6 speed gear ratio / change

[duong_ou Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close duong_ou]

Hi All,
first time i've had a 6 speed gearbox, (07 D4D)
i'm interested to know how people change/use their gears for normal driving?

0-20 1st
20 2nd
40 3rd
60 4th
80 5th or 6th
100 6th

like to know what everyone else does.
what rev range do you keep it at for normal driving? i.e. not to use too much fuel.


Thanks!

[stevensr34 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close stevensr34]

Yep - Pretty much those speeds/gears... It will manage in 6th at 60, if it is flat, but is a bit unresponsive.

Saving fuel? Ha Ha - this is a big 4WD....

However these days, I coast up to red lights, not bothering to change down. On the highway, the cruise control tends to use more fuel than if you manage the accelerator yourself, esp with slight rolling hills - better to get a slight run-up before a hill, then let the speed drop as you crest the hill, and pick up speed on the descent.

[duong_ou Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close duong_ou]

Hi Rob,
Thanks for the input.
Yeah fuel consumption isn't as goods as i thought, but still not bad for a car that size.
I thought cruise control was better for fuel economy?

Regards, Duong

[stevensr34 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close stevensr34]

Only advantage to using cruise control is on boring bits of flat country road where your ankle gets sore from pressing the accelerator, and you want to maintain a speed.

[prh Member Find all posts View Profile Close prh]

Actually, I drive around town (60km/h) in 5th. As I see it, 5th is direct top gear, 6th is overdrive. The variable valve timing of the motor makes it more responsive at low RPM.

Paul