[weim55]

I have never been crazy about the SM 465 used in these trucks. That said it is a wonderful overbuilt transmission that is practically bulletproof. Keep it full of clean oil and it’s 1,000,000 mile unit.

What I don’t like about it :
The hideous spread and rpm drop from 2nd to 3rd.
The heavy gear train makes it a slow shifting unit.
No overdrive.
Noisy.

Unless SOCAL traffic is just that much more aggressive than the rest of the country here’s a tip that might work for you. You’ll notice that semi trucks will pace traffic hanging behind five or 10 car lengths just creeping along. Stop and go in a semi truck is a real ***** with that heavy clutch, so what I (and others) do when driving a semi is put it in the lowest gear and just let it idle creeping along. Try doing the same in your truck and use your granny gear. You’ll wind up clutching in traffic maybe 10% what you did before.

Steve weim55 Colorado