Anybody running a Gear Vendors?

[69GMCLonghorn]

I have a '69 GMC with an NP435 4-speed. I ordered a Gear Vendors unit thinking I had an SM465. When I realized the problem, I called them and they were unable to provide me with the correct adaptor and I sent the unit back... very disappointing. They had an adaptor for an NP435 in a F**D, but had no record of that tranny ever being in a GM truck. I even E-mailed them some pics of the tranny. No dice.

What I'm trying to figure out is if I was just dealing with a mental MIDGET, or is there really that much of a difference in the tail ends of a GM and a Ford version of the NP435. Anybody have any info on this? I'd still like to do this someday if I could get them to find the right adaptor.

[Lemield]

Originally Posted by 69GMCLonghorn

I have a '69 GMC with an NP435 4-speed. I ordered a Gear Vendors unit thinking I had an SM465. When I realized the problem, I called them and they were unable to provide me with the correct adaptor and I sent the unit back... very disappointing. They had an adaptor for an NP435 in a F**D, but had no record of that tranny ever being in a GM truck. I even E-mailed them some pics of the tranny. No dice.

What I'm trying to figure out is if I was just dealing with a mental MIDGET, or is there really that much of a difference in the tail ends of a GM and a Ford version of the NP435. Anybody have any info on this? I'd still like to do this someday if I could get them to find the right adaptor.

I have a GV unit in my 70 CST....mated to a TH350 though....All I can say is that I've called GV twice and they were very helpful and knowledgeable each time....

I'd never heard of an NP435....but this link says they were used in GM's.....

http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/np435.htm

[69GMCLonghorn]

Yeah, that's the ONLY link I've found that even mentions it! I worked on a const site with a guy that had a mid-90's dually with a 454, 5-speed and a GV unit. We had probably 5000 lbs of sand/gravel in the bed pulling a hill at 65-70 at 3000 RPM. He was ALWAYS able to keep the RPM right where they should be. No lugging, no taching out. I WANT THIS, DANG IT! Oh well...

[haysonj]

I have one behind a 208 transfer case and have had real good luck with it. The brain was interfering with my FI computer, I called them and they had me a new one the next day. They seemed like they knew what they were doing.

[WorkinLonghorn]

I think this is about the third thread I've seen on your situation there. I would have to suggest that you contact somebody at GV that is in the know on this. They have to have SOMEBODY there that knows WHY their unit won't work on a GM 435. I think the desk guy just sees NP435 under "Ford" because 99% of them were Ford or Dodge. Too bad you didn't take the necessary measurements when you had it in hand,but somebody there will know the specs. Call back and persist until you get an answer.

[69GMCLonghorn]

Trust me I did... I talked with 2 tech and a supervisor. I E-mailed them pics of the back of the tranny and measured everything under the sun. They said the bolt pattern was different. I agree with you that SOMEONE over there should know... I just got tired of fighting it and not driving my truck for 2 months.

[So.Cal.Super]

Stupid question here, If you mailed them your tail shaft could they may one that would bolt up?

[chevy_mike]

Originally Posted by So.Cal.Super

Stupid question here, If you mailed them your tail shaft could they may one that would bolt up?

Not that I have an answer to the original poster but it could be more then just will it bolt up to the tail shaft. The output shaft splines or length could be wrong. A lot of times that is the main difference between GM, Ford and Dodge. Input/Output shaft differences.

Good luck on finding out. I would love to put one behind my TH400 but don't have the $$$$ for doing it yet.

[So.Cal.Super]

Originally Posted by chevy_mike

Not that I have an answer to the original poster but it could be more then just will it bolt up to the tail shaft. The output shaft splines or length could be wrong. A lot of times that is the main difference between GM, Ford and Dodge. Input/Output shaft differences.

Good luck on finding out. I would love to put one behind my TH400 but don't have the $$$$ for doing it yet.

I would love one also, I have stopped by their shop a few times and talked to them about options and pricing.... maybe even drooled once

As far as bolting up I was under the impression the G/V Unit itself was universal it was the adapter that is all that is different. I might be wrong. I would still be curious if they could/would make one although it sounds like maybe no.

[71swb4x4]

Why don't you just change over to the SM465? They can be had for pretty cheap.

