MTFCA Forum

I have a 15 and 27 so I know how to drive and shift a T. I’m looking at TT truck with a ruckstell (24) Keep this simple guys ,how do I make them work together

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Chris

Regarding the original question, how to shift a Ruckstell, you push the clutch pedal into the neutral position, then move the Ruckstell shift lever into the desired position, then release the clutch pedal.

Here are some brief words in the MTFCA Ruckstell booklet:

"Shifting the Ruckstell is easy provided you remember two things: (1) shift into the lower gear when the engine is pulling the car (not when the car is pushing the engine), and (2) shift into high when the engine load is at a minimum (the engine speed is synchronized with the car speed, neither pulling or pushing).

The booklet talks about using your left hand to reach over and adjust the throttle while using your right hand to shift the lever into high, but I have never been in a big enough hurry to find that necessary.

I strongly suggest you purchase or borrow the MTFCA Ruckstell booklet, it has some great stuff in it. Here is a demonstration video I found on Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCowXCHg1T4

It shifts easily with the car moving. Don't try when it is not moving. Even get it moving a little bit before you try to shift. When you shift down to a lower gear, leave the throttle open, but when you shift to a higher gear as you go through neutral, quickly push the throttle up then when you get into gear, adjust the throttle to the speed you desire. If you are trying to shift down before you descend a hill, be sure to slow down the car first, then pull the throttle down and quickly shift to low ruckstell and then push the throttle up. It is important to make this shift, BEFORE you descend the hill. If you don't have time to shift first, just use low pedal to hold you back, because it is possible to get stuck between gears with the Ruckstell and then you will be in freewheeling on the hill. That's why it is always wise to have auxiliary brakes and a good parking brake, just in case.
Norm

Most Ruckstells ha e the shift lever to the right of the driver. FWIW if you can get one on the left it's a lot easier to shift. Or change an existing one to the left side of it isn't.

With a TT truck's final drive gear, you might not need the ruckstell as much unless you're carrying a load.
One trick I've been taught for climbing a long grade in a car: high gear till you drop under 20, then Ruckstell. Still dropping speed you want FORD low... and HERE'S THE TRICK to get it while still climbing: throttle reduced, clutch left foot, tap Reverse with right foot while shifting Ruckstell to High then low pedal and throttle as needed. The Reverse tap unloads the rear axle allowing the Ruckstell to shift back to high. Makes you really appreciate the automatic transmission!
Credit goes to my friend Jim Greene of West Virginia.
Bill Coyle

Thanks Mark for posting that video from Milo Farms on shifting and driving with a Ruckstell, had some time today to work on those "skills" and going up inclines are a lot better now.

I usually just drove in ruckstell high as getting used to just plain driving a T and keeping an eye on the surrounding traffic and road is enough.

I have a 1915 and a 1926 and both have Ruckstels. I was very confused on how to shift until a member told me " remember that ruckstell is just a two speed rear end and has nothing to do with the transmission" I clunk it into Ruckstell at a slow speed while the engine is under load and shift out of ruckstell when the engine is not. Make your shifts with a little force and don't try to gently engage the rear end gears. bobt