I found a used one for sale for 500., off a ford 4x4 (under drive).

I'm thinking (if it works on a dodge),I might pick it up? What do you think? Any experience? I tow allot and thought it might help out, my gearing is 3.54 and CA. towing speed is 55. What do you all think?

 

Everything Ive heard about aux. OD units say that the extra load put on the engine uses just as much fuel as w/o the unit on. It may also take the engine out of it peak torque operating range. I think you could spend $500 more effectively elsewhere. just my .02

 

I would love to have one on my truck but I want the overdrive. For Your application I think the under drive may be a good choice.

 

My take is that the underdrive would be good for heavy towing in the mountains or hills. This would allow you to tow at 1800 rpm sweet spot or so regardles of speed. Since you have 3.54 you already have about the optimum gearing for mileage unloaded and in the hills you wouldn't use OD.

Guys with 4.10 like me, the under drive probably won't do much except at very low speed it would allow another gear or splitting gears. The OD would be much better as you would not have to use 5th in the 5 speed while towing and reduce the risk of the 5th gear failure. You could use the OD unit and transmission 5th for unloaded cruising for better mileage. You would not have the super low gear but I haven't found anything I can't move with 1st now. With the 6sp you can use 6th and OD for good mileage too.

The trick is to stay in the engine's torque range and stay within some reasonable aerodynamic speed range say no more than 65 mph, keep the boost as low as possible. If you insist on driving way fast then you will just have to pay the piper.

Just my opinion

 

If I could find a U S Gear UD for that price I would buy it. I often have a need to go down half a gear. Also a lower gear for pulling the boat up the ramp would be nice.

 

If I could find the Overdrive for that price I would buy it. I've debated it for years now, but I just can't justify the $3k+ for the new unit. I'm not sure if the US Gear unit is that much but it is close. The Gear Vendors unit is $3.5+ I believe......not including install. It would take years to recoup that amount if fuel milage increases even increases 3 or 4 mpg (which I doubt). That would take me from 16 mpg, to 20mpg which I would think I'd have to be guaranteed for me to take the plunge.....even still, doubt it is worth it. Never the less.....I do want one.

 

Update;

In order to use the unit I would have to put a new input and out put shaft on it at a cost of $600. and make my own linkage and mounts plus shorten and lengthen the drive shafts. It would probably cost about $1700. when completed. Us Gear told me that there is very little demand for these and they have almost stopped production. The total reduction is only 20% and the dodge overdrive unit is 30%, he said it probably isn't worth it.

If any one else is interested pm me and I'll send you the phone number.

 

Interesting. Sounds like a gear change in the axles would be a better way to go then.

I wonder if Gear Vendors Overdrive is anymore beneficial than the US Gear?

 

I've been thinking a 3.31 rear with a nv5600 would be a sweet combo, but can't justify the price for 200 rpms =\