Overdrive vs. High Ratio Transfer Box

[WineryRover]

Looking into the options to get my series to go freeway speed. I am looking for the pros and cons of overdrive units and high ratio transfer boxs.

Thanks in advance.

[TerryS]

Price wise, it's a toss up. both about $1500.
Going with an OD, you still have the standard ratios and, hence, more versatility.
Transfer case swap is a little (but not too much) more work, but presumably, it'll be quieter, and you don't have to chop an extra hole in your tunnel.

RN claims 32% increase, and I am not sure what the Fairey increase is. I've got a Fairey OD, but think I would have rathered the Hi Ratio Transfer case.
Ask Griff what he thinks of them (If he's finally gotten his truck)

[Muddy Oval]

The overdrive in mine doesn't make it go any faster, it just makes it rev less at right about the same speed. The lack of torque still limits the top speed.

[WineryRover]

Thanks for the response guys. I am leaning toward the high ratio because the as you mentioned Terry, the price is the same and I will end up with a rebuilt t-case out of it. I am not overly concerned with the need to have 16 gear options, so that also points me to the high ratio. Griff did get the 109 delivered, and was thinking about bringing a few tools and doing a midnight visit.

[TerryS]

Originally Posted by Muddy Oval

The overdrive in mine doesn't make it go any faster, it just makes it rev less at right about the same speed. The lack of torque still limits the top speed.

Huh? Can you explain that for me please.

When you have wound the piss out of first, do you shift to 2nd to go faster, and likewise, 2nd to third, and so forth? So why do you not go faster in OD then fourth? HP and torque are a function of engine speed, not vehicle speed.
I will grant you, these trucks have the aerodynamics of a refrigerator, but surely, if you could get it to about 3600-4K in fourth, you could pull some more revs from 2800 in OD. I can't understand why your truck won't go faster in OD then the hundreds of others out there with an OD.

[TerryS]

Originally Posted by WineryRover

Griff did get the 109 delivered, and was thinking about bringing a few tools and doing a midnight visit.

That had to be the most painfully long delivery in history. Griff had me look at it for him the week before Christmas, and he did the deal right afterwards. When you see it, you'll understand why the guy wanted to hang onto it for so long. AAXD and I looked at it and seriously thought about telling Griff 'Nah, you don't want this POS' but he'd figure it out soon enough.

[WineryRover]

Originally Posted by TerryS

That had to be the most painfully long delivery in history. Griff had me look at it for him the week before Christmas, and he did the deal right afterwards. When you see it, you'll understand why the guy wanted to hang onto it for so long. AAXD and I looked at it and seriously thought about telling Griff 'Nah, you don't want this POS' but he'd figure it out soon enough.

Yeah, I can't wait to see it, he has had it only a week or so, as you said, long delivery. Once he gets it out of the shop, and the long list of things fixed, I am sure he will be "thanking" you for looking it over and giving it a thumbs up.

Okay, I am kidding and he is thrilled with it. Lucky bastard.

[roverX]

Robb, are you doing the install work yourself? If so, maybe you could do mine also! I'd pay you accordingly, just not in "favors" this time.

[WineryRover]

Originally Posted by roverX

Robb, are you doing the install work yourself? If so, maybe you could do mine also! I'd pay you accordingly, just not in "favors" this time.

Hey X, yep, I'll be doing the install myself. If the timing works out, we could do them both at the same time. One of those beer, hard booze, strippers and dancing midgets kind of weekends. Oops, that's a different weekend, my bad .

But seriously, no problem, we'll get yours installed.

[KevinNY]

Originally Posted by TerryS

Huh? Can you explain that for me please.

When you have wound the piss out of first, do you shift to 2nd to go faster, and likewise, 2nd to third, and so forth? So why do you not go faster in OD then fourth? HP and torque are a function of engine speed, not vehicle speed.
I will grant you, these trucks have the aerodynamics of a refrigerator, but surely, if you could get it to about 3600-4K in fourth, you could pull some more revs from 2800 in OD. I can't understand why your truck won't go faster in OD then the hundreds of others out there with an OD.

A series is pushing a wall of wind, it just does not have the power to overcome it as it increases exponentially with speed. Same reason you can't ride a bicycle at 55mph by just adding a bigger chainring. Mine can not make top speed if there is a strong headwind. The 2.25 runs out of power at the same time it runs out of gearing.

[pickuprover]

Personally I want the Rocky Mountain OD... it is quieter than a fairey, and it still gives you all the versitily of having low 1st/2nd. As well being able to split the gearing while going up hills is gonna be a great advantage. Alot of times in third gear I am starting to wind out the engine, yet it bogs in 4th... so being able to use 3rd plus overdrive will put me smack dab in the right gear.... with the high ratio transferbox, I would be worried that I could not get the right gearing..... but that is just me....

[TerryS]

Seriously? Well I'll be dipped in cacalucci, cuz I sure don't have any trouble pulling 65 now, but sure struggled to see that b4 the OD. I'll have to ask George (he owns Fairey now) why he claims an increase in speed. Maybe he feels safe since his customers are too afraid to tell him differently.

So are you also suggesting that installing a high ratio xfer case will yield no more in speed?

[pickuprover]

(insert popcorn icon here) this could get interesting.... where is Hank when you need him.....

[TerryS]

Actually Kevin, it occured to me we're not comparing apples to apples. Steve's truck is a 109SW and if I remember, he said it was 2.25 diesel. Your's, while still an 88, looks like it's got to be a good bit heavier than mine, a soft top 88 with a fresh engine. If memory serves, a 109 is about 750 pounds more than a HT 88, take away another 200 pounds, or so for the soft top.

[pickuprover]

Also, Kevin, I do not think your tires help you much as well.... just a thought... (although they are great off the road.... )

I know from experience, my brothers 109 dormobile has a fairey overdrive in it.... and it definately allows him to get at least 15km/hr faster (mind you he does have the 2.5 petrol, not the 2.25 so once again not apples to apples... more like pears to apples..)