Going against the grain here on some of the replies, I always use the Clutch when shifting a 2-Speed Rear. Not only is it recommended by the factory, it will shift smoother with using the Clutch. And I drove trucks with 2-Speed Rears for over 23 years, lol. But all of mine were Electric Shifts.
HF Farms, I read your first post on your shifting procedure and everything sounded fine to me. Although I have no experience with Vacuum, in my opinion it sounds like you losing something and not getting full Vacuum to the Rear.
Just to add a little extra, when Split Shifting Hi to Lo, shift the trans first, then hit the button down just before letting the Clutch back out.
See, and that's what I was wondering. The "official" Eaton instructional video doesn't indicate the need for clutch nor does the shift pattern up by the visor in the truck, BUT I know a number of farmers in the area that say to always clutched it since its easier on the rear and can prevent damage and wear. Really, I guess its six of one half dozen of another? Operator choice I guess? The shift pattern seemed to drop in easier with the clutch though vice release of the accelerator. But, in reality, I know nothing and need to get her back on the road and play around a bit more with it all.
The one warning I continually see is that the axle must be in high prior to any shift of the transmission. But, I know of trucks and others in the thread above who advise to just run through all the gears in low and then pop into high once up in fourth. I definitely "accidentally" shifted the trans while in lo once while on the road last week, but saw no ill effects. It seems like each model year of style truck of the era had different shifting patterns though. Heck, ever drive a deuce-and-a-half? The shift pattern on that is just weird compared to everything else.
I do need to check vacuum lines from the hydro-vac forward though to ensure I am pulling good vacuum. Maybe that's the cause of the hesitation to shift the axle.
My 1963 shop manual shows no fuse protection to the ignition switch so I am gonna say that if there was any in 1964 it was the first year.
Your truck looks great!
Good to know. Amazing what times does to designs and standards. I cant imagine running un-fused wires these days. Than again trucks these days have a lot more flammable capability than trucks of old. Not much on a 64 to catch fire a burn.
And thanks! I lucked into the body which is in great shape, and Im happy that I can focus more on drive train and such to make her a workhorse.
