How much for a Gear Vendors?
 

I’m toying with the idea of putting a Gear Vendors Overdrive in my truck.
As a little improvement in Gas mileage (Especially now) would be a plus, my main goal would be the ability to cruise at 70mph on the Highway, without turning 3500rpm.
It’ll save on the wear and tear of the engine/trans (both rebuilt originals)
Has anyone put one in their truck?
Where did you find it? I
Is it difficult to install?
What’s a round figure of the cost?
Does the benefit justify the cost?
I’ve considered a 700r or 4L60, but don’t want all the electronics to control it’s function.
All responses will be helpful :smoke:

Re: How much for a Gear Vendors?
 

I have a friend whom pulled one out of an older motorhome he put in his truck. Virtually Bullet Proof.

He loves it, check CL for parts, or go hunting in the local junkyards. My best guess.

New aint cheap but you get a warranty.

Re: How much for a Gear Vendors?
 

I would like one also.
Mostly for the Cool factor.
It would take a while to pay off for the fuel savings.
The wear and tear would be the better comparison.

There are several threads that I have saved about the OD unit.

#1: https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...t=gear+vendors

#2: https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...t=gear+vendors

#3: https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...t=gear+vendors

#4: https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...t=gear+vendors

Re: How much for a Gear Vendors?
 

I put one in my Burban. The installation of the GV unit was simple I made it more complex in my case as I also went from a T400 to a T350.
I bought it used with a T350 for $600. I ended up having a drive shaft (converted to a one piece) made that was about $450. So I'm into it about $1100 with everything. Over the years I've bought 3 of them used. I've never paid more than $1200 for one. That one was back about 1994 when new ones were $1800 and so were used 700R4s.

Same as you I wanted less RPM on the highway. Definitely worth it to me. A couple months back I drove the truck with out the GV operating (I had to remove the GV controller as part of a different problem) and I really missed it. It certainly makes the truck quieter going down the road.

They do need the oil changed ever 10k but it's only 24 ounces of oil so it's not a big deal.

The link is to my Burban maintenance thread. Scroll to post 641 to see my notes on the conversion. It includes the ordeal I had with my local driveline vendors.

https://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vbo...698377&page=26

I eventually removed the GV switch module and replaced it with smaller components that I installed in my ashtray to clean up the look of the dash. Post 748.

I really like mine. I can have it in OD at 35 to 40 mph and not worry about it toasting the transmission like a 700R4 would.

The only minor quibble I have is at certain speed/RPMs when you punch the throttle the GV doesn't disengage. I have learned to expect that and I manually disengage it, with the foot switch, when I punch the throttle

Re: How much for a Gear Vendors?
 

When it engages/disengages is it smooth or clunky?

Re: How much for a Gear Vendors?
 

Compared to any modern transmission with OD it has a noticeable shift. Similar to a race modified T400.

Re: How much for a Gear Vendors?
 

I have purchased 2 GV's OD units over the years, both new from GV's. One bolted to a TH350 and one to a SM465. They are bulletproof and GV's warrantees the off the shelf unit up to 1400 HP.

They are finnicky to an extent, but once you understand them, you get them to work flawlessly and will not be disappointed in your purchase.

They are in the $3k plus range and if you have any mechanical ability at all you can easily install it yourself.

GV's and MSD teamed up to make a supposedly RFI free ignition system adder. I would inquire about that.

Re: How much for a Gear Vendors?
 

New ones now cost over $3K. I have been looking at them and the price looks to be the same no matter who you get it from. You can buy them through dealers or online. I have a local shop that sells them. I would like to ride in a truck to see how they operate also. Doesn't look that hard to install.

https://www.gearvendors.com/index.html

Smitty

Re: How much for a Gear Vendors?
 

"I’ve considered a 700r or 4L60, but don’t want all the electronics to control it’s function."
If you are considering the 700R4 you can install them without any electronics. The only electric part is the lock up for the converter. Which you do not have to install.
Just run them like every other early transmission with out the torque converter clutch. The clutch typically drops the rpm by 100 to 150rpm.
If you are running a 350 or 400 in front of the GV overdrive you already have the slip at speed, so you have lost nothing.
You are able to split shift with the GV. Might be an advantage if you are pulling heavy.
The 700R4 will not require any controls in the cab and no frequent oil changes.
Just be sure to get a 700R4 that was built between 1987 and 1992. I have done several this way including BBC in trucks.
The 396 ci fuel mileage went from 10 to 13mph on the highway. And cabin noise dropped significantly.
And they are lighter than any other GV combination. The only down side was cost although the conversion could be half of a GV conversion.
Take your RPM at highway speed and multiply by .7 to get the RPM with the 700R4 conversion.
The Gear Vendor has a. .78:1 overdrive ratio almost the same as the 700R4.

Here is a link that has done all the math for the OD and non-OD transmissions;
https://www.gearvendors.com/cgdrive.html

Re: How much for a Gear Vendors?
 

GV is good...but cost "new" is about = to various OD trans conversion be it auto or manual

if you find one used you would be ahead of the $ game.

changing the rear gear ratio would be the cheapest way of reducing highway RPM's but if its about drag racing or towing that is not what you would want to do. Just a driver, 3:08 is a nice gear with a non OD trans

Re: How much for a Gear Vendors?
 

I have yet to drive mine but i have been told it is a real noticeable shift. I found gm had a speedometer controlled emission speedometer gear. I bought it and you can adjust the speed at which it opens ad closes the circuit. It should allow me to get rid of the electronic part. I don't care to split shift either so it will work just like the automatic setting. I also got a different neutral safety switch so it will only come on when in the drive gears. This may work if you find a used set up but don't have the electronics.
https://youtu.be/y9OsuoCRckE

Re: How much for a Gear Vendors?
 

Short answer for a new unit is a little north of $3K...

Re: How much for a Gear Vendors?
 

THIS is how I'd like to find one. Can anybody tell me what models/years to look for that GV came in?

Re: How much for a Gear Vendors?
 

As far as I know any GV you find in a wrecking yard was installed by owner or dealer, they did not come factory with the vehicle.

If you should find one, and it is mated to the same tranny you have that's great but not a deal breaker if it isn't, you can purchase the adapters separately.

Be sure to get all the parts including the electronics or brain as I call it.

The main GV's unit is universal and uses adapters to mate to different tranny's, there may be exceptions, but I am not aware of any.

Re: How much for a Gear Vendors?
 

TH400 and Gearvendors Overdrive

Sacramento craigslist. Good deal

Re: How much for a Gear Vendors?
 

Would you happen to remember what kind of Motor Home he got it out of?
Around what year?

I’m figuring that it would have to come out of a GM based MH?
I know where there are a few in OLD yards
These MHs are from the early 80s

Re: How much for a Gear Vendors?
 

Re: How much for a Gear Vendors?
 

I wished I lived in California. I would snag that up in a heartbeat. I bought my Gear Vendor a couple years back and it cost more than that and I didn't get a transmission with it. I do love it though. Mine is behind a big block 454 that I race. When I talked to a tech guy on the phone, he told me to try it out at the track. He told me I would be impressed. He was right.