tippatone Posted January 5, 2015 Share Posted January 5, 2015 First let me start by stating I am a rookie driver so I'm brand new to most of this stuff....in the older RD models I noticed two gear sticks....can one of you veterans please explain what the hell this is about....I almost crapped my pants...very intimidating.... Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/38315-two-sticks-in-older-macks/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Superdog Posted January 5, 2015 Popular Post Share Posted January 5, 2015 2 stick 6 speed, 5 gears on the main stick,lo,hi and reverse on the compound. nothing to it,use lo in 1st for creeper gear,you can use any of the 5 main gears for reverse,depending on the situation. Hi in compound 1 thru 5 for normal driving. 4 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/38315-two-sticks-in-older-macks/#findComment-273266 Share on other sites More sharing options...
tippatone Posted January 5, 2015 Author Share Posted January 5, 2015 So its main stick=gears 1 thru 5.....compound= reverse,hi-lo... Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/38315-two-sticks-in-older-macks/#findComment-273269 Share on other sites More sharing options...
2stacksuperdog Posted January 5, 2015 Share Posted January 5, 2015 So its main stick=gears 1 thru 5.....compound= reverse,hi-lo...yep. Simple transmission. In low you only use first gear then you shift up to the high side and go through the rest of the gears. 1 Quote Matt Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/38315-two-sticks-in-older-macks/#findComment-273270 Share on other sites More sharing options...
tippatone Posted January 5, 2015 Author Share Posted January 5, 2015 yep. Simple transmission. In low you only use first gear then you shift up to the high side and go through the rest of the gears.Thanks a lot that clear things up a great deal...how you like the RD??? I was in love with the Granite...but fell in love with the RD.... Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/38315-two-sticks-in-older-macks/#findComment-273272 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Lmackattack Posted January 5, 2015 Popular Post Share Posted January 5, 2015 RD is a tough old truck and will do great with anything you throw at it. It's just loud and has a little rough of a ride.In my opinion the R model was one of the best if not the best mack ever built. 7 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/38315-two-sticks-in-older-macks/#findComment-273279 Share on other sites More sharing options...
tippatone Posted January 5, 2015 Author Share Posted January 5, 2015 RD is a tough old truck and will do great with anything you throw at it. It's just loud and has a little rough of a ride.In my opinion the R model was one of the best if not the best mack ever built.I have fond memories of the older RDs like late 80s early 90s...I'm from NYC so we have these oil tankers delivering oil to heat our buildings...we used to have a company Castle...That delivery man was a hero to me...the way he unloaded that oil and drove that tanker....awesome Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/38315-two-sticks-in-older-macks/#findComment-273292 Share on other sites More sharing options...
tippatone Posted January 5, 2015 Author Share Posted January 5, 2015 One more question...the the Pto is controlled by the 2nd lever Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/38315-two-sticks-in-older-macks/#findComment-273293 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post 2stacksuperdog Posted January 5, 2015 Popular Post Share Posted January 5, 2015 One more question...the the Pto is controlled by the 2nd leverthe main stick will be in a gear 1-5 whatever you choose and the compound stick will be in neutral. 3 Quote Matt Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/38315-two-sticks-in-older-macks/#findComment-273294 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quickfarms Posted January 5, 2015 Share Posted January 5, 2015 The two sticks were fun to drive.To start off the line I used to make sure the compound was in neutral, put the main box in first and then you could put the compound in low and hit the throttle. Up shift and down shift without ever using the clutch.It used to freak people out when I ran through the gears in reverse. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/38315-two-sticks-in-older-macks/#findComment-273295 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Lmackattack Posted January 5, 2015 Popular Post Share Posted January 5, 2015 the main stick will be in a gear 1-5 whatever you choose and the compound stick will be in neutral.Unless it has a Mack pto...then you keep the compound in gear and put the main in neutral. 4 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/38315-two-sticks-in-older-macks/#findComment-273296 Share on other sites More sharing options...
tippatone Posted January 5, 2015 Author Share Posted January 5, 2015 The two sticks were fun to drive.To start off the line I used to make sure the compound was in neutral, put the main box in first and then you could put the compound in low and hit the throttle. Up shift and down shift without ever using the clutch.It used to freak people out when I ran through the gears in reverse.Hmmm....interesting. So you can go in reverse in 3rd gear? Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/38315-two-sticks-in-older-macks/#findComment-273303 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirtymilkman Posted January 6, 2015 Share Posted January 6, 2015 You have 5 reverse gears. Just upshift like you would driving forward. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/38315-two-sticks-in-older-macks/#findComment-273338 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wobblin-Goblin Posted January 6, 2015 Share Posted January 6, 2015 While I agree the R models were probably Mack's best trucks, it's still hard to say that because the B models were so good, too. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/38315-two-sticks-in-older-macks/#findComment-273341 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post b615rich Posted January 6, 2015 Popular Post Share Posted January 6, 2015 First, I own a chain drive (started it ALL, the DNA of Mack) and a B model (awesome styling, indestructible - they are timeless classics), but the R model and its sibling the RD (a heavier duty version) were probably the greatest all-around Macks of all time. Think about it - why do they still look great almost fifty years later and why did the production run go forty years straight??! A modern-day classic. Anyway, that's my two cents.. Some twin sticks are a five and a four, some a five and a three, some a five and a two speed. I learned on a 69 R model with a ten speed, reverse had a high and a low, and you could just shift through the five speeds straight, and use the aux. stick like a high and low. To do it right, I started in 1-low, and shifted every half gear -1 to 10 in about a tenth of a mile, from zero to 20 in about six seconds, quick double clutch or no clutch at all. Don't worry,drive it a few days and you'll be right at home. Like I said the other day, every one of us was green once. As for the R or RD, look for a nice one, and you'll be happy in the long run. They are easy to work on, parts are everywhere, and many are affordable (example, new Mack windshield for an R is $125). And... before the other guys say it, "post pictures" when you get it. 4 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/38315-two-sticks-in-older-macks/#findComment-273348 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lmackattack Posted January 6, 2015 Share Posted January 6, 2015 Hmmm....interesting. So you can go in reverse in 3rd gear?You Have 5 reverse gears.Compound in reverse and then 1-5 on the main. You can do about 25 mph backing up if your good... 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/38315-two-sticks-in-older-macks/#findComment-273352 Share on other sites More sharing options...
