For everyone who has the 6 speed manual, what is your opinion in starting in second as opposed to first? I test drove a rubi today, and it almost seemed like 1st was too low to start out regularly in.

 

Doesn't really help it or hurt it. I suppose once you upgrade your tire size, you'll probably start out in 1st more often than not though.

 

I just re-geared to 4.88's and now use 2nd unless I'm looking to accelerate quickly from a stop.

Shouldn't cause any problems.

JD

 

I never used first with my 4.10s unless I was pointing uphill. Now that I've got 35s, I use it, but I can still start in second.
You won't hurt anything as long as you aren't riding the clutch.

 

Unless I am starting on a really steep up hill I always use 2nd, I'm running 33's with 4.10's.

 

At first I thought that 1st gear was too low and started off in 2nd a lot.

However, after I got a few miles on the jeep, the clutch isn't as sensitive as it was (or maybe I just got used to it) and starting in 1st doesn't seem to be a big deal anymore.

I did like the NV3550 in my TJ a lot better though--but that's just me!

 

ive got a stock x, and i start in 2nd from time to time. i think you just have to get used to the clutch. 80% of the time i start in 1st. but yeah, u wont damage the tranny at all just cuz u start in 2nd. i haven't tried starting in 3rd yet...we'll see if i can pull it off.

 

first gear is there. might as well use it.

 

yer manual says not to do it...that being said, what everyone else said....my x with the 4.10s and stock mini-me pizza cutter tires was better off starting in second unless i was on a hill or towing somehing....when i put the BFG 32s on i found that starting in 1st was more tolerable, but second was still viable....i start in 1st more often than not now....just don't ride the clutch....and yes you can start in third if you were so inclined.....

 

Depends on the gearing and tire size. IMO, unless you're running 4.88s or 5.13s with 35s or smaller, you need 1st gear to start.

I rather shift sooner than bog the engine down on 2nd.