Indeed, a 3rd - Overdrive 3rd - 4th change does require a similar dexterity to a concert pianist, and you have to get it right first time. As I said, most people never use it, but when towing I think it's useful to have the option of a gear between 3rd and 4th (it's quite a big gap, and when you've got 2 tons behind a 62 horsepower diesel, you need all the gears you've got).
Can I just clarify that I was not saying that the overdrive SHOULD be used in Low Ratio (or indeed any gear other than High 3rd and 4th). I agree it would be utterly pointless and would very quickly over-stress the overdrive. I was just demonstrating that the O/D is not in anyway limited to certain gears (like the more common electric over-drives found in old saloon and sports cars).
Jack
|
