For some reason I find myself wanting to shift really early, like 2 or 2.5K RPM. Seems like it clunks into 2nd no matter where I shift, but all other gears shift smoothly at between 2k and 2.5k. Sometimes 3rd will clunk if I don't do it at just the right moment. I almost never wind it out past 2.5K

Am I babying this thing? Where do you guys usually shift?

 

Pretty much same here. When the engine is warmed up, I may push it to 3000-3500 but rarely on gears lower than 3rd. Partly because if you accelerate fairly calmly yet go above 2000 rpm, it just makes more sound and gets a bit choppy if you don't keep your foot steady (lower gear, stronger engine braking if you lift), so I can just as well accelerate the same with a higher gear and get more smoothness.

Not sure about the clunking though. I seem to recall reading that there was an official way (technical service bulletin?) to smoothen the manual gearbox operation, but can't remember any specifics. I think it had something to do with the clutch as well.

 

I think I typically shift at almost 3K, at least from 1st to 2nd, but not because I baby it, that just feels normal for how I accelerate. I can't say mine clunks in any gear and I have no qualms when the mood strikes to accelerate more sharply or to wind the RPMs out to 5K or so. There are a lot of times I skip shift from 1st to 3rd and 3rd to 5th too.

 

I typically shift the car in a lower RPM range as well. (2-2.5K) Gear box seems a bit clunky in the lower RPM, maybe syncros don't like? A lot smoother shift in higher RPM. Would be nice to know if there is a service bulletin of shorts as I've just chalked this up to my driving style. (drive the car at 10%, 90% of the time, and 90%, 10% of the time. MPG's and Fun!!!)

Although, my car has always made squeak when shifting gears sitting in the driveway, thinking linkage.

 

When I first got the car I tended to change at about 2.5 to 3 thousand revs.. but now I have been driving her for a while I would say between 2.5 and 3.5 thousand.. if *really* honest it's more to do with the sound than necessarily the power when I change gear :-) I love the looks the car gets :-) :-)

 

I usually go somewhere between "Hang On" (peak torque)
and "Hittin' the Wall" (rev limiter)

 

Yeah, 2000 to 3500 is the best-sounding zone in my opinion

 

This thread doesn't really apply to me, as I have a slushbox, but I REGULARLY J-Gate it out to 4.5k - 5k+ when accelerating onto a highway, or passing on highway, or driving on hilly backroads.

The 2.5 doesn't have very much "oomph," so it takes some winding out to her moving.

Around town, I let the auto do its thing.

 

I've been cautious about going above 4K because of all the stories about transfer boxes falling apart under acceleration...

 

Shifting into second is always a bit jarring for passengers but I've found it smoother running up to 2.5-3.5 range and going to third. My normal shift point is above 3k because that is when the smile forms every time.

 

I guess the question is, "What causes the T-Case destruction?" Is it the speed of rotations (RPMs)? Or is it the metal on metal impact of sudden or jerky acceleration? I'd imagine the latter. I never let it [intentionally] shift hard, but I will let it wind up into the powerband.

I'm no expert... perhaps it's just wishful thinking...

Out of curiosity, when your T-Case blows and you have to replace it, are the replacement parts more robust/reliable than the original parts?

Thanks.