tippatone Posted January 6, 2015 Author Share Posted January 6, 2015 First, I own a chain drive (started it ALL, the DNA of Mack) and a B model (awesome styling, indestructible - they are timeless classics), but the R model and its sibling the RD (a heavier duty version) were probably the greatest all-around Macks of all time. Think about it - why do they still look great almost fifty years later and why did the production run go forty years straight??! A modern-day classic. Anyway, that's my two cents.. Some twin sticks are a five and a four, some a five and a three, some a five and a two speed. I learned on a 69 R model with a ten speed, reverse had a high and a low, and you could just shift through the five speeds straight, and use the aux. stick like a high and low. To do it right, I started in 1-low, and shifted every half gear -1 to 10 in about a tenth of a mile, from zero to 20 in about six seconds, quick double clutch or no clutch at all. Don't worry,drive it a few days and you'll be right at home. Like I said the other day, every one of us was green once. As for the R or RD, look for a nice one, and you'll be happy in the long run. They are easy to work on, parts are everywhere, and many are affordable (example, new Mack windshield for an R is $125). And... before the other guys say it, "post pictures" when you get it.Crazy....that sounds awesome Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/38315-two-sticks-in-older-macks/#findComment-273405 Share on other sites More sharing options...
tippatone Posted January 6, 2015 Author Share Posted January 6, 2015 You Have 5 reverse gears.Compound in reverse and then 1-5 on the main. You can do about 25 mph backing up if your good...That sounds crazy Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/38315-two-sticks-in-older-macks/#findComment-273406 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mackmb212 Posted January 6, 2015 Share Posted January 6, 2015 First let me start by stating I am a rookie driver so I'm brand new to most of this stuff....in the older RD models I noticed two gear sticks....can one of you veterans please explain what the hell this is about....I almost crapped my pants...very intimidating.... Go on YouTube and search Mack b model shifting or shifting a r model there are a few videos Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/38315-two-sticks-in-older-macks/#findComment-273407 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Green Dash Posted January 7, 2015 Popular Post Share Posted January 7, 2015 Once you become accustomed to the Mack you'll be spoiled for anything else. Your enthusiasm is refreshing as many new drivers today are only interested in trucks that ride like cars and practically drive themselves. Sadly, the number of "intimidating, almost crapped my pants" type trucks is dwindling on a daily basis.I think Castle is still in business. In the mid-70's, I spent almost every break from school with my Dad when he drove for a banana distributor in Hunts Point. Castle, Whaleco, Whitestone, there was a bunch of oil companies back then. Gerosa was still in business, too. Lotsa cool trucks were based in the south Bronx. 3 Quote Jim Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/38315-two-sticks-in-older-macks/#findComment-273474 Share on other sites More sharing options...
tippatone Posted January 7, 2015 Author Share Posted January 7, 2015 Once you become accustomed to the Mack you'll be spoiled for anything else. Your enthusiasm is refreshing as many new drivers today are only interested in trucks that ride like cars and practically drive themselves. Sadly, the number of "intimidating, almost crapped my pants" type trucks is dwindling on a daily basis.I think Castle is still in business. In the mid-70's, I spent almost every break from school with my Dad when he drove for a banana distributor in Hunts Point. Castle, Whaleco, Whitestone, there was a bunch of oil companies back then. Gerosa was still in business, too. Lotsa cool trucks were based in the south Bronx.HaHa....I just got the whole Hi-Lo range thing licked then WHAM....two shifters lol....yes sir you are on it...their depot was in that area....I believe Castle was jyst brought out by a company named Sprague.....200 employees will have to take buyouts or work for lower wages Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/38315-two-sticks-in-older-macks/#findComment-273490 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Green Dash Posted January 7, 2015 Share Posted January 7, 2015 I believe Castle was jyst brought out by a company named Sprague.....200 employees will have to take buyouts or work for lower wagesWonderful. That's the new "American way" it seems 1 Quote Jim Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/38315-two-sticks-in-older-macks/#findComment-273547 Share on other sites More sharing options...
tippatone Posted January 8, 2015 Author Share Posted January 8, 2015 (edited) Freaking A my friend Edited January 8, 2015 by tippatone Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/38315-two-sticks-in-older-macks/#findComment-273604 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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