Gear vendor unit

[JNeiman]

I am close to buying a 2000 3500 4x4 with a six speed and GV. It also has a 3. 54 rear end. The owner said he turns 1500rpms at 70 in overdrive. Is it safe to tow like that or should I stay in 6th? The truck will be towing about 11,000lbs plus a loaded bed a lot across the country. I want to get good milage without lugging or doing any damage. Anyone with experience, let me know. Thanks, JOE

 

[Bob Stephens]

My 2001 with 6sp doesn't like towing up any grade below 2000rpm. Its happiest running around 2100-2200rpm running about 21000 gross (13000lb trailer). Below 1800 it doesn't want to pull at all and the mileage goes way down. I get my best mileage (around 10mpg) when towing at 62mph at 2125rpm on fairly flat ground. Unfortunately there isn't much flat ground in WA state. I think you'll be disappointed trying to tow 11000 lbs with the 3. 54 axle and the GV overdrive enabled unless you are constantly going downhill.

 

[JNeiman]

Thanks, I think I'll tow in 5th/6th w/o the GV being used. Maybe just save it for running empty. Will it help at all around town with a load being able to split gears or really only useful as a 7th speed?

 

[CrewCab]

I had considered that unit for my 5 speed. Not so much for the od but to reduce the distance between gears particularly 3rd and 4th. If you are pulling on a hill and have to gear down from 4th to 3rd, you have to slow down to get into a reasonable rpm range. It is then difficult to exceed about 35 mph. I suppose this isn't as big a problem with the 6 speed.

Terry

 

[jlhartak]

The guys have it right the 24V seems to like about 2000-2200 when it has a load. I would run in 5th; which is direct drive in the 6spd, this means that the mainshaft is transmitting the power straight thru the transmission without using the counter shaft as does 6th. 6th is the smallest gear and therefore the weakest, fewest teeth, etc. Then use the GV to overdrive 5th gear for the flat/downhill sections. I wouldn't use 6th with the GV in OD for anything except running empty on the flat/downhill. I don't know if there is enough split between 4th - 5th in the 6spd to allow use of the GV as a splitter, you'll have to experiment. As was pointed out the GV works great in the 5spd because of the wide gap between 3rd - 4th. Have FUN!! I love to stir the gears.

 

[RustyJC]

Please be aware - unlike the U. S. Gear unit, the GearVendors OD is NOT suitable for use with an exhaust brake when energized - it will burn it up. If you'll be towing with an exhaust brake, run the GearVendors in direct and use the OD for running empty.



Rusty