Over/UnderDrive??

[MKizziah]

Hi All,

Finally have my truck at the power range that works for me. Now I'm looking into adding an over/under Drive unit. I pull a gooseneck 4 horse w/ living quarters @ 12k Lbs +/- . Short and long haul trips. I'd really like to tach about 1. 8 -2k @ 70+ . I've had a GearVendors O/U Drive behind a 454/TD400 gasser and wasn't that impressed. 10k fluid changes always showed overheated fluid and cluch material. In my mind that = slipage.

From my research the other alternative is the USGear Unit. A planetary gear setup. Is any one out there running this unit ?? I'd love to hear any stories pro or con on it. Running a 5sp man. and hate the 3rd-4th ratio. Would love another gear in between.

I apologize if this post is in the wrong forum or has been addressed before.

Cheers,
Matt
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[Utah Willie]

I have had a U. S. Gear O/D unit on my '99 dually 4x4 with a five speed manual and 3. 54 axle ratio of over 80K miles. I have had the shift motor replaced just recently and the mechanic said the gears looked new... I really abused this unit too. I'd say O/D as it gives you the opportunity to split gears and run the flat in direct drive (or 4th on a manual) O/D . All this may be voided with an A/T. Oh... . I hauled a 12,000 # + for a good part of that mileage... up and down the American and Canadian Rockies and the sierras. No sweat.

 

[mroidt]

I saw this on eBay and thought you might be interested or just for info.



http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...ry=33733&item=7932938133&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW



Hope it comes through

 

[MKizziah]

Thanks for the tip !!! Unfortunately I have 2x4 and the unit was for a 4x4... Damn!! Half price would have been a killer deal !!!


Thanks Again !!!


Matt

 

[Graphic man]

My Dad has a US gear underdrive unit in his 2000 F-350 and pulls a 20,000lb 5th wheel and he loves it!

 

[Loren]

Matt,



I have a US Gear unit behind my 6-speed in my 2000 year, 2500 model 4x4.



The ONLY problem I have had with this unit was erratic shifting because I wired it wrong when I installed it. The power wire needs to constantly hot, and I ran mine from a source that was hot only when the key was on.



Regarding the decision about an overdrive vs. an underdrive... If you find that you occasionally want a gear lower than first, buy an underdrive. If you would rather have a gear higher than fifth (or sixth), then buy an overdrive. If you are in both categories, you'll have to decide which is more important. Most drivers would be best served with an overdrive.



You can split gears with either an overdrive or an underdrive.



Good luck,

Loren

 

[Forrest Nearing]

put a 6sp in it... they put the extra gear in there for ya!



Forrest