Learning Stick on an XJ

[XJ Dreamin']

I was driving tractors and an old '51 IH pickup long before my formal street training. For that, Dad put me in the VW bug. First, starting in 2nd on gravel, without burning the clutch or throwing gravel. Second, starting on a gravel incline (RR crossing) in 1st, without burning the clutch and without throwing gravel. Third, upshift. Fourth, downshift. Fifth, compression braking and double-clutch downshift.

When he put me on the RR crossing I instinctively reached for the e-brake. He was waiting for me. Never use the e-brake to substitute for proper clutch slip. Proper clutch slip is, as described above, letting the clutch engage just until you feel the engine, at idle, taking the load of the vehicle. You can then move to the throttle and gentle exchange clutch for throttle. The transition should be smooth - that is, RPM should increase with vehicle speed. Opening the throttle and then bringing the clutch into that high PRM is 'slipping' the clutch, and will burn it. Engaging the clutch at idle to hold the vehicle for a couple of seconds is an acceptable clutch slip and will not burn it.

I drove a '91 5-speed XJ here on the forest for four years. It was a joy! With the synchromesh it was even possible to shift up and down without any clutch, at all (just for fun). The throw on the stick is a little long for speed shifting, but that thing down-shifted like butter. I wish I still had that one.

Have fun!

 

[mackamitsu]

What's wrong with using the e-brake method?

I use the e-brake when I drive anything that's a manual. You can be the worlds greatest manual transmission driver, but burn the clutch out trying to get up a hill, or end up rolling in to that jerk behind you who pulled up too close.

The e-brake is a great way to help (especially those who are still learning) get you going on a hill, with out sacrificing the clutch. My old man has been driving straight drives all his live (never owned an automatic) and still to this day uses the e-brake method. Especially on the REALLY steep hills.

The E brake is for emergencies, starting on a hill is not an emergency. The proper method is the brake release clutch slowly til it bites, then add throttle releasing the clutch. If you are burning the clutch you are over revving, and over clutching. I drive Super B's for a living and loaded to the nines, going up hill you never use your spike (hand brake)to assist you, that will cause too many problems by loading the driveline. If you can't get the jeep rolling without the E brake, then you need more practice.

 

[Ray H]

I drive Super B's for a living and loaded to the nines, going up hill you never use your spike (hand brake)to assist you, that will cause too many problems by loading the driveline..

Ahhh! Come on, thats not a fair comparison. The B wants to move, all you gotta do is let the clutch out and she rolls.
We're getting new Visions to replace our Volvos. Im not a fan of the Visions. I wish we could keep our Volvos.