overdrive manual transmission options?

[s10mk]

Hello,

To my knowledge, there are three good options for an overdrive manual trans.
1. Ranger overdrive coupled with sm420/ sm465
2. Nv4500
3. T56 with midshift kit.
I didn't include the gear vendors, only because at $3k, it's a little out of my price range. And I wouldn't consider the nv3500 due to durability issues.
Am I missing anything?

Out of the three options I listed, what are the pros and cons? what has worked the best for you?

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by s10mk

Hello,

To my knowledge, there are three good options for an overdrive manual trans.
1. Ranger overdrive coupled with sm420/ sm465
2. Nv4500
3. T56 with midshift kit.
I didn't include the gear vendors, only because at $3k, it's a little out of my price range. And I wouldn't consider the nv3500 due to durability issues.
Am I missing anything?

Out of the three options I listed, what are the pros and cons? what has worked the best for you?

This is how I replaced my SM465 with an NV4500 in my '72 Chevy Dually.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=673588

That was in 2015 and it is still working great today....

LockDoc

[68GRNK20]

I'd go with the NV4500, the NV3500 is a good transmission if you are not using your truck for too much work, it is a medium duty and only rated for 300 ft/lbs
I wouldn't bother with add on overdrives the seem expensive for what your getting and unless you really want to keep your transmission that you have already.

[Bigdav160]

Define "good options"

4x4 selection is really limited. 2WD less so.

You left off the T-5 and the A-883 (which was available with an overdrive).

Also there are a few aftermarket solutions.

edit: I didn't see that you put the NV3500 in the bad option list so the weaker T-5 would also be out.

[HO455]

Here is a good site for some research on the subject.

https://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledg...ssions/manual/

[Keith Seymore]

I'm a huge fan of the New Process A-833 (RPO MY6).

250,000 miles on mine with no issues.

K

[s10mk]

Originally Posted by Keith Seymore

I'm a huge fan of the New Process A-833 (RPO MY6).

250,000 miles on mine with no issues.

K

Well I'm certainly happy I started this thread, I've never heard of that transmission. Thanks know you much!

[bw46]

I have a TKO600 and I'm not very impressed with it. the case leaks a bit from the factory (I bought it new), it's kind of noisy in 4th, and the 1st to 2nd shift is slow and cumbersome. Maybe I got a lemon, who knows. I do like the 5th gear overdrive, it's smooth and quiet.
For reference, I have this installed behind a BBC in a 66 2WD

[clay68c10]

The TKO 500 is a good option, the 1-2 ratio split seems like it would be good for most uses and the overdrive is fairly steep.

[RustyBucket]

Originally Posted by bw46

I have a TKO600 and I'm not very impressed with it. the case leaks a bit from the factory (I bought it new), it's kind of noisy in 4th, and the 1st to 2nd shift is slow and cumbersome. Maybe I got a lemon, who knows. I do like the 5th gear overdrive, it's smooth and quiet.
For reference, I have this installed behind a BBC in a 66 2WD

I'm surprised & sorry to see your not happy with the TKO600..... I have a TKO500/mild 454 combo in a '72 2wd Blazer and I like it a LOT. I don't full throttle shift it but I do pull 2nd pretty hard sometimes showing off and it does fine. Reverse is a little noisy. 3.27 first gear ratio is pretty steep but would be good to get a loaded work truck rolling with a 3.73 rear gear. My Blazer has a 3.08 open rear and no traction in first gear. 80mph in O.D. is about 2000 rpm. Hydraulic clutch linkage is smooth and low pedal pressure . Real pleasant to drive.

[In The Ten Ring]

Is there an overdrive available for a 3OTT? I love my column shifter but could use another gear (or two).

[davischevy]

Originally Posted by Keith Seymore

I'm a huge fan of the New Process A-833 (RPO MY6).

250,000 miles on mine with no issues.

K

Keith, is that a 4 speed overdrive? What vehicles was it used in?

Thanks

[s10mk]

Originally Posted by davischevy

Keith, is that a 4 speed overdrive? What vehicles was it used in?

