Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
I've looked thru many of the threads from people using GV OD units on their trucks, both pro and con. But most everyone is using the tailhousing type (ie, bolts directly onto the transmission), or else they don't specify which type they're using.
While I don't have any preference as far as brand, GV seems to be the only one so far that makes a remote mount unit - instead of being bolted to the transmission, it's fitted into the driveshaft taking the place of a center bearing in a two piece or becoming the center bearing in what was originally a one piece driveshaft.
I've got a diesel vehicle that I'm interested in fitting one of the remote mount OD units on - a 1987 MB 300D Turbodiesel sedan.
As is, it has an old style 4 speed slushbox (non-lockup) auto transmission - vacuum/hydraulic/throttle cable controls. Geared 3. 6/2. 41/1. 44/1, with a 2. 65 rear end, stock tires 195/65R15's.
Vehicle weight is listed as 3200 lbs stock. Engine is an OM603. 960 I6 3. 0 L diesel with a Garrett T3-type turbo. Rated 148 HP @ 4800 rpm, 200 ftlbs @ 2400 rpm, redline 5100 rpm - all strictly mechanical injection.
Two piece hollow tube driveshaft with rubber flex disc couplings at each end, and a center carrier bearing and u-joint. Fully independent rear suspension with CV joint-type rear axle shafts.
When I keep it around 2200 rpm or just below - 55 to 60 mph - on the drive to work, it easily knocks down in the 30+ mpg range. Just did 500 miles on this last tank - it's 15 gallons from full down to the Reserve mark - and the needle is just touching the top edge of the Reserve mark.
But at 70 mph on the interstate, it's up in the 2800 - 3000 rpm range. And while the fuel mileage is still nothing to be ashamed of, I can't help but wonder what it would do with an OD gear that would drop it back down to around 2200 rpm at that speed. With the 0. 78 gearing on a GV remote mount unit, that would just about do the trick.
Gear splitting would be a side benefit if it were manageable - main thrust is getting an OD gear for interstate driving. Already looked at swapping in the 5 speed version of this MB transmission, but it's been noted by my local transmission guru that that particular 5 speed was not one of MB's best efforts (in other words, it's an unreliable POS that's a PITA to work on), while the original 4 speed version that's in the car he noted as being rock solid and could easily outlive the car. And a transmission swap would just get more complicated from there. So a remote mount OD unit looks to be the simplest and least costly option.
Has anyone ever used one of GV's remote mount (driveshaft mounted) units, and what's your opinion of it, both pro and con? Does anyone know of another brand of OD unit that also offers a remote mount configuration?
While I don't have any preference as far as brand, GV seems to be the only one so far that makes a remote mount unit - instead of being bolted to the transmission, it's fitted into the driveshaft taking the place of a center bearing in a two piece or becoming the center bearing in what was originally a one piece driveshaft.
I've got a diesel vehicle that I'm interested in fitting one of the remote mount OD units on - a 1987 MB 300D Turbodiesel sedan.
As is, it has an old style 4 speed slushbox (non-lockup) auto transmission - vacuum/hydraulic/throttle cable controls. Geared 3. 6/2. 41/1. 44/1, with a 2. 65 rear end, stock tires 195/65R15's.
Vehicle weight is listed as 3200 lbs stock. Engine is an OM603. 960 I6 3. 0 L diesel with a Garrett T3-type turbo. Rated 148 HP @ 4800 rpm, 200 ftlbs @ 2400 rpm, redline 5100 rpm - all strictly mechanical injection.
Two piece hollow tube driveshaft with rubber flex disc couplings at each end, and a center carrier bearing and u-joint. Fully independent rear suspension with CV joint-type rear axle shafts.
When I keep it around 2200 rpm or just below - 55 to 60 mph - on the drive to work, it easily knocks down in the 30+ mpg range. Just did 500 miles on this last tank - it's 15 gallons from full down to the Reserve mark - and the needle is just touching the top edge of the Reserve mark.
But at 70 mph on the interstate, it's up in the 2800 - 3000 rpm range. And while the fuel mileage is still nothing to be ashamed of, I can't help but wonder what it would do with an OD gear that would drop it back down to around 2200 rpm at that speed. With the 0. 78 gearing on a GV remote mount unit, that would just about do the trick.
Gear splitting would be a side benefit if it were manageable - main thrust is getting an OD gear for interstate driving. Already looked at swapping in the 5 speed version of this MB transmission, but it's been noted by my local transmission guru that that particular 5 speed was not one of MB's best efforts (in other words, it's an unreliable POS that's a PITA to work on), while the original 4 speed version that's in the car he noted as being rock solid and could easily outlive the car. And a transmission swap would just get more complicated from there. So a remote mount OD unit looks to be the simplest and least costly option.
Has anyone ever used one of GV's remote mount (driveshaft mounted) units, and what's your opinion of it, both pro and con? Does anyone know of another brand of OD unit that also offers a remote mount configuration?
