Clutchless Shifting

[ryanschoebel]

I recently learned how to clutchless shift. Out of sheer curiosity, I wanted to ask, do you guys use it? Why or why not? Is there any pros or cons to it?

[aviationfred]

I am going to take a WAG at this..... I would say no, most FJ owners use the clutch to shift both up and down. My personal opinion is..... There is no necessity for clutchless shifting while riding on the street. The con to this is missed shifts, unnecessary loads on the shift forks which everyone knows were an issue on early FJ models.


Fred

[ryanschoebel]

The con to this is missed shifts, unnecessary loads on the shift forks

I'm sure you would know better than me. If it does add extra load, I haven't noticed it. My shifts sound the same, just faster. I've also personally never missed a shift (but I only do it up shifting). I still use the clutch to down shift.

And I'm sure you're right, there is absolutely no practical reason for it on the street I just thought it was cool to learn!

[big r]

I am going to chime in here. Clutchless shifts I dont think would do the shift forks any good, especially on the early models. Its to easy to bend the forks. Shouldnt buy a Chrysler product. I owned one a 97 1/2 ton and it dam near broke me trying to keep it running. My 2 cents.

[FJmonkey]

Shifting clutch-less at the proper moment will not change the load on the shift forks/clutch. It is the improper moment that the clutch was designed to manage. If you shift perfectly every time then you only need the clutch when starting from a dead stop. So the cost of a new clutch or the cost of splitting the case and fixing the internals. Knowing that you can do it is a good thing. Miles from home and your clutch is almost gone, it might get you a few more miles to limp home.

[ribbert]

I recently learned how to clutchless shift. Out of sheer curiosity, I wanted to ask, do you guys use it? Why or why not? Is there any pros or cons to it?

When you are accelerating in a chosen gear, the engine and gear speeds are matched. When you up-shift to the next gear they are not. The clutch acts as a shock absorber for this transition. When you change gears without the clutch it's like giving the gearbox an almighty whack with a hammer, there is no feed in, just instant engagement.

While the point of engagement is quicker, the overall change time I don't believe is. By the time you unload the gearbox (back off the throttle) change gears and reapply power, I could have gone through three gear changes with the clutch.

The FJ has a delightfully light clutch and gearchange (unless modified) and a two finger pull 1/4 - 1/3 of the way in is all that's required for smooth shifting which can be done at a speed that sounds like an auto tranny shifting. You do not need to pull the lever into the bar as you would to come to a stop.

Clutchless shifting has nothing to do with damaging the forks.

IMO

Noel

[Flynt]

I recently learned how to clutchless shift. Out of sheer curiosity, I wanted to ask, do you guys use it? Why or why not? Is there any pros or cons to it?

I rarely do it solo unless racing somebody...  like Randy...  who will bury you if you take the time to use the clutch.  The other time I use it is with Diane on back when accelerating pretty hard...  if you lightly load the shifter and give just the slightest throttle drop, you almost can't feel the gear changes...  she likes that.  Doesn't take a master's touch and I don't think it is hard on the transmission at all...  using the clutch and not matching revs is harder on forks and synchros I believe not to mention you are wearing the clutch of course.  I will usually use the clutch when casually riding around...  probably just because it's there and it is a less aggressive riding style for sure.

My K13S has the clutches shifter and all it does is use pressure on the shift linkage to interrupt the ignition for an instant...  I do the same on the FJs by just causing that quick power drop with the right hand.  Both are only effective on upshifts...

Frank