Gear Vendors

I'm looking for info on GV od's. IE: The real benefits of having one, what kind of mileage can I get and the big question, will it work pulling a 13,000lb 5th wheel around. And does anyone have one for sale?
Thanks

I have a GV under/over on my half a ton. I pulled it out of a 77 C30, "camper special" with factory tow package. It works great, it's used almost the same as your typical overdrive or towing setup on the newer trucks. It has a 30/40 ratio. works great. They will usually run you around $2500.00 or so new. The two most popular vendors are 'Gear Vendor' and U.S.Gear. 'Gear Vendor' if Im not mistaken is in El Cajon, Calif. You can gain up to 30% more MPG's when you use the overdrive. When pulling your 13k 5thwheel, you use the underdrive portion to pull you up and through those nasty hills which would usually kill your standard Turbo 400. The under/overdrive splits the TH400 3 ways so technically you have 3 differnt gears for each of your standard 3. Its very similar to having a 2speed rear end. It is very "wise" investment for your truck and it saves having to convert to a 4L60/80e like on the newer trucks. And it costs half the price. The only mod(s) you have to do are to cut a hole in the floor(for some Model OD's), and shorten the driveshaft some. On my 1/2 ton, I had to cut a hole in the floor to accomidate the bulky unit. Mine is an older model and is roughly the size of a typical tranfer case on most 4x4's. The company supplied me with a molded cover to cover up the hole which actually looked really nice when installed. Fortunately for the 1/2 ton it is under the seat so it is not in the way. The newer models I think are more compact than the older ones are. You may not have any issues with the CrewCab because the Driveshaft tunnel goes all the way back to the end of the cab. So you should have plenty of room. Here is just a little info on the subject and welcome to the site! Chris

thay work good i like them. but as a trany guy i would go with a 4l80e i have a 4l60 in my dually with a 650/700hp 502 im planing on towing my 31 foot enclosed tralor with it
but im a tranny bulder and i can fix it if i blow it up heheh

erik

I think if you've already dumped money into your non-OD transmission, maybe the GV is the way to go. But if your trans needs a build or you don't have a trans yet, the best thing to do is get a transmission that is already an OD - in the case of GM trucks, a 4L80E automagic, or an NV4500 manual, both are strong transmissions. They cost some bucks but less than you'd spend on a 1:1 trans AND a GV unit.

Just my 2 cents

Richard

how would they work for everyday driving ..

The GV unit works the same as your overdrive does on the newer trucks. Sometimes using a foot trigger or a column mount button. It just simply splits your gears so for each standard gear you have an extra 2, 1 up and 1 down which gives you 3 gears for each. Around town I dont even bother with it unless I get on the freeways, hit the switch and then I have my overdrive.

ive got a guy at my work with a 900hp drag car he installed it and loves it he needed more gearing for 1/4 mile

thanks Chris and the rest of you guys for your info, that realy helps alot.
My trany is in great shape, so I think I'll be looking for a GV.
Are used ones ok, how long do they last does any one know?

used is good way to go

I have one I purchased new a few years ago to put in my race car, but it slowed it down a little. I bought if off a guy new in the box for $1500. They are a blast to drive if you overdrive all the gears. I plan on dumping my my TBi and 4l80 and going LSX with a 4l60e (since that what's my GV fits) and installing the GV in the next year or so. This should help my gas mileage a bunch.

Yes I know I can put my GV behind the 4l80, but the tube cost $600+ (unless I find a used one on ebay).