Anybody running an aftermarket OD w/3.54s?

[pcorssmit]

Was wondering if anybody is running an auxilary overdrive, such as the Gear Vendors or US Gear, with 3. 54 gears. I was thinking it'd be nice for getting the rpm's down on the Interstate, as well as being able to run 3rd over when stuck in traffic in town. I don't every really plan on doing this due to the cost involved, and the fact that I really don't spend that much time driving the open interstate, but always thought it would be nice to have.

Pete

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'97 2500 CC 4X4 5spd Sport
'83 K5 Blazer 350 TBI (ex 6. 2), 39. 5 TSLs, 3" lift, Dana 60/GM 14 blt, Detroits

 

[KGoode]

Pete, I run a US gear o/d with 3. 54's and 33'' tall tires, it does keep the r's down and enables you to go quit fast. As for fuel economy I havn't seen much difference.

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98, 12 Valve, Piers custom cam plate, HX 40 turbo,Delivery valves, 370 injectors, BD-Transmision & T/C, ported & polished head W/Larger exhaust valves, 3 piece exhaust manifold, 4'' exhaust,US Gear o/d.

 

[pcorssmit]

What was your main reason for getting the OD? Gear splitting for towing, top speed? Are you running an auto or 5 spd? I'm also running ~33's (255/85R16).

Were you at the RMTDR meeting on Sat? Sorry, I'm pretty lousy with names. If you were, my truck was the white sport club cab long bed parked on the end. Its got a slight lift in the front, aftermarket rims, and tinted windows. I probably live near you, I'm at Orchard and I25.

Pete

[This message has been edited by pcorssmit (edited 03-01-2001). ]

 

[Murle]

Running a Gear Vendor o/d with 245/75-16's. 5 speed. At 70mph tach is sitting at 1600rpm.

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1998 4x4 2500. White. Regular cab. Not bombed. Gear Vendor(9 forwards)
2001 4x4 3500 White Flat bed. Has BD Plug in Power. I represent Murle's Gunsmith Shop and Sporting Goods.

 

[Ted Jannetty]

I run the US Gear 20% overdrive in my 97 5spd. with 3. 54 and 31. 5 inch tires.
My rpm is 1800 at 75 mph.
I tow in double overdrive, I only have to downshift if traffic gets below 60 mph.

Nice to be able to choose from 10 different ratios.

Sometimes I put the transfercase in low range the the overdrive on when plowing, makes the low range more usable.

Cost for this unit installed in a 4x4 with driveshaft mods runs around 2695. 00



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Ted Jannetty, Owner President, Jannetty Racing Enterprises, Inc.
97 3500 4x4 club cab 5spd. RED, JRE custom power kit, JRE 4" exhaust
JRE 1/2 inch fuel system, Bosch 300 hp injectors, Prime loc,
Cummins chrome kit, US Gear 20% over drive, 3. 54 posi, Autometer
Ultralite 50lb. boost, and Pyrometer, BD exhaust brake.
Horton fan clutch

99 Ski-Doo 800 Formula III Pipes, reeds, studs and clutching 172 hp
99 Honda Forman 450 ES jet kit, pipe, lift kit, 27" Mud Runners
2001 Ski-Doo MXZ 800 X stock for now 140 hp
2000 TransAm Ram Air WS6 Flowmaster, K&N, Granatelli Mass air meter, LS1 Lid 370 hp
1973 Camaro Rally Sport Street Strip 850+ HP

 

[KGoode]

Pete, I originally purchased the o/d for better fuel economy. No I didn't make it to the RMTDR last Saturday, I was to busy putting on a new H2E turbo. I live at Belleview and Simms.

 

[Kyle]

I'm running 315/75R16's (35" diameter) with 3. 54s. I was thinking about an OD for the interstate. I'd like to be at 1800rpm when I'm doing 75-80.

Should I step down to 3. 73s?

I'm dissapointed to hear you don't notice much mpg difference. Really???? That's half the reason I want one. If there isn't a mileage benefit maybe I'll keep my ring gears and get an under-drive.

Any advice?

 

[illflem]

Others have posted in the past about getting better mileage with the overdrive at high speeds. Although I don't have an OD it sure seems it would improve the mpgs,when I go over 65 my fuel economy takes a big dump,always wish I had one more gear,but don't know if the fuel saved would justify the expense of the OD.

 

[KGoode]

Kyle, With 35'' tires and 3. 54 gears your rpm's ought to be pretty low at highway speeds. If I was to do it again I would go with the underdrive.

 

[pcorssmit]

I think you're right, Bill. I run around 2300-2400 RPM at 85, which kills the milage but I don't think I'd ever make up for the cost. Would be nice to have, though.

Pete

 

[DBR]

I have a 97 5 spd. 3. 54 with 33" tires and have had both a US Gear overdrive and underdrive on my truck. I first installed the overdrive unit. Shortly afterwards, I experienced a warranty issue due to noise and installed another overdrive unit. This unit was quiet for several months before becoming noisy. I again had the overdrive replaced but this time with an underdrive unit. I am glad that I went to the underdrive unit as it is far better for pulling than the overdrive unit was. Before, I had to split gears when shifting, but now all I have to do is start out in underdrive until I reach 5th gear, then switch the underdrive off. There's much less shifting that way.

 

[Ralph Edward]

I have a GV overdrive. Cruise at 70mph 1625rpm. Yes it did increase my fuel mileage from 17 to 19 mpg.

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1999 3500 LARAMIE SLT,5 spd,3:54,Red,Gear Venders ,Fiberglass Running boards, Bed Liner.