
When air pressure is insufficient (below 60 psi [414 kPa]), a
warning light illuminates and a buzzer sounds when the ignition
is in the on position.
This may happen because excessive brake applications are depleting the
system air pressure. If this condition occurs, stop driving your vehicle
until the compressor has fully recharged the air system.
WARNING:Do not move the vehicle when the air pressure is
insufficient because the brake system may be inoperative.
Select a gear ratio to help slow your vehicle before descending grades.
Supplementing with brakes, as required, help to safely slow the vehicle
and avoids overspeeding the engine.
Air Chamber Stroke Indication
Air chamber push rods have orange stroke indicator markers that warn
when the braking system requires adjustment or repair. The painted
orange indicator is on the air chamber push rod at the slack adjuster
stroke dimension that requires service when visible during brake
application.
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A qualified service technician should perform air brake inspection and
adjustment or repairs keeping to the instructions in the service manual.
Cam Brakes - Automatic Slack Adjusters
WARNING:Do not manually adjust the automatic slack adjusters
to correct excessive push rod stroke as it may result in reduced
brake effectiveness and a vehicle crash. Excessive push rod stroke
indicates that a problem exists with the automatic adjuster, with the
installation of the adjuster, or with foundation brake components that
manual adjustment does not remedy. Seek service from a qualified
facility for excessive push rod stroke.
Standard air brakes (cam) are
equipped with automatic brake
adjusters. Automatic adjustment
occurs during brake applications.
Inspect brakes for proper
adjustment at the intervals listed in
theScheduled Maintenance
chapter.
Emergency Air Brake
WARNING:Do not continue to operate the vehicle with a failure
of one of the brake systems. Take the vehicle to your dealer for
service immediately.
All vehicles are equipped with a dual brake system. In the unlikely event
of a failure of one system, the second system functions for emergency
stopping. The brake pedal controls all these systems in the same manner
as for normal stops.
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HINTS ON DRIVING WITH ANTI-LOCK BRAKES
When the system is operating, the brake pedal pulses and may travel
further. Maintain pressure on the brake pedal. You may also hear a noise
from the system. This is normal.
The ABS does not eliminate the dangers inherent when:
•You drive too closely to the vehicle in front of you.
•Your vehicle is hydroplaning.
•You take corners too fast.
•The road surface is poor.
EXHAUST BRAKE (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:The exhaust brake is not recommended for use on
slippery or low traction road surfaces. Under these conditions a
loss of vehicle control could occur.
Note:Installing an exhaust or auxiliary brake does not necessarily
protect the engine from exceeding maximum governed speed. Use the
primary brakes to make sure the engine never exceeds maximum
governed speed under any conditions.
Note:Before starting the engine, make sure that the exhaust brake
switch is in the off position. Do not turn the exhaust brake on until the
engine has reached normal operating temperature.
Note:Maximum exhaust brake performance relates to the type of
transmission your vehicle has.
Note:Engine speed has a major influence of retarding performance.
When engine speed is stays at the maximum allowable level, the exhaust
brake operates at peak performance.
Note:Manual transmissions should be downshifted to the lowest gear
possible, without exceeding the maximum RPM limit of the engine. This
maximizes the exhaust brake’s retarding effect.
Note:Exhaust brakes operate effectively with automatic transmissions,
but performance varies with engine speed and the gear selected by the
transmission.
An exhaust brake is an auxiliary braking system that assists, but does
not replace, the primary service brake system. It helps control vehicle
speed; it is not a vehicle-stopping device.
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A switch on the instrument panel,
in combination with the accelerator
and clutch pedal, allows the
operator to make maximum use of
the exhaust brake in the following
conditions:
•Off-highway driving
•Mountain driving
•Heavy traffic
•High-speed highway driving.
To switch the brake on, push the switch up. Push the switch down to
turn it off.
While approaching a steep grade, make sure that the exhaust brake
switch is in the on position. The exhaust brake begins working as soon as
you remove your foot from the accelerator pedal.
Before descending a hill or steep grade, always select the proper gear. If
you take the transmission out of gear while descending, it is possible that
you cannot select another gear because of maximum governed RPM.
Make sure the engine speed does not exceed the maximum allowable
engine RPM. Exceeding the maximum allowable engine RPM can result
in damage to the engine. Apply the service brakes to reduce the engine
RPM or make a slower descent by using a lower gear.
While going down the grade, use a low enough gear to descend safely
with a minimum application of the service brakes. As a general guideline,
use the same gear as you use to ascend the hill.
Exhaust Brake Operating Characteristics
The exhaust brake turns on when you remove your feet from both the
accelerator and clutch pedals and the exhaust brake switch is in the on
position. The following conditions exist if the brake is operating properly:
•A slight change in engine sound when the exhaust brake turns on.
•A smooth braking effect. Do not expect a retarding effect similar to
sudden, hard application of the service brakes.
•The retarding force possibly felt acting against your body during
brake application (depending on the grade and vehicle load). This
force is actually preventing the vehicle from going much faster.
•Engine temperature remaining in the normal operating range.
•The tachometer showing a drop in engine RPM (depending on grade
and vehicle load) during a descent.
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