[69GMCLonghorn]

I had thought about swapping tranny's, but just didn't want to get into "What isn't going to fit?" or "What else will I need to buy to turn this into a $6000 project?". I decided turning 3000 RPM at 70 was an easier solution.

And you are correct: The G/V unit is universal; it's the adaptor between the unit and the tranny that is specific to the tranny. That is where they failed to come up with a solution for me.

But hey, I replaced my U-joints, throw-out bearing, got some seals in the tranny replaced and painted a bunch of stuff, so it wasn't a total waste of time.

[70cst]

Originally Posted by Lemield

I have a GV unit in my 70 CST....mated to a TH350 though....All I can say is that I've called GV twice and they were very helpful and knowledgeable each time....

I'd never heard of an NP435....but this link says they were used in GM's.....

http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/np435.htm

Not meaning to hi-jack the thread but what mpg improvements did you see? Or is this mainly to keep rpm lower while cruising? Thanks

[So.Cal.Super]

There web site says 20-28%, I believe the guy told me 25% because that is what the overdrive reduces it by.

69GMCLonghorn glad to see it wasn't a total waste of your time.

[69GMCLonghorn]

So Cal Super is right in terms of the MPG. It will depend on things like your cam, power band, etc.

In talking with some people with G/V units, the improvements were as much in the driveability of the vehicle overall: A vehicle turning 2400 RPM will feel more relaxed at highway speeds. You will also be able to have 3 possible gears on the highway: 3rd high, 4th low, 4th high. So as your speed varies, you can dial in the right gear much more so than with only 3 or 4 gears.

And besides the mileage difference, you are now turning all the accessories much slower and just promoting longevity in the whole drivetrain. DAMN! Now I'm pissed. I want my GEAR VENDORS!!! A-holes!

[Lemield]

Originally Posted by 70cst

Not meaning to hi-jack the thread but what mpg improvements did you see? Or is this mainly to keep rpm lower while cruising? Thanks

70cst,

I didn't put the GV unit in for mileage....it was just because it's cool and I wanted one. With 3:73 gears and my GV unit I get about 16MPG on the highway....decent.....got about 18 MPG when I had stock 3:08's in it and the GV unit.

I like having the overdrive option in any gear....fun to drive like that. I have an overdrive in my old Jeep and it's fun to drive too.

[69GMCLonghorn]

I just E-mailed Gear Vendors again to see if I can get a hold of someone that can help. It just seems impossible that they would not have the right adaptor. I'm almost at a point where I'd drive to El Cajon and have them look at it first hand. I don't want to pay the $800 to have it installed, but who knows...

[So.Cal.Super]

The install price also includes shortening the drive shaft and wiring the unit up I think. yeah a bit pricey but... maybe you can just bring them the transmission? I am guessing they need to know about the shaft, splines etc. I hope they can get it built for you. keep us updated.

[So.Cal.Super]

quick stupid question, The NP435 you have. What would the difference be in the adapter since it mounts to the tail of the tranny. I understand the bell housing difference between a ford and gm but the tail? (not talking about length which may be a factor)

Just thinking out loud here.

[El Jay]

Originally Posted by 70cst

Not meaning to hi-jack the thread but what mpg improvements did you see? Or is this mainly to keep rpm lower while cruising? Thanks

I don't have one, but my uncle does.

He's a retired OTR driver and still drags a 5th wheel around for trips, etc. He just likes the option of splitting gears & keeping the engine up in the power band; rather than over revving & then bogging.

Even without the trailer, he says there's not a big difference in mileage, but he figures he's saving wear & tear on the engine & tranny.
If I had the money, I'd put one in each truck just for that reason. (I'm running 4.11:1 in both)

[69GMCLonghorn]

Actually, the only thing we dealt with was the tail end of the tranny. As you said (So Cal Super), the bell housing doesn't matter. They told me the tail end of it was different than a Ford 435 and the adaptor they had wouldn't fit. I still don't fully believe them.

Also, in case anybody has aspirations to do something else, I looked into installing an NV4500. HELL NO! Fabricate this and that, install a hydraulic clutch master, Mickey Mouse a clutch shaft to the pedal... I'm a back yard grease monkey with 3 screwdrivers and a hammer... I'd sooner have voluntary RECTAL SURGERY than do all that crap!