I haven't had any issues the last 16 years I've owned the truck doing my normal routine, but with cold weather arriving most places, I am curious of other people's habits.

When you start up in the morning, how long do you wait for the fast idle to come down before shifting into gear?

At what RPM do you consider it safe to shift into gear?

Around here it has been in the 20s in the mornings, my truck will start up and idle around 1600-1700 rpm, within 2-3 minutes it gradually drops to around 1200 and that is typically when I will shift into drive/reverse and go. Nobody wants to slam it into gear at 1600 rpm, but what is considered a safe range to put it in gear without unnecessary strain and wear on the transmission?

 

I drive immediately, automatic or manual. But easy on the rpms and accelerator. Oh, and after buckling up and turning on my accessories. I put that alternator to work(!)

Can you imagine if your driveway was right next to the on-ramp to the freeway?

I could see this post becoming a debate on what oil is best...or perhaps, which antifreeze.

 

Personally, I would do what you have been doing and shift into Reverse or Drive at or below 1200 RPM. I have no scientific reasoning though. It just feels better to do that.

My truck is carbureted though, so I can lower the RPMs by tapping the accelerator pedal to disengage the choke.

Do you happen to have your Owner's Manual? It may say something about your situation in the "Driving your Vehicle" or similar section.

 

The manual doesn't say much... something along the lines of you can begin driving after 10 seconds, if the weather is cold wait a few minutes. Nothing specific regarding waiting on the fast idle to drop.

 

Under most conditions, once the temp guage comes up off its resting place.

​​​​​​Freezing temp, once the window deices.

Sub zero, when it hits normal operating temp.