Thanks

From what I read, it was used in Chevy trucks from 81-87 in 2 and 4 wheel drive. And yes, it was a true 4 speed with an overdrive. Rpo code my6. But the a833 was originally used by Chrysler in the 60s

[Keith Seymore]

It's three forward gears plus the overdrive.

It is a MOPAR trans with third gear set 1:1 and 4th gear as .73:1 (or .70:1 - I never can remember). The factory shifter was provided by Hurst.

Mine is an '87, and I ordered it specifically.

K

[s10mk]

Originally Posted by Keith Seymore

It's three forward gears plus the overdrive.

It is a MOPAR trans with third gear set 1:1 and 4th gear as .73:1 (or .70:1 - I never can remember). The factory shifter was provided by Hurst.

Mine is an '87, and I ordered it specifically.

K

HI keith, I'm assuming that it also uses a mechanical speedometer drive? That would be having my cake and eating it too

[s10mk]

Originally Posted by Bigdav160

Define "good options"

4x4 selection is really limited. 2WD less so.

You left off the T-5 and the A-883 (which was available with an overdrive).

Also there are a few aftermarket solutions.

edit: I didn't see that you put the NV3500 in the bad option list so the weaker T-5 would also be out.

Sorry, I should have been more specific about "good options". I would be looking for something that can be easily swapped into a 2wd truck. I'm not concerned about getting a new driveshaft or trans crossmember, that stuff goes with the territory. But a good option would come with minimal or no cutting of the floor, I would like to still be able to use a bench seat, Overdrive, durable, And preferably a mechanical speedometer.

[randy500]

Pics of the mY 6 are here, it has a mechanical speedo
https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...=574221&page=5

[Keith Seymore]

Mine has a mechanical speedometer.

K

[69TowRig]

Originally Posted by In The Ten Ring

Is there an overdrive available for a 3OTT? I love my column shifter but could use another gear (or two).

Possibly, I just finally found a Borg Warner overdrive with the Rancho adapter on it for the Dana 20 transfer case in mine. If yours has the Dana 20 then you can start searching for one of these. It's old stuff but I really want to keep the SM-330 column shift so this was the only option. Rancho sold them for Jeeps, Broncos, and Scouts. It uses either the B-W R10 or R11 overdrive. Only works in 2wd.

[jocko]

Originally Posted by s10mk

Sorry, I should have been more specific about "good options". I would be looking for something that can be easily swapped into a 2wd truck. I'm not concerned about getting a new driveshaft or trans crossmember, that stuff goes with the territory. But a good option would come with minimal or no cutting of the floor, I would like to still be able to use a bench seat, Overdrive, durable, And preferably a mechanical speedometer.

"Durable" is a tricky word... A T5 is very durable if you aren't towing or doing burnouts. If you are doing either, it is not. What are your intentions for the truck and how do you want to drive it? I'm assuming that since you mentioned durability - you intend to abuse it a bit - but I don't know that - can you elaborate? The answer could drive your selection since budget is an issue. Some of the options listed may eclipse the cost of a GV unit - which you've already ruled out due to cost (and it is likely the most durable chunk of metal in this whole thread) - so, again, interested to hear your intended use/environment for the trans. (if you do intend to do burnouts routinely, then you're on the right track and have already eliminated the right stuff )

[davischevy]

This thread is older than one of my jokes, but I'll throw my two cents in.

I recently installed a Gear Vendors Overdrive and love it.

[jocko]

I feel into the time warp, hook, line and sinker! Ha.

[69TowRig]

Originally Posted by jocko

I feel into the time warp, hook, line and sinker! Ha.

Yeah I knew the comment would come up on a four-year old thread but I was searching around, found this thread and saw that the one question wasn't ever answered so I threw my two cents in as well. I am super excited about finally finding one of these rare items so that my Blazer isn't screaming keeping up with modern traffic.

[davischevy]

Originally Posted by 69TowRig

Yeah I knew the comment would come up on a four-year old thread but I was searching around, found this thread and saw that the one question wasn't ever answered so I threw my two cents in as well. I am super excited about finally finding one of these rare items so that my Blazer isn't screaming keeping up with modern traffic.

You got lucky. The BW OD will work great. My parents had one when I was a kid. I have never been lucky enough to run onto one.

['68OrangeSunshine]

I want an A833 for XMAS, or next XMAS.