How low to let it it bog, before downshift?

[00SVTStrike]

This will sound like a really amatuer question, but i bring it up with great curiosity... I have owned MANy stick shift rides, but none (other than diesels) that have so much ability to pull themselves out of a low rpm hole.

My question is this, at what RPM do you decide to downshift? If you are putting along in 4th and things slow down and its tsrating to get pretty low in rpms but still will muscle itself along do you leave it and just feed a little pedal? Or do you downshift and let it ride in a little higher range?

Its obvious these things can practicly pull themselves from an off idle situation, but what is best for mileage and longevity? Obviously a harder load at a lower rpm will lend itself to more change for detonation etc, but what rpm is that line drawn at?

Curious your thoughts.... and how you personally drive your truck.

 

[VENOMOUS1 RACING]

I try not to bog an engine under load below 1500. Yes it will pull from a lil above idle but bogging the engine is asking for detonation and stress on rotating parts.

 

[00SVTStrike]

I try not to bog an engine under load below 1500. Yes it will pull from a lil above idle but bogging the engine is asking for detonation and stress on rotating parts.

Thats pretty close to what Ive been doing. I think maybe 1200 a few times if its a low enough gear its not really "straining"... I agree on the stress factor

 

[viperhauler]

Thats pretty close to what Ive been doing. I think maybe 1200 a few times if its a low enough gear its not really "straining"... I agree on the stress factor

i pull a trailer as well...and i can idle out of the driveway with the 4k# trailer hooked up...and i have a steep driveway...

the key is not slip the clutch when you roll off...i start off in second a lot....

1200 is about the lowest but it depends if i'm on a flat road or heading uphill...i never feed it gas and let it bog....

i had 95k miles on the original clutch...and there was still a bit of material left on the clutch disc...

plus i drive hard on the track...so i must be doin something right...

 

[Trainman]

I agree with Venomous1, I try to stay at 1500 or above. I like to cruise on the freeway at 1700-1800 (about 80mph).