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Old 09-05-2008, 11:08 PM   #20 (permalink)
jamesqf
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IIRC, the ones I used to drive (decades ago) had about 20 speeds: 10 in the gearbox, plus a 2-spd rear end.

This is another reason why trucks get better fuel economy. The large number of gears means the engine can be run closer to its optimum efficiency. In addition, long-haul trucks just get out there on the highway and cruise at a steady speed for hours, which is a lot more efficient than the typical passenger car pattern.
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