overdrive transmissions anyone?

[NBigelow]

Just wanted to know if anyone has installed an overdive transmission on their truck and had thought it was worth the $3k and improved the fuel milage?

if so please let me know

thanks

 

[Jumbo Jet]

Had a 2002 4. 10 with GearVendors. Yes, it improved fuel mileage somewhat running in double OD. Best I ever got was 24. 5 mpg running 75MPH with a nice tail wind from Grants, NM to Oklahoma City, OK.

 

[Doubleclutch]

Didn't put the gearvendors in the 5 speed for mileage... for gear splitting. If you drive a 5 speed you'll appreciate splitting.

Greg

 

[Buffalo]

The "rumor" I heard was that you cannot use the Gear Vendors in 4 wheel drive but, the US Gear unit will allow 4 w/d use.



Also, if you want to use an exhaust brake the Gear Vendors doesn't work well with them. Has something to do with the cone-shaped clutch, I believe. Apparently, it works well in a forward direction but, when you try to reverse the direction on the clutch, it doesn't want to hold very well.



I am not an expert on this stuff but, these are things I have heard. I think it would be a good idea to research this to make sure you get the proper unit to fit your needs.



Joe F. (Buffalo)

 

[LHallmark]

The "rumor" I heard was that you cannot use the Gear Vendors in 4 wheel drive but, the US Gear unit will allow 4 w/d use.



Also, if you want to use an exhaust brake the Gear Vendors doesn't work well with them. Has something to do with the cone-shaped clutch, I believe. Apparently, it works well in a forward direction but, when you try to reverse the direction on the clutch, it doesn't want to hold very well.



I am not an expert on this stuff but, these are things I have heard. I think it would be a good idea to research this to make sure you get the proper unit to fit your needs.



Joe F. (Buffalo)

Buffalo is correct in all points... ... ... Had the GV on a '96 auto and towed a 12K 5th behind the truck alot. The GV allowed me to tow with trans in 3rd and GV engaged. The trans OD had to work to hard and drove transmission temps and EGT way up. Was a pain in the butt to split gears... . had to manually shift the transmission and at the same time turn the GV off, then wait for rpm to build so you could turn GV on... ... . then repeat for the next gear. Running empty in double OD was a hoot... ... . 1500rpm at 75mph. On the flat ground I could get a solid 24MPG that way, but had no guts on the hills. The Exhaust brake did cause problems, so just made sure it was turned off if using the GV. Two wheel use only, make sure the GV is off if using 4X4.

I like my 05 NV5600 a lot better... .....

 

[4xquadrod]

Gear Vendors

I had a unit installed to lower my drone on the freeway and hopefully to help fuel consumption.

My drone is greatly minimized at 70, which is where I usually drive on the Freeways.
I have'nt noticed better milage. It does work with a Fourwheel drive truck, you just can't engage it unless you are in 2wd. It is nice to split the gears while towing. Mostly I just use the Over, overdrive though.

 

[wbrown02]

I just like the idea of having more gears... double overdrive is great empty... . with a lite foot mileage will increase 2 to 3 mpg on the highway... . I guess as diesel becomes more expensive ($2. 39 a gallon last Thursday in Norco, California) it will make more and more sense..... If you wish to do it for the mileage increace only the money spent may not be worh it to you? I like the motor going slow while I go fast..... just my take on it. For me my truck is realy a big toy and is not an every day driver. Hope this helps?

 

[Hokey]

Used one all last year, new units have auto lock out when using 4wd, The unit is well made and works great. cost of unit does not have a good payback period for gas saved but is pretty useful when you have a 5 or 6 speed with 4:10's. I enjoyed mine and would purchase or use one again. Really enjoyed using it empty cruising at highway speeds. I was seeing 24 to 25 mpg at 65 to 70 mph. also used it for towing 9800 pound trailer. never had a problem with it enjoyed it.

 

[NIsaacs]

About 10 years ago, I installed a Gear vendors in a "94" 3500 CTD w/5spd. and 3. 54 gears. He was an old retired truck driver and seemed to like it, mostly for the fun factor. Like others have said, it will not work in 4x4 or with an exhaust brake. When he was pulling heavy, he would use 4th over, rather than 5th direct to save on 5th gear. Overdrive is the weak link in all overdrive standard tranmissions. Double over was kinda cool running empty, even with 3. 54's. As far as fuel savings, he wasn't sure about that. He did break the transfer case housing once and lost the unit once. The warranty was good, however.



With your 4. 10 gears, you will like the double over, however with the close ratio 6spd, splitting gears will not work. For example, 3rd over will be the same ratio as 4th direct and so on. Also with a Gear vendors, you must be going about 20 mph for it to kick in over, but in case of breakage, it will revert to direct so you can limp home.





"NICK"