I changed out my auto last year for a 5 speed now I would like some info on splitters, so I can get 10

brands, durability, and any comments from users.
thanks

 

you mean one of those overdrive units ?........

 

I guess the overdrive unit is what i mean. I want to be able to split my gears Make 5 into 10

 

have one on my 5 Spd NV 4500 conversion, 94 3/4 ton diesel suburban. Its the Gear vendors OD unit and it bolts on the back of the transfer case, and you need to shorten your rear driveshaft a bunch, which may be an issue for a short bed, or non qaud cab.

Now here is the scoop on it. First off, you wont get 10 gears out of five, not even close. You really wind up with 7. The unit operates off of a internal shaft driven oil pump. The clutches lock up when you pull the button AND the output shaft of your transmission is spinning fast enough to make enough pressure.... that’s long winded, but the bottom line, you can't split 1st or 2nd gear cause the output shaft of the transmission is not spinning fast enough, only in 3rd 4th and 5th gears at decent speed can you engage it. And 4th gear with it engaged is pretty much exactly the same ratio as 5th normal. So all you really 'split' is third. On an NV4500 5 speed, though, third is really nice to split since there is a HUGE jump between 3rd and 4th. Now 5th over is really SWEET when running empty... real low cruising RPM'S and ludicrous top speeds are possible

Typically, if running empty I only use it for 5th-over, which makes my 4.10 rears in my truck real close to 3.08. Towing, I use it to split 3rd.. So starting off from a stop with my load its: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 3rd over, 4th, 5th.

Secondly, you cant use it when in 4 WD, because it only changes the ratio AFTER the transfer case. The unit comes with its own neat electronic control unit, which will not allow you to engage it if your truck is in 4 WD (assuming that the switch which turns on your 4WD light works, more on this later) and it also will not allow you to engage it if the output shaft RPMS are too low, as explained above. The electronic box also counts how many times it has been engaged. It is a very well thought out and engineered product, but it has a HUGE price tag. I got mine at an auction, unused still in a box for $600.... Otherwise, even with todays fuel prices, you probably couldn’t justify buying it new with even 50,000 miles a year driving....

Now for toughness.... FREAKIN amazing !!!! My truck 4WD indicator light hadn’t worked right for years so... yep you guessed it..... the wife pulled the button for 5th over going 65 MPH in 4 wd.... locked up all four wheels, slid to a stop using all three lanes of RT 79 to keep it straight, and managed to get stopped with the shiny side still up..... Aside from one extrememly shook up wife and four brand new R265 75 16's with flat spots on them, all was A ok !! Perfect !!! This was two years ago and the unit is still fine.. There are now 5,040 trouble free engagements showing on the electronic counter.


All and all, an extremely expensive, somewhat limited functionality, but brutally strong and well engineered unit.


KP

 

I have the GV unit also. I mostly used it for an extra overdrive on the freeway. That was until it quit working!!!!! Now when I engage it it holds for about 2 seconds then....WHAM it unlocks. I'm cussing it right now. I need to call GV and see what the problem is.

 

WOW. I always wanted to try and switch it in 4wd but never had marbles!
I figured the first thing to detonate would be the transfer case chain, then the GV, then the front diff and so on...Glad I dont have to sweat that out anymore!

 

CTD Neil, sounds like you are low on oil in it....

 

Also, check out the US Gear OD unit... www.usgear.com

It is a mechanical unit that goes BETWEEN the tranny and T-case so you can keep your 4wd.

Works just like an old 2 speed axle as far as shifting. PM member Turbo Thom for more info, he has had one for quite some time.

Chris