GearVendor..the good and bad so far...

[TGriggs]

m gear vender snapped in half, while starting from a stop signal

 

[Pavemen]

Thanks Pavemen. Does anyone know do the stock fuel tanks on our trucks have to be modified to fit the US Gear OD or is it just these transferflow aftermarlet tanks that have to be modified. I'm a bit confused how a person is supposed to modify the stock plastic fuel tank. I have a reg cab 4x4 NV4500 if it matters.

you are welcome. mines a 2wd, so i dont have to worry about it, so i cant help you with the trimming questions

 

[ROADWARRIOR]

m gear vender snapped in half, while starting from a stop signal

Was it covered under GV's warranty?



Dan

 

["Mad Max"]

I also pondered the GV unit for a long time, even bought one and was going to install in my 1st gen behind a NV4500, but after a huge amount of discussion and theorizing I decided to sell it, and instead my solution is I will be running 3. 54's - in both the rear D80 and the front D60. My first gens have all had 3. 54's, and Randy's Ring and Pinion sells 3. 54's all day long. Great gear, and with the super low 1st and 2nd gears in both the 4500 and 5600 I may actually 'use' those initial gears getting up to speed. I have never heard of anyone with a Cummins ever really, really needing more gear than a 3. 54, and the ring gear on a D80 is gigantic, and since it's taking the brunt of the abuse the 3. 54 will be, for me, the perfect gear. Plus, it'll give me good 'legs' in each gear, even 1st. When I need to maintain speed going uphill, well, just add fuel, and I got that covered.



At 80 mph, 6th gear, with a 35" tire (34" compressed), and 3. 54's will give me a nice 2000 rpm . Plus, my only 'switch' on the shifter will be the EB, and the 5600 won't give a hoot what gear it's in, and I will control all that manually, which for me is perfect.



- M2

 

[Coalsmoke]

Just a quick update for those following the US Gear part of the story, I just sent an email to US Gear asking about the trimming of the tank. I have been thinking of upgrading to an extended cab anyways, so I might do that and then do the instal.

 

[Loren]

Thanks Pavemen. Does anyone know do the stock fuel tanks on our trucks have to be modified to fit the US Gear OD or is it just these transferflow aftermarlet tanks that have to be modified. I'm a bit confused how a person is supposed to modify the stock plastic fuel tank. I have a reg cab 4x4 NV4500 if it matters.

Coalsmoke,



The answer to whether or not you will have to shorten your stock fuel tank is... it depends. Sorry, but that's the truth.



My 4WD, 2000 truck has the Quad-Cab, short bed, and six-speed manual transmission. I had to shorten my tank. The capacity of the tank dropped by about five gallons, leaving me with about 27-28 gallons. Your truck's configuration (transmission, bed length, cab length) will determine whether or not you need to shorten your tank.



I see that you have a five-speed. My understanding is that no five-speeds have this problem.



The US Gear unit mounts between the transmission and the transfer case, so the transfer case moves back about a foot. I see that Blair's measured 11-3/4". I wasn't that precise. Crawl under your truck and check the transfer case. Measure back a foot from the part of the transfer case that is ahead of the fuel tank. If you have the space, then you won't have to shorten your tank.



The way I shortened my tank was to remove it, clean it thoroughly, and deliver it to a guy with a plastic welder. He cut the tank and welded a 1" thick piece of plastic on the end. If I had it to do over again, I'd cut the tank exactly where I want it, then deliver it to the plastic welder. The 1" end plate on my tank extends down from the bottom of the tank, and that required me to modify the frame crossmember at the front of the tank. I don't like it, but I'll keep it. It has been trouble-free for several years.



I had some trouble finding a plastic welder who would work on my tank. Not because of the fuel, but because of the liability. The first shop I went to refused the job. They would do it for off-road equipment, but not for an on-the-road motor vehicle. Good luck with your search (but I don't think you'll need to shorten your tank).



I wrote up my opinions and experiences in TDR #47, page 162. In that article, I stated that installing an overdrive transmission is not a job for the faint of heart. If you are not confident in your ability to solve problems that are not covered in the installation instructions, I recommend having this job done by a professional.



My US Gear overdrive is still the best accessory I have ever added to my truck. I would give up the exhaust brake before I'd give up this transmission. If you install one, you'll love it.



Loren