[CTD_CR924]

My 04.5 is sitting on 37s and recently had got the 4.56 gears done in them. I love them and the way they feel except highway driving which I do alot of. At 2000 rpm in 6 gear im at 65ish mph. Im tired of being in 2100- 2200 range to obtain70- 75 mph.

Curious to know about the Gear Vendors unit. Sounds like this unit will give me what im looking for but how is the reliability? And how do those of you who have it, like it?

 

[Dylanss180]

I have one. It has been working pretty good for me. I also have 37" tires and I have 4.10 gears. I only use it when I am cruising on the freeway right now. So far, it hasn't broken on me yet, you have to use it smartly though. Have to let off the throttle (I pull in the clutch when I engage it). It's weak point is reverse. If you have anything heavy, they want you to put it in 4wd.

 

[CTD_CR924]

I have one. It has been working pretty good for me. I also have 37" tires and I have 4.10 gears. I only use it when I am cruising on the freeway right now. So far, it hasn't broken on me yet, you have to use it smartly though. Have to let off the throttle (I pull in the clutch when I engage it). It's weak point is reverse. If you have anything heavy, they want you to put it in 4wd.

Thats pretty much what id be using it for. Now you mention the potential issue with Reverse. I assume that's when the unit is activated? Or even when it is not?

Happy New Year by the way.

 

[Baja]

I have the GV in my 04.5 with a 3:73 rear end. Love it. As Dylanss180 said, reverse is a weak link, but that really would apply if you were in 2wd. In 4wd, with the torque and power spread out, it should not be a issue. I have forgotten and backed up a very steep blacktop hill, both tires spun and the unit lived. Since the unit was designed a long time ago, they use a 1320 U Joint, small by todays standards. You can improve it by getting a Dana Spicer Life Series 5-3615X and change it out or just have the shop install it instead of the one you get in the package. As well they give you a "reducing collar" that is used on the output shaft from the transfer case. I called them a bunch of times giving them details about the power and torque of my truck and they did not bat a eye. Even if you use it on the track, they will guarantee the unit. Since I have a 6 sp, I use the clutch, shifting like it is a regular gear. If you don't, it engages and disengages with a very solid noticeable clunk. I turn 1500 @ 70, smoooooooth and quiet.

 

[CTD_CR924]

I have the GV in my 04.5 with a 3:73 rear end. Love it. As Dylanss180 said, reverse is a weak link, but that really would apply if you were in 2wd. In 4wd, with the torque and power spread out, it should not be a issue. I have forgotten and backed up a very steep blacktop hill, both tires spun and the unit lived. Since the unit was designed a long time ago, they use a 1320 U Joint, small by todays standards. You can improve it by getting a Dana Spicer Life Series 5-3615X and change it out or just have the shop install it instead of the one you get in the package. As well they give you a "reducing collar" that is used on the output shaft from the transfer case. I called them a bunch of times giving them details about the power and torque of my truck and they did not bat a eye. Even if you use it on the track, they will guarantee the unit. Since I have a 6 sp, I use the clutch, shifting like it is a regular gear. If you don't, it engages and disengages with a very solid noticeable clunk. I turn 1500 @ 70, smoooooooth and quiet.

I like the sound of this unit more & more. But the reverse now concerns me. I feel like this is a better option than running say 38" tires to achieve a higher OD.

 

[Dylanss180]

As Baja mentioned earlier, they give you a 1350 yoke that is pretty small for our applications. There is a spicer yoke you can get that will work with a 1400 joint that is stronger. I ended up going that route and so far no problems. My only real concern with the unit is it's a slip yoke. I wanted to do a fixed one but I couldn't make it work with the 1400 u joint. The slip yoke that works for the Gear vendors has approx 1.25" of stroke in it. That is a lot less compared to the stock slip yoke.

I have 37" tires with a lot of horsepower and I am glad I put in a ladder bar. I would be afraid with the large tires with the twist the axle would be seeing without a ladder bar could potentially pull out the yoke enough to either shear the splines or flat out pull it out.

I Use my truck off road a lot and that yoke travel is my greatest concern. If I had a pavement princess truck, I wouldn't worