Some of the recent posts have mentioned the use of an overdrive unit called a RUG. I am painfully unaware what this is. Since my 3 speed works well, perhaps I should get a RUG.

I would like to know more about it, how it works, where to buy, pro's and cons etc.

Any comments appreciated ...

Thanks, Gary
67'F100

 

The RUG is the identification that is stamped into a tag that is rivited onto the side of the Tranny case. The tranny in question is a 3+1 OD tranny. It started life as the venerable Top-Loader 4-speed in '64/'65 cars. In '77 ford redesigned the gear ratios to make the 3rd gear cluster a 20% over-drive. they installed this tranny into '77-'78 Granada/Monarchs and with a diferrent gear spread into the '77-'84 Econolines. It shifted like a standerd 4-speed but 4th gear was the over drive and the 'shifters' 3rd gear was 1:1. You may have noticed that I sayed the 3rd gear cluster was the OD. this is the internal designe. the linkages were re-arranged to allow the sequence to be switched. I've driven both car and van trannies. the car is more streetable but has a wide but even spread between 1st/2nd/3rd. the van has a good 1st/2nd spread but the 2nd/3rd is a solid 50% RPM drop. Maybe good for hauling cargo with the 300 Cid but lousy for every day driving. all of the above trannies are cast iron cased.The later SROD aluminum case RUG's that are based on the the top-loader are much weaker. I've seen them crack the case below the reverse gear cluster as it can't handle the torque long term like the iron cases. This aluminum tranny also appeared in the F-100's and the Fullsize Bronco's. In fact I saw one today in a Brocno in a Pick-n-pull junk yard. Hope this helps.
Eric

Proud owner of a '73 F-250 4x4 High Boy, 460 V8, NP435, NP205
And a '68 Bronco 289 v8 , NP435 , Dana 20

 

Besides the cars and vans, the 78-79 F-series could be ordered w/ the OD.... I have a 79 w/ a 302 and I almost bought a 79 w/ 400 and OD. Mine is the cast iron variety w/ the external shift linkages. I have 3.50 rear and 31" tires. Shifting from 3rd to OD at 60mph drops the Rpms from 2350 to about 1850. That I like. When chargeing around on 30-35mph zones, you are either at around 2500 (35) in second with lots of gear noise, or 1500 in 3rd wanting to speed. Worse I live on top of a fairly steep hill so I have to virtually lug in 3rd on the hill or race along at 2500. I've read that they will bolt to whatever has a 3sp top loader in it.

BBT