so i noticed that i could switch from 3rd to 4th gear without engaging the clutch yesterday... does this mean my transmission is about to go out on me? i hope not. time for a transmission flush maybe

 

In the history of manual trans cars, this has been done and is normal when the revs match correctly. I've never done it though....

 

It is, but while it may save wear on the clutch, it's probably a bit savage on the rest of the transmission.

You would shift almost the same way as double clutching in a crash box, but obviously you don't use the clutch...

It's best to work the throttle so that there is little to no load on the gears (either not accelerating or not decelerating - basically cruising or coasting). If there is no load on the gears, they should disengage easily.

Now you blip the throttle to increase engine revs. Gently but firmly (in other words, don't smash the thing into gear) push the gear lever towards the gear you want to go into. When engine revs match gearbox revs, it should just slide into gear. There may be a jolt as the load is suddenly applied to the transmission, but effectively you have changed gears without using the clutch.

 

You can do it if the speeds of the gears match. I've driven cars around before where after i've got the car moving, i could upshift to 5th without ever touching the clutch again.

I personally wouldn't do it, but if you are good (and i mean good at matching revs) then it shouldn't put any additional load on the trans since the gears are not loaded up when you slide the synchro onto the dog teeth. I still wouldn't do it though.

 

On large dump trucks, they dont use the clutch that much at all. I can drive my G from 1st to 5th and back to first without using the clutch except for leaving from a stop. if everything matches correctly, you'll do no damage BUT, it is very easy to do it incorrectly and grind the gears.

 

Yes it can be done (duh)

I could upshift AND DOWNSHIFT my TA without breaking the cruise