Gearvendors or US Gear?

[Wirenut]

OK guys, I've decided I've gotta get one, but you all can tell me which one to buy. They both seem like good units and are close in price. They both claim to handle lots of HP and torque (as my truck is slightly modified... and not done yet) so which one is better?

 

[RHoblitt]

Never had a gear vender but have had the U S Gear under/drive in our 3500 five speed for almost six years and 90,000 miles now. We pull a 33 frt fith wheel trailer with a GCW of 20,200. WE run 4 inch exhaust and 288 rear wheel hp. We have 3. 54 direct gears and 4. 44 under/drive so we get up the hills very good and i can split the gears as i shift so when loaded i take off in first under and shift to second and split that and then split again to third under and then direct and so on. Alot of shifting but it sure is easy on the truck because the gear split is half of what the factory gave us and being an old retired truck driver i lke to shift anyway. With this set up i can back out of it on a hill and get back into it and pickup speed again. Would i do it again ? you bet i would. The U. S Gear has a 35,000 GVW. I think the gear vender works better with a automatic trans. For what its worth. Richard

 

[JNeiman]

We have a gear vendor in our 3500 4x4 6speed right now that we are trying to sell. We bought the truck with it on there, (low miles) and dont use it often. We are selling the unit, the hardware, switch, and shortened driveshaft that'd fit your truck too all together. It works perfectly. Its on a 2000 and is only about 2 years old, with about 30,000 miles on it. It is deffinately a nice set up. 1500 rpms at 70mph. If you are interested in saving a lot over a new one, contact me and make me an offer. Feel free to call me @ 518 669 4426 anytime. Thanks, JOE

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

Bombin' da Bus!

Wirenut,



Don't know anything about over/under drives but do have a '99 Freightliner bus with Cummins ISB. The 275rv injectors should be here next week. I drive strictly for fuel mileage and am putting in the 275's to try for an increase from 9. 6 mpg's. It has the Allison auto without lock-up and plenty of power for the rural driving I do.

Whatcha' gonna do to the Ford?



Trent

 

[MikeH]

Wirenut,



I've got a Gearvendor unit on mine. The truck is an automatic with 4. 10 gear and the GV works perfect for my application. I use 3rd, 3rd over, 4th (OD) and 4th over to get a good engine RPM for whatever towing speed I need. 4th over is perfect running unloaded with the 4. 10 on the highway. I can also shift it like an automatic under full throttle.



If I were running a 5 speed like you are though I think I would consider the U. S. Gear OD. It will be easier to use with your engine brake and you can use it with any of your transmission gears.



MikeH (formerly of Southern MD)

 

[JNeiman]

Not trying to be defensive here, but I think both units have their positives and negatives. For one thing, it is nearly impossible to split gears with the US unit without a loud clunk. On the other hand the GV splits smoothly. The GV needs to be in a direct gear to use an exhaust brake or damage can result where the US unit is designed to handle an exhaust brake. I'd say do some searches on both units and see what you come up with.

 

[Wirenut]

Whoa, i didn't know about the exhaust brake thing, that kinda made my decision there, unless one of these guys selling a used unit will make me a good deal . Trent, actually we just got rid of the Ford and got a 2003 Freightliner with the Mercedes Benz engine. Runs pretty good. Mom likes it... she drives the route.

 

[illflem]

Since no one has said anything I'll jump in with some half knowledge.

One of the brands requires much more installation hours and parts than the other.

 

[Randy E]

Gearvendeors or US Gear

I have used both units in different trucks since 1998. I really like the gearvendor since it shifts fairly quietly and without actually having to tap clutch, just letting up on throttle. What I don't like about it is the fact that you aren't supposed to use it below 35 mph, meaning you can't split first or second gear. The US gear unit is strong and also works in reverse for whatever that is worth to you. What I don't like about it is the very loud clunk sound it makes, unless you shift it below about 20 mph. On trips a long distance from home, I hesitate using it, since it sounds like something is getting ready to leave the truck out the bottom. It has done this for three years, without any problems. I heard from a friend who also has a us gear unit that his is the same way. He called us gear, and they say that is normal.

Both units work as presented. One will get used more often than the other. Randy E

 

[4xquadrod]

Gearvendors

I have Gear Vendors in my moterhome. Total weight is around 25000 lbs and have had no problems with it. Its shifts good while under power, don't have to let up on the throttle. The only thing I have to be aware of is it is not designed to be engaged while going down a grade using the engine to control vehicle speed. But that really isn't a problem for me, the standard gears do this fine.



It would be nice if they designed a computer that would shift between the trans and the over drive unit with out having to push the button in and out of the unit.



I'm considering installing one in my truck and one of my cars.



Besides that it is 5 minutes from my office

 

[shakey]

Who sells the U S Gear units?

 

[NIsaacs]

Like others have said, there are differences in both units. They are both rated at 35,000 lbs but other than that they are totally different. The GV is an automatic type unit with planateries. They are overdrive only and will not work in overdrive at low speed or with an exaust brake. The US unit is under or overdrive, all gears like a manual trans and can be used with e-brake. I think they mount in front of the transfer case on 4-wheel drive, so you can use it in 4x4, the GV has to be in direct. I may be wrong on this last statement???



"NICK"

 

[John - K5AWO]

Originally posted by JNeiman

We have a gear vendor in our 3500 4x4 6speed right now that we are trying to sell. We bought the truck with it on there, (low miles) and dont use it often. We are selling the unit, the hardware, switch, and shortened driveshaft that'd fit your truck too all together. It works perfectly. Its on a 2000 and is only about 2 years old, with about 30,000 miles on it. It is deffinately a nice set up. 1500 rpms at 70mph. If you are interested in saving a lot over a new one, contact me and make me an offer. Feel free to call me @ 518 669 4426 anytime. Thanks, JOE

Will this model gear vendor OD fit on an automatic transmission?

Anyone know?? Specifically a 47RE in a '98. 5 truck.

 

[RustyJC]

Generally speaking, the U. S. Gear unit works best with manual transmissions and the GearVendors works best with automatics. As others have said, the GearVendors unit cannot be used with an exhaust brake when the GV unit is engaged.



Rusty

 

[BPINE]

Originally posted by RustyJC

Generally speaking, the U. S. Gear unit works best with manual transmissions and the GearVendors works best with automatics. As others have said, the GearVendors unit cannot be used with an exhaust brake when the GV unit is engaged.



Rusty

That sums it up perfectly, my US gear now has about 90 K on it and is still working great. I did have one small problem a leaking seal which was fixed with no problem.