Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Gear Vendors Unit FAILING again

[mikepvg]

I need recommendations on authorized Gear Vendors service shops in the Denver area.



Anyone know how difficult it would be to remove the GV unit & replace it with stock drive shaft?



Thanks!

Mike

 

[SRadke]

Gear vendors?

I think Western Retarder is in Denver. Check them out at westernretarder.com

 

[mikepvg]

I've just checked out their website & Yes, they are in Denver. Therefore I'll be checking them out 1st thing Mon morning.



Thanks!

Mike

 

[drees1]

Just curious, what is happening to it, and how did it fail before? I have a lot of miles on mine.

 

[sbentz]

Gear Vendor? Easy to fix.

I have had the one in the dragster apart and back a few times, and really easy to fix/check...



What symptom do you have? My Cummins Suburban roasted one many years back, and lost the clutch cone. All it did was not hold back, freewheel on de-cel.



If you are serious about pulling it out, I may be interesed in trading you out of it.



I was going to stuff one into my 2wd dually extended cab.

 

[mikepvg]

Originally posted by drees1

Just curious, what is happening to it, and how did it fail before? I have a lot of miles on mine.

Previously, it started making a grinding type noise & the grinding just keep getting worse. I had it rebuilt 30,000 miles ago. Now there is lots of freeplay between the output shaft & the seal housing. Enough to warrant 1/2 qt of oil every 100-200 miles. I'm sure this is not going to get better.



I'm not equipped to tear it down or remove it. I might be tempted to trade it out to someone depending on what response I get from Western Retarder Monday.

 

[mikepvg]

Re: Gear Vendor? Easy to fix.

Originally posted by sbentz

I have had the one in the dragster apart and back a few times, and really easy to fix/check...



What symptom do you have? My Cummins Suburban roasted one many years back, and lost the clutch cone. All it did was not hold back, freewheel on de-cel.



If you are serious about pulling it out, I may be interesed in trading you out of it.



I was going to stuff one into my 2wd dually extended cab.

What might you propose?



I don't really pull anything but once or twice a year. Since I have the 4. 10 rear I only use the GV unit on the Hwy. I may be ridiculous since I don't know what is involved... . but is the GV worth the value of a trade to 3. 73 gears & a stock driveline?



Mike

 

[dray]

I have 4. 10 gears in my truck and I was wondering how much your fuel mileage increased w/ the G. R.



Thanks

 

[mikepvg]

Don't have a calculation for you since I bought the truck used w/ it already installed. But i know for sure that the BFSC of the 12V is at 1600rpm. I could never maintain that rpm on the hwy going 75-80mph w/ a 4. 10 alone. Therefore, mileage would be much better w/ a GV unit to bring those rpm's down substantially. Since I installed a TST plate, splitting the gears is no longer necessary, even with a large load.



mike

 

[hsmith]

Gearvendors

Originally posted by mikepvg

Don't have a calculation for you since I bought the truck used w/ it already installed. But i know for sure that the BFSC of the 12V is at 1600rpm. I could never maintain that rpm on the hwy going 75-80mph w/ a 4. 10 alone. Therefore, mileage would be much better w/ a GV unit to bring those rpm's down substantially. Since I installed a TST plate, splitting the gears is no longer necessary, even with a large load.



mike

I would not want to be without mine. Had to replace the original at 80k because the rear seal blew at freeway speeds with the 16k fiver in tow. Stopped to let the grandson releive himself and smelled the lube.

The advantage of the splitter is a convenience with the heavy load. I am too old {maybe wise too} to top it out in 5th over. Don't think the speed-o is big enough.

Really like the extra gears, and ease of shifting.



hsmith

 

[mikepvg]

I've talked with a # of dealers today including Western Retarder. ALL would have me believe the GV Unit was rebuilt INCORRECTLY.

Dealer in question repaired w/ a rebuild KIT that cost as much as a Factory Recon unit AND w/ no warranty.



We shall find out next Mon... Stay tuned...

 

[hsmith]

GV

Originally posted by mikepvg

I've talked with a # of dealers today including Western Retarder. ALL would have me believe the GV Unit was rebuilt INCORRECTLY.

Dealer in question repaired w/ a rebuild KIT that cost as much as a Factory Recon unit AND w/ no warranty.



We shall find out next Mon... Stay tuned...

I forgot to say I am pleased with the factory exchange program. I deal directly with Jeff in Ca. and get great service.

hsmith

 

[mikepvg]

Soembody SNAFU'ED

Hopefully this will be the end of the story.

Western Retarder indicated that my driveline was about 2 INCHES TOO SHORT!:--)





1) Don't know who originally installed the unit.



2) I do know who in Denver rebuilt the unit & DID NOT NOTICE that the driveline was too short. This is somewhat annoying.



No wonder the fricken thing leaked for the last 40,000 miles that I owned the truck.



Western Retarder seemed very knowledgable regarding the GV unit.

So a new seal, a new driveline & a little more lube & we shall see...





Mike