Spicer shift into first at stop light

[Runcutter]

The downshifting depends on whether I know I'm going to stop, or whether the light may turn green before I stop completely.  One thing you get used to on regular routes, is timing the lights - anticipating what they're going to do.  A note here, don't over-anticipate as light cycles can change, and lights can be pre-empted by emergency vehicles with Opticon.

Scenario 1.  I know it's going to be a full stop, but I'm only in third or second gear.  It's not worth downshifting to save the slight wear on the brakes, so I'll use them.  Just before the engine RPM's drop too low (listen to the engine, and it's the point where you couldn't apply fuel without lugging), depress the clutch.  Continue to brake, and when almost stopped, take it out of whatever gear.  When almost stopped, gentle pressure will let you feel the teeth and she'll slide into first.

Scenario 2.  Similar to above, but from higher speed - fourth gear.  Downshift to third, and maybe second ... then follow the above - slide into first as I stop.  This also sets me up for the next scenario - preserving my options.

Scenario 3.  I dont' know if I'm going to have to stop or not (it's been red a long time, and may be about to turn green.  Downshift all the way to second, keeping road speed just above lugging point.  If it's still questionable, I may downshift into first - so if the light turns green, I can apply fuel and go on.  If it gets below lugging speed, depress the clutch, and get ready to either stop, or release the clutch and go on without a full stop.  The key is to be in a gear (second or first) that will let you accelerate without lugging.  If I didn't downshift into first, I brake to get the bus slow enough to slide into first as described above.

In all cases, you're keeping your head and actions well ahead of the vehicle.

Again, never anticipate a green light, just as a green light is not a guarantee you can go.  We have a lot of red light runners here in Dallas, and when I grew up driving buses in Boston, red light runners were as much a guarantee as jaywalkers.  The rule was that you didn't go on a green light, as the first three cars on the cross street would continue, and run the red light.  The fourth car might (cop or taxi, guaranteed), and if it did (and the fifth car was a cop or taxi), the fifth car might as well.    

I've noticed two driving patterns here in Dallas, as to how folks approach stop signs.  I know I'm going to stop, (gee, that's what the sign says), then go when the way is clear.  On the other hand, far too many people approach a stop sign knowing that they're not going to come to a full stop, unless there's another car in the way.    

I'd love to find a way to get into first from a full stop.  Some of our coaches were ok, and some would require a slight grind.  My 4107 really doesn't like to go into first, unless I kill the engine.  I wonder if transmission oil viscosity might have something to do with it.

Arthur    

[gus]

John Ed,

Those old 4sp Spicer bus trans don't have clutch brakes so there are no little pads to replace. I wish they did!! Some of the later ones may have, I don't know for sure.

As far as I know the 4104 never had a wet clutch, I think they were on Suburbans.

I have a set of instructions on how to replace them without removing anything but they are for 8 - 13 speed Fullers and others on trucks.