Getrag

[rammin 96]

I just sold my 96 3500, and I am looking at buying a 93 3500. The question I have is how much power can the getrag hold? I'm looking at putting a Southbend Con O in it, but I hear the input shaft won't hold the power of pump adjustments plus POD's. If anyone has any info on this subject please let me know. Thanks.

 

[Paychk]

Good luck on the 93 3500... ... . I didn't know that any were made.

 

[power grizz]

the getrag will hold, no problem. the weak point is the lower(countershaft) bearings. unless you plan to do a lot of towing i wouldnt worry about it. just keep the oil fresh and a little overfull. when the transmission goes out go for the nv4500 swap.



mine held for all season drag racing and pulling at 310hp/1100tq from a p-pumped motor. pulled it apart when i smased it and the only thing i found wrong was that the input shaft had a half a tooth twist. i figured it came from some severe hopping at one pull, the front tires were leaving the ground.



grizz

 

[JFitzgerald]

I'd suggest draining the Getrag's oil, pulling one or both of the side covers and looking at the condition of the internals, check for excessive play, etc. If things look OK, refill with 5 qts. 5W30 synthetic and run it. That's a quart overfull. Mine is still going with no problems, but many have died. Keep in mind that the 1st gen clutch was a lot better clutch than the 2nd gens had, so you may not need to upgrade it.



grizz, I've been scared to hook my truck to a sled, just because of the reputation of the Getrag. I have confidence in the rest of the drivetrain, but am leary of the trans. Now you've got me thinking, and I sure don't have the power yours had. Got any pics or video with your tires off the ground? A friend of mine has a truck we call the frog because of how it always hops at the pulls, and it's green.

 

[AMikonis]

I snapped a Getrag input shaft pulling away from stop sign on a slight grade. Truck was all stock and empty at the time.



Still, we've been able to get a couple "bad" Getrags back on the road by just replacing one bearing. Once a countershaft bearing, and once a mainshaft rear bearing. Both trucks still on the road - one is pulling trailers 5 days a week. If you don't abuse them and have a major failure, I think they're relatively easy to service, and parts are cheap now.



I understand keeping the proper preload on the shafts is important. Anyone found a shim assortment you can buy without buying the whole kit?



Andy

 

[rammin 96]

Thanks for the info. I plan on replacing the clutch because the factory one is in not so good condition. I also plan to pull quite a bit, so I'm going to have the transmission gone through and all the seals and bearings replaced.

 

[power grizz]

yes,the transmission is relatively simple to take apart. when the front lower bearing went out on mine i took thew bearing and seal numbers to my local machine shop and he ordered the parts for me. i only changed the case bearings at that time and the total bill for four bearings and two sealswas under $100.



jfitz,

the getrag is as strong as the the nv4500, it just doesnt last that long. the inputs between the two are the same sizes and the gears inside are similar also.



i could use a spare getrag or two if any of you guys know where i could find one.



grizz

 

[Paychk]

Maybe here?



https://www.turbodieselregister.com...isplay_db_button=on&db_id=635&query=retrieval

 

[BushWakr - RIP]

rammin 96,



I understand that the original clutch is a Sachs. You might want to look into having it rebuilt as they are a good clutch.

You can have an aftermarket put in, but the Sachs is not one to just throw away... . just my opinion mind you, but I think that they can be built to hold all We can put thru them.



bob.

 

[Grey Wolf]

I would have to agree with Bob the original clutch is good, as a matter of fact I still have the original one in use in my truck However when my son and I put a '96 engine in his '90 we decided to use a South Bend. All I can say is they are like day and night and when mine wears out... . if it ever does I'll be getting another South bend.



Just my 2 cents