2004 Dodge Ram 3500 Pickup Owner's Manual - Page 216

216 STARTING AND OPERATING Never drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal, or attempt to hold the vehicle on a hill with the clutch pedal partially engaged, as this will cause abnormal wear on the clutch. Manual Transmission Shift Speeds To utilize your manual transmission efficiently for both fuel economy and performance, it should be upshifted as listed in the following chart. Shift at the vehicle speeds listed for acceleration. Earlier upshifts during cruise conditions (steady speeds) will result in increased fuel economy, and may be used as indicated. Manual Transmission Shift Speed in mph (km/h) Engine Model Axle Model 1 to 2 2 to 3 3 to 4 5 to 6 ACCEL 5.7L 2500/ ALL & 15 (24) 25 (40) 40 (65) 45 (72) 3500 CRUISE Downshifting Moving from a high gear down to a lower gear is recommended to preserve brakes when driving down steep hills. In addition, downshifting at the right time provides better acceleration when you desire to resume speed. For acceleration at speeds less than 20 mph (30 km/h), 2nd gear is recommended. FOUR-WHEEL- DRIVE OPERATION - IF EQUIPPED • Four-Wheel-Drive Dodge Ram Trucks are equipped with either a Manually Shifted transfer case or an Electronically Shifted transfer case. See the operating instructions for your transfer case, located within this section.