I have a chance to get a near new Gear Vender for $1500.<br>Anyone have one or a friend with one that could give me some input? Are they cool? Do they improve your gas mileage very much? If so, how much? I am going to put on a 2000 dually with a 6 speed Manual.<br>Thanks!

 

Don't even know what it is?

 

it gives your transmission a High and a low range. Sort of like a split axle like the big trucks.

 

Oh thanks I would be interested to see the specs on that too.

 

they make a good product but i would check with the company and make sure it can handle the power from the motor. they will improve your mileage

 

Any Idea how much of an improvement on mileage? It was bought for my Dads V10, I will ask them if it will handle it on the Diesel.

 

I had one on my 92 Ford 1 ton 5 speed with a 460. About the only time I used it was on the interstate. When I was going 55 - 60 on other state highways, it would lug it down from the decreased RPM's. I did considerable towing with my truck and never had problems with it, but never used it while towing either. I can tell you that I got 15 mpg with that 460 when I did use it.

 

GearVendors

It is not just an overdrive unit. It is a &quot;gear-splitter&quot;. For example, on a 47RE equipped truck, you would gain a gear between 1-2 (1st over), a gear between 2-3 (2nd over), and an overdrive gear. The beauty of the GV overdrive (for towing purposes) is that you can leave your tranny in 3rd (direct drive) and use the GV overdrive to drop rpms, thus saving your tranny's OD unit. Anyway... Unless you are towing a lot of weight, I don't think it's really necessary on your HO, 6spd. But, $1500 is a steal for one of these units! They retail for over twice that amount. In my opinion, this unit is much more valuable to an auto tranny than a manual, if I had the money I would not hesitate to purchase one for my truck. Also, the power should not be a problem, I know these are installed on diesels all the time, but you should inquire with the manufacturer since the unit you are considering was purchased for a V10.

Russ

 

Just a heads-up -- You can't use one in 4WD, so if your target vehicle is a 4x4, that may be something to consider. Also, the ratio is 0.78:1, and sixth is 0.73:1, not a very big difference.

 

I have never used one of these units but have done some research i prefer the piece made by US gear only based on construction. I believe that both units have a GVW of over 30,000lbs. the US gear piece can be used in a 4x4 it would mount between the tranny and transfer case. <br>US GEAR<br>Also US gear makes true under and over drives.<br><br>Dan

 

Yes they can be used on 4x4's. I want to get one because of the bigger tires, the 3.55's are hurting to pull the camper in sixth. They either raise or lower your rpms 100 for every 1000 rpms. Example: 70 mph=2000rpms, with us gear overdrive 70 mph=1800 rpms. Underdrive is the exact opposite in that it raises rpms.

 

[quote author=ridofpwrstroke link=board=7;threadid=13920;start=0#131025 date=1051124488]<br>Yes they can be used on 4x4's. I want to get one because of the bigger tires, the 3.55's are hurting to pull the camper in sixth. They either raise or lower your rpms 100 for every 1000 rpms. Example: 70 mph=2000rpms, with us gear overdrive 70 mph=1800 rpms. Underdrive is the exact opposite in that it raises rpms.<br>[/quote]<br>You can get a Gear Venders drive that bolts on after the tranfer case for a 4x4, but it can't be used when you are in 4wd. Check out Gear Venders web site. It's explained right on the opening page. The U.S. Gear unit goes between the transfer case and the tranny, and can be used in 4wd. <br>If you really want one check with Kent at Scheid Diesel, Lafayette, Indiana at 1-800-669-3533. <br>I just got an underdrive unit for my 3500 5spd. and I think it's THE answer to that 5spd. trannies wide split.<br>Ruadh

 

Ruadh did u pick up any drive line vibrations after the install.?

 

No vibration at all. The outfit that I used to shorten the one shaft and lengthen the other is very good at what they do. I've used them for years for my race cars and have never had a problem.<br>Ruadh

 

What did the unit cost, and which one did you get? Did it go between the t case and tranny? You install it yourself?