Proper clutch use

Only use the clutch brake when at a full stop. Only use it when you need to engage the gears. Do not engage it while stopped and do not engage the clutch brake while coming to a stop (the number one reason clutch brakes get toasted).

Double clutching is necessary (when using the clutch) because North American truck transmissions don't have syncros. That other information is nonsense. If you can float... fine. A properly used clutch should last until the engine needs a rebuild... or longer.

You're right, slipping the clutch is not the best, but sometimes it is unavoidable.

 

I really wish I could answer this. I haven't used a clutch so long in a truck until it's ridiculous. Haven't double clutched since school actually. I prefer to float. But I only use the clutch for starting, stopping, and reversing. That's' all.

 

Do whatever you're most proficient at. Shifting a truck transmission, when properly done, can be as smooth or smoother than the shifting of a typical car transmission.

 

Keeping clutch properly adjusted also helps on the longevity.

 

My truck has a Start pedal, a Stop pedal, and a Go Faster pedal.

I usually only use the Go Faster pedal (and the related Go Slower switch), because it is much easier to replace Go Faster consumable than to replace the Start and Stop consumables (I am a diesel mechanic, and every time I have tried refilling the clutch and brake housing, the quarters just fall out the bottom, and then I just have to take it all apart anyway and stuff a bunch of money inside...)

Yes, there are times when you have to do an extended Start, but that can take years off the time until you have to stuff more money inside, so do your best to avoid it, or moderate it.

 

Clutches are cheap. Clutches never break. They will go out of adjustment now and then giving you fair warning when your pedal lies on the floor every time you tried to use it just before it quits.

Never engage the clutch retarder or braking unless hunting for a gear at a FULL stop ready to move. The rig should click and lean a little to one side when you get it in.

Most of the time double clutching or floating done right is not a problem.

Ive had clutches go out from adjustment over time on older trucks, it's not a big deal, an hour underneath with adjustment and go. I never had a clutch totally fail. I have smoked them badly in racing situations with bobtail which is normal. When they pour black smoke like that, it's about 10,000 miles burned off them... Considering you run hundreds of thousands on em... eh...

If anything goes out on the final drive it's going to be either the interlock or the axles.

 

My clutch brake was abused by no nothing drivers before my time, luckily it still works but i have to sit on it for longer than I should have to... once in a while i still have to grind bump it into 1st, then it will take 2nd or third....