Shifting speed

[GMCLUVR]

Hi;

I'm new to the forum. Glad I found it. Here's a question I'm hoping I can get some info on:

I've got a new (to me) 2004 Sierra 3/4 ton, extended cab, 2 wheel drive, Duramax with the manual 6 speed, 3.73 axle. I love this truck.

I've owned a lot of manual trans trucks but they were all gas. I've owned two other diesel trucks but they were both automatics. So, I've never actually owned a diesel/manual combo before. My question is how it shifts.

When I first started driving it I was trying to shift it like a gas truck but it always seemed like I was shifting at too high an rpm. I know first is a granny gear so I don't use it unless I'm lugging something heavy. But anyway, in normal everyday driving I start off in second and I'm in sixth by the time I'm doing a little over 30 mph. I barely get the truck moving in second and its up to 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th. It almost seems like shifting is optional most of the time. If I don't stop at a corner I turn into it in 4th or 5th. Is this the norm? If so, that's fine. I just wanted to see if others have the same opinion. I'd ask other truckers locally but its hard to find anyone else with a manual/diesel combo.

Bill
Texas

[75K30]

Hey there Bill;
Pretty good question, but I am sure it is really going to boil down to preferance.
I start in second and shift straight to fourth. Depending on how long the stretch of road ahead of me is, I may even skip fifth and hit sixth. Usually I just run around town in fourth or fifth. The only thing I sacrifice is a little bit of turbo lag if I am running at too low of an rpm. Truck still pulls fine though if I plan ahead a bit.
Find something that makes you comfortable.
I choose to skip gears because I am just too darn lazy to grab the lever.
Thats why the other truck is an auto, lol.

[436'd skylark]

as long as your not lugging the motor your good, and when you have 650 ft-lbs on tap thats not an easy thing to do!

[mrjohnwayne]

i'm with the others. all depends on preference. I start in 2nd (3rd if you count granny as 1st) but I still shift through all the gears. traffic and setting are the deciding factor as to how fast I shift. sometimes I'll be in overdrive crusing 40 mph (which are all quick shifts) and sometimes I'll redline it. as for taking turns in 4th or 5th that's too high for me. I like taking turns in 3rd to avoid lag if for some reason I needed to get out of the way.

[crabtruck]

Originally Posted by mrjohnwayne

....... I like taking turns in 3rd to avoid lag if for some reason I needed to get out of the way.

, = 10

YES ! Thinking ahead ! (gives standing ovation)

[mrjohnwayne]

well i guess I need to take a bow....

[mudseeker]

what do you need to get out of the way for? the only thing bigger than that is a mack truck! or the goffy semi wanna-be gmc came out with a few years ago. lol

[chevyguy]

Originally Posted by 75K30

Hey there Bill;
Pretty good question, but I am sure it is really going to boil down to preferance.
I start in second and shift straight to fourth. Depending on how long the stretch of road ahead of me is, I may even skip fifth and hit sixth. Usually I just run around town in fourth or fifth. The only thing I sacrifice is a little bit of turbo lag if I am running at too low of an rpm. Truck still pulls fine though if I plan ahead a bit.
Find something that makes you comfortable.
I choose to skip gears because I am just too darn lazy to grab the lever.
Thats why the other truck is an auto, lol.

Start in second for normal non towing a go thru all the gears, If you start skipping all the gears you will wear the clutch out prematurely and bog the motor too much.