The transfer case reduction gearset is often never used for its original intended function, that is, to provide an additional speed reduction (torque amplification) ratio for the powertrain. This concept allows for the increased use of the transfer case gearset components to work in concert with the automatic transmission to increase its ratio spread. This increase in ratio spread will result in improved launch performance for the vehicle by steepening the effective first gear ratio of the automatic transmission. The increase in ratio spread may also provide for reductions in numerical axle ratio of the vehicle thereby improving the fuel economy during normal highway operation. The present invention focuses on a method of shifting the transmission of the vehicle in accordance with the invention which includes providing a transmission connected to a vehicle engine having a predetermined number of gear ratios which are selectable.