I couldnt remember if it was the usgear or the gv that went between the trans and xfer, Id rather have the usgear anyway I think, even though id have to replace my driveshafts. I like the idea of not having to worry about a worker of mine messing with the o/d button and exploding the driveline of the truck.

 

I can impress you even more. That truck is a tow truck, and was driven by employees that drove it like they stoll it, more then that, as a tow truck, we were always pulling load with it from little car to SUV and small motor homes, so it had anywhere from 2.5k lbs to 6k+ behind it at all times. I love that truck. Would like to replace it because of the age, but after my experience with 6.0 just scared to get anything new.

 

Jay, I've used the US Gear in 4x4 alot. winter roads, off roading, etc. I like the option of splitting any gear to keep my RPM's wear I want them. Real handy when 4LOW is just too low and 4High is not low enough. Think about it like this, now you can add 22% to any gear combo you choose. I've even used it in reverse, just cause I could.

The US Gear is an electricaly shifted mechanical unit. little servo motor moves the shift fork. If you don't want to shift it up and down, leave it in high or low. If you want to split gears, flip the switch--count to two--feather the throttle--and its done. Not that tough. I think even a Duramax driver could do it!

It does drop the RPM's about 700. so that's definitely an advantage.
with my 4:88s I can cruise at 65mph and only turn 2000 RPM. before I was over 2700!!

Barney

 

I am very happy to see this thread.

I am building a SBC 383 low RPM engine for my 96 Chevy Custom Van.

My power band for torque will be peeking at 1500 RPMs. It will be fed by a 1987 Corvette TPI.

I did not trust a 4L60E to handle the 300+ FP of torque so am going to run beefed 4L80E and a US Gear Overdrive.

Running into a 3:43 Stock rear end my numbers show I can run at 75MPH near 1500 RPMs.

My hope if the van will go from 14MPG to 24MPG.

No one has said they got better MPG, so anyone with any numbers??

Rich

 

Holy thread resurrection Batman, this is a 15 year old thread & you're asking about fuel economy on a Chevy.........Are you lost?

 

Not lost, I own Fords: a 02 and a 03 Explorers, a 03 Crown Vic.

I am working to add an second overdrive to the 03 Explorer.

And a 93 Van.

I did not check on the dates.

And Ford and Chevy's can get the same MPGs and if a overdrive helps gain the same amount of improvement.

In a famous scene from SNL "Never Mind"

Rich

 

Talk about thread resurrection….with that said I wish I could find a US gear unit for a 4r100 4x4

 

I think you are dreaming about going from 14 mpg to 24. And 75 at 1500 RPM---might be able to do it. EFI?

 

With a lack of deep pockets, with my 03 4X4 Explorer I am building a old Borg Warner R11 as a stand alone midship overdrive, I had a 1956 Studebaker Golden Hawk in 1965 and never broke the Transmission.

They were stronger than dirt, and seemed to still work.

I am trying to document every step of the way and provide full parts lists etc on this build. Check a rough edit here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/466736897259747
I discovered what I think is a rotten programed gas waster program in my 02 4.0 and my 03 4.6 Explorers: Both get only 19MPG at 70MPH: BUT testing them at 1500RPMs and 50MPH they BOTH can get 27 to 32MPG/

Here is the cheat: just 10MPH faster at around 60MPH they BOTH drop 10MPGand get 19MPG at 65MPH, and from there only lose 1 MPG per each 5 MPH faster and can get 16MPG at 75/80MPH.

My 2000 Mercury and 03 Crown Vics with 4.6 normally got 27/30MPH at 1700 RPMs and 65MPH and the 03 gets 26MPG@ 65MPH and BOTH cars lose MPG at a steady rate of 1MPG per 5MPH faster, there is NO sudden drop at any speed, just go faster and use a little more fuel.

My 93 Seems to get 14MPG with TBI abd a overdrive whech my 74 and 78 Vans got with carbs and TH350s and no over drive, and the 93 does that 14MPG at 80/85MPH up hill and down hills...the fix is it.

I have been told by one costly PCM tuner he can see things that could correct that programed drop.

I have gained 5 MPG running the 2000 Mercury at 16.4A/F ratios. And have a system to do that as well.

So the van will be built to run at its torque peek and 1500MPH with double overdrive with 193 Swirl port heads, a Roads Roller lifters giving me a viable cam, fed by a 80s TPI intake and I will add lean burn and mild water injection.

Yes I do think on the long flat I10 east and west from Phoenix I will get some use out of the MPG systems.