700r4 vs Gear Vendors OD w/SW465

[SunSoaked]

I like the SM465 and granny low gear but dont care for the 4th gear one-to-one with the stock 3:08 gears.

I have been thinking about swapping in a "built" 700r4 w/lockup but have concerns over durability with and all the work (shifter/cooler/lockup, etc) involved.

I recently stumbled upon the idea of adding the GV OD to the current setup. Thier site says it bolts directly to the back of the NP205. Since I'm swapping axles in the future anyway, changing gears is no big deal.

Has anyone done this before? Any info or feedback would be greatly appreciated.

I I go this route, I'd like to convert to a hydraulic clutch linkage using the SM465. Thoughts?

[Redcap]

I would go SM465/NP205/GV with a juice clutch. Never been a fan of automatics.

[rcbildr]

Originally Posted by redcap

i would go sm465/np205/gv with a juice clutch. Never been a fan of automatics.

x2

[bilfman]

GV is pretty bullet proof and can be shifted in or out at any speed. I would highly recommend it. It is a bonus as you essentially double your amount of gears. With the floor mount switch you can 1st gear tranny no GV then switch to 1st gear + GV, then 2nd gear no GV and so on. This can come in really handy when towing on hills or winds as you can travel in 3rd gear with the gv on if 4th is a little weak.

The GV shift at any rpm, on the fly and the ability to use in any gear is a real plus.

Keep in mind that you cannot use 4WD with the GV on, the 4x4 kit comes with a switch that will automatically shut off the gv if 4wd is engaged, make sure that this is working properly, otherwise your truck will not be wife/kid/buddy proof! The only real mod that has to be done is shortening your rear driveshaft.

[special-K]

The all gear set-up is bullet-proof and has many advantages over automatic. I have no idea what vehicle you have or what size tires,but to me,3.08 gears in a 4wd is like having O/D. At least with a 4spd and 33" tires it was in my '90 Blazer. It wanted to roll on down the hiway. I think 3.08s with O/D is lame. It's way too tall to stay in O/D on hills and puts most vehicles below the power band.

[BLAZERMAN]

I've heard lots of good things about the Gear Vendors unit, and with it youll only have to shorten your rear shaft. I had a US Gear divorced unit in my old 1 ton and it worked great but was a real pain to install and get dialed in. I now have an 80s model Eaton electric shifted 2xt auxiliary trans that goes ahead of an SM465.
As far as the clutch goes I plan to go hydraulic as well since i'm moving my engine forward...If I remember correctly the best way is to use 88 - 91 bell housing and slave from a 4 speed truck. You might check member Yukon Jacks build thread..he did this on his K-20 and I think its detailed there.

[SunSoaked]

Originally Posted by special-K

The all gear set-up is bullet-proof and has many advantages over automatic. I have no idea what vehicle you have or what size tires,but to me,3.08 gears in a 4wd is like having O/D. At least with a 4spd and 33" tires it was in my '90 Blazer. It wanted to roll on down the hiway. I think 3.08s with O/D is lame. It's way too tall to stay in O/D on hills and puts most vehicles below the power band.

69 C10. I plan to use it as a daily driver but want the "look" and potential for serious (not hardcore) offroad and towing.

It currently has stock axles (3:08), but I have aquired a set of axles (dana 60ft/14FF rear) from a military M1009 (84-87 Chevy P/U). I think it has lockers and 4:56 gears?

I expect 33 inch tires are as big as I will go with a mild 2-4 inch lift. I have been talking with Gear Vendors and am sold on that route vs the automatic. They quoted e $2900.

So the question is: What gears I want in the end if I'm running a torquey, injected 383/SM465/ and GV w/33inch tires?

Anybody know offhand how much the GV "overdrives" the gears?

[wilkin250r]

Originally Posted by SunSoaked

Anybody know offhand how much the GV "overdrives" the gears?

A 1:1 drive ratio becomes a 0.78 drive ratio with the overdrive. By contrast, the overdrive in a 4L80E is just a hair taller at 0.75, and the 700R4 is taller still at 0.70

[SunSoaked]

Originally Posted by wilkin250r

A 1:1 drive ratio becomes a 0.78 drive ratio with the overdrive. By contrast, the overdrive in a 4L80E is just a hair taller at 0.75, and the 700R4 is taller still at 0.70

Thanks! Now I just need to sell my 700 and brand new in the box 2400 lockup convertor

[BLAZERMAN]

Have you checked into the Ranger? its about half the cost..a few draw backs are you have to manually shift it..but there are no electronics as a plus. Since it goes before your 4 speed it adds about 7 inchs to your total length..which means you wil have to lengthin your front and shorten your rear shaft. on mine I plan to move my engine forward about 3" to help offset this a little.
http://www.advanceadapters.com/products/pn-760002m-27/