US Gear O/D???????

[Barry]

I have been giving a great deal of thought to an O/D aux trannie. I have ruled out the Gear Vendors because I do not want to have to think about which side of the trans I am in before using my ebrake. Soooooooooo... ... ... . I am trying to gather info from US Gear owners/users. My DEE/4:10s are perfect for towing but I have run over 5,000 miles in less than 30 days and half of that was bob-tail. As always, I need 1 more gear. (As a side thought, I am getting cold feet about the new 4 door. By the time it is available, I will have over 100,000 miles on my truck. Besides the 5 grand I have spent making it the way I want it, I'll take it in the shorts when I try to sell a 2001 with over 100K. AND, being that I am trying to semi retire in 14 months I am looking at the fact that my 2001 will almost be paid. Hence, thats why I am considering an O/D unit and just keeping my truck... ..... I like it!)

 

[RobG]

I have one on my ETH/DEE and wouldn't be without it. I also have 4. 10's so I got the overdrive version of the USGear box. Now I have a selectable 4. 10/3. 28.



In 6th gear, RPMs drop by almost 500 when you turn on the OD. It's awesome for running unloaded, or on flat ground without a headwind when loaded (otherwise EGTs get too high on my heavily modded truck).



It's also great for splitting gears when climbing hills and stuff, so I can keep the RPMs exactly where they need to be for a given speed and my load.



Installation was fairly easy too, but a helper is mandatory unless you're Ahhhnold.



Rob

 

[nwinters]

Does the OD unit replace the factory one? This will allow you to use 4WD still, correct? Does the Gear Vendor unit allow 4WD?



Nate

 

[RobG]

The US Gear unit fits between the transmission and the transfer case, allowing you to use it in or out of 4wd. It doesn't replace anything; it supplements whatever you already have.



I don't know how US Gear handles automatics, though I know they support them. The US Gear unit shifts kinda harshly (it clunks but you rarely feel it) which is why some prefer the GV unit with automatics. I'd still get the USGear mainly because of what Barry pointed out -- you can't use an e-brake with the GV unit engaged because it'll fry the unit. You can use it fine with the USGear, and I do so daily.



Rob

 

[Barry]

How much is that little puppy???????

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

BARRY, I wouldn't be without my US Gear OD - it really reduces the RPM when out on the freeway - and I usually use the OD even when towing our 24 ft fiver on the flats and up to 4% or so grades. No particular fuel savings for me, just FAR easier cruising. I'll second the helpfull comments from all the US Gear owners up above...

 

[Barry]

Thanx guys for the comments. Now, how much is one of those things????

 

[GeneA]

Barry, I've had the O/D unit for about 40,000 miles of heavy towing. It was installed at Precision Power of Kokom, IN for about $2200. I had a lot of trouble at first of losing the overdrive but got it fixed under warranty after finding taht it was a mistake on the install. I now have a slight leak and hope just a round of tightening up will take care of it. Overall I am very satisfied with the unit. See my signature for equipment.

 

[Ed]

Install

Rob G. ,



I'm up in the foothills. (Not too far from Concord). Where did you buy yours, have it installed, and how much?



Gary,



Call me some time... 146. 895 (-) 100. 0 or 103. 5 Pl



Thanks,



Ed

N6LZR

 

[SLVRBLT]

Underdrive?

RobG-



After pulling my 5er about 5K in the mountains on one trip this summer, I am seriously considering a US Gear underdrive transmission. (I have 3:54 axles) I appreciate the info you posted on the US Gear product.



My friend and I are planning on doing the install. Does installation involve modifying both drive shafts on a 4x4? If so, I'm not worried doing this, just curious? Appreciate any help.

Dave

 

[RobG]

Ed:



I'm not a HAM so I can't call, but maybe we can do lunch sometime!



Ed & Dave:



I got mine from Diesel Dynamics (as I did most of my other mods). I installed it myself... took myself and a helper about four hours on our backs. The sucker is heavy (65 lbs), and getting the 75 lb. transfer case out and back in is even more fun, but it's totally doable.



I did the wiring the following day, which took another 3-4 hours taking my time. It wasn't that it was hard; I was just taking my time running the wires carefully.



Both driveshafts get modified... the rear gets about 13" taken off and the front gets that amount added. There's a local driveline shop called Driveline Service of Concord that did the work for me. I think it was around $350 for both and they used the yoke off my stock 2-piece shaft to save money . They built me a one-piece rear shaft and just lengthened the front shaft.



The downside of the one-piece shaft is that you will then get a fair amount of movement from all that stuff under the truck (trans, OD and xfer case) that you don't get with the two-piece shaft, since it helps to support the components. It isn't hurting anything, but depending on the year of your truck, you may experience some thumping from down below while the xfer case dents the correct impression into the tunnel.



Once that's done, the only thing you notice is a little bit of movement from the 4wd/2wd lever while driving. I had worried that it'd cause my transmission bushing to shear, but after a year of use (and about 16k miles with it), that hasn't happened yet.



Rob

 

[E-9]

US GEAR OD

I have the US GEAR unit and am running a 3:54 gear. I tow in the mountains a lot, and would advise going with the overdrive. You can split gears from 1st to 5th and still have the od for cruising on the freeway. I initially installed my unit as an underdrive and converted to an overdrive after 30,000 miles. If you lose 5th gear, you can still run highway speeds in 4th-over.

 

[Reddog1]

I have a US Gear unit, set-up as an underdrive, coupled to an automatic. This is a new-to-me 96 Ram (had it about three months), and I am still playing with it. I bought the Ram from an estate, therefor could not talk to the original owner. The US Gear Transmission was used to pull a 35 foot fifth wheel. The Ram has the US Gear Exhaust brake. Both units have been in the Ram for 115,000 miles, with no obvious problems.



As I previously stated, my US Gear unit is set-up as an underdrive, and I am not sure I would want to change it to an overdrive. With 3. 5 gears, at 55 mph I am doing 1500 rpm and at 65 mph 1750 rpm. This is with no load, Dodge Over Drive and direct drive in the US Gear. In underdrive, 45 mph @ 1500 rpm and 55 @ 1750.



I am still testing. As I recall, 1500 RPM @55 in direct and 2100 RPM @ 55 in underdrive. Consider the following:



1. Automatic 2500 Ram empty.

2. In hills, from 200 feet to 1600 feet elevation, four stop signs,

54 miles round trip.

3. Gear charts indicate 3. 5 gears in direct, and 4. 1s in underdrive.

4. 19 MPG in direct and 18 MPG in underdrive.

5. The original owner of my Ram Paid about $2900 for the

U. S. Gear Transmission, plus driveline and Installation.

6. Definitely more power in underdrive (more fun to drive), but lower top speed.





Wayne

 

[Iceman1]

Well, guess I got the wrong brand but still wouldn't be without the splitter of some type. This unit was on the truck when I got it. When pulling a load of whatever I usually split 3rd, 4th and sometimes fifth gear if I am on flat ground and not lugging the engine. On the exhaust brake I get better braking action if the motor is between 1800 to 2200. Just remember that 60lb exhaust springs will provide better braking action. It is an expensive add on but I find it a lot easier to keep the motor in the power band when hooked up to a good load. Just my 2 pennies... Mike

 

[QRTRHRS]

Iceman1



Noticed the Kelderman Airride in your signature. How do you like it? Did you do the install or was it already on your truck? Have you ever compared your ride to stock?