Anyone with 3.42 axle yet?

[WOT]

Any trucks out there with 3. 42 gears yet?

 

[WOT]

I guess the silence says it all...

 

[ENafziger]

Well, not quite what you're looking for, but I just installed a Mitchell overdrive unit that effectively lets you run the stock gear ratio (3. 73 in my case), or choose a 3. 08 ratio for running empty.

I'm just completing the install now, so it's too early for any fuel mileage numbers.

--Eric

 

[jacqnbill]

Well, not quite what you're looking for, but I just installed a Mitchell overdrive unit that effectively lets you run the stock gear ratio (3. 73 in my case), or choose a 3. 08 ratio for running empty.



I'm just completing the install now, so it's too early for any fuel mileage numbers.



--Eric

Would you tell us the cost of the Mitchell overdrive?

 

[Motorhead]

Well, not quite what you're looking for, but I just installed a Mitchell overdrive unit that effectively lets you run the stock gear ratio (3. 73 in my case), or choose a 3. 08 ratio for running empty.

I'm just completing the install now, so it's too early for any fuel mileage numbers.

--Eric

Eric, Let us know when you get your results! I assume that the OD unit is for the rear axel only?

 

[courierdog]

I had them installed in February. Milage is running 20 MPG on the highway.

 

[WOT]

I had them installed in February. Milage is running 20 MPG on the highway.

What was it prior to the install? And what's the towing power like?

 

[WOT]

Well, not quite what you're looking for, but I just installed a Mitchell overdrive unit that effectively lets you run the stock gear ratio (3. 73 in my case), or choose a 3. 08 ratio for running empty.



I'm just completing the install now, so it's too early for any fuel mileage numbers.



--Eric

Was looking for feedback on mileage and towing... but I like the overdrive idea. USGear isn't helping us G56 guys, but it sounds like a Mitchell is an option but how hard are they to find and at what cost?

 

[ENafziger]

Eric, Let us know when you get your results! I assume that the OD unit is for the rear axel only?
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Yes, the unit is for the rear axle only. When in 4wd, the unit must be in low (1:1). However, the unit is very compact and solid. I believe dry weight is around 85 lbs. It can be used with an exhaust brake as well, which was important to me.

I bought mine used for I think $1800, and it had just been rebuilt by Mitchell. I'm not sure what products they are currently offering for Dodge, but I can get a phone number if you're interested. I couldn't find much on the web about them.

It mounts in a divorced configuration, and is shifted manually, similar to the G56 manual transmission. Mine is a Model 3500D, and is rated to a GVWR of 35,000 lbs.

The rpm at 70 mph is now around 1600 rpm, running 37" tires, 3. 73 gear ratio, G56 transmission, and the Mitchell OD engaged. At 80 mph, it's around 1900 or so, and 100 mph is 2300.

--Eric

 

[thomasrmmr]

What Did The Convert Cost $ 3000

 

[WOT]

I bought mine used for I think $1800, and it had just been rebuilt by Mitchell. I'm not sure what products they are currently offering for Dodge, but I can get a phone number if you're interested. I couldn't find much on the web about them.



--Eric

Yes, please provide any contact info you have.



Thanks!

 

[Dick Langendorff]

I'm a little familar with the Mitchell, I worked with his son in law. They were made in Santa Rosa, California. Very heavy duty and could withstand anything.

I have been considering looking for one myself. As far as I know, they are no longer in business, so used is all there is. If I find out anything else, I will pass it along.

New, they were in the $2500 to $3000 range. That was in the early 90's.

Good luck to everyone who is looking for something like this. I do know that they can't be beat.

 

[seafish]

Mitchell Mfg. is still in business in Healdsburg, CA, but they now ONLY make overdrive units for old Ford Model cars. I recently talked with them, and they have not made anything for trucks for almost 14 years, and they do NOT know where to buy any of the old truck overdrive units. #@$%!

 

[Dick Langendorff]

Thanks for the info

 

[Coalsmoke]

Yes I have 3. 42 gears. My truck was one of the first to come off the assembly line with these new gears and the G56, it is an awesome combo IMHO, and I am very glad I got them, these gears extend the shift intervals to what they should be and are great for highway cruising. The truck still has oodles of grunt and power to the rubber.

 

[Motorhead]

Yes I have 3. 42 gears. My truck was one of the first to come off the assembly line with these new gears and the G56, it is an awesome combo IMHO, and I am very glad I got them, these gears extend the shift intervals to what they should be and are great for highway cruising. The truck still has oodles of grunt and power to the rubber.

Coalsmoke, Could you give us a road speed figure? Say at 2k RPM in 5th and then 6th, What is the road speed? I would greatly appreciate it. I have the same G-56 ratio you do but I have a 5. 9. Chris

 

[Coalsmoke]

Sure thing, I don't remember it off the top of my head, but I'll take a highway trip here shortly so I can write them down and let you know.

 

[Coalsmoke]

Ok, went out for a drive, got some funny looks and some numbers. This is on a stock setup, so tires are the stock 32" or whatever the on/off-road tires are from the factory on the 08s. Hope it helps.

Speed (In MPH) -- Gear -- RPM -- Speed (In KMH)

5 1st (L) 1250 8
10 1st (L) 2250 16

10 2nd 1300 16
15 2nd 1900 24

20 3rd 1500 32

30 4th 1550 48
40 4th 1900 64

40 5th 1480 64
50 5th 1850 80
55 5th 2050 88

50 6th 1400 80
55 6th 1550 88
60 6th 1690 96
65 6th 1800 104
70 6th 1950 112

 

[SBeretz]

Man, those seem to be about perfect for the truck with stock tires. What kind of fuel mileage do you pull down with the set up you have. I realize you probably don't have a ton of miles on the truck, but just for comparison's sake. 1950 at 70 seems to be a good number on the 5. 9 for fuel mileage, how does it work out with the 6. 7? Scotty

 

[Coalsmoke]

Most speed limits around here are 60 on the highway, so usually I'm doing about 65 which at 1800RPM gives me about 20MPG which IMHO is really good considering this is a 6. 7 and others are getting14-17MPG on the highway with their 4. 10s and 3. 73s. Around town, if I am driving it hard and just about burning the tires off it, I'll get about 16. 5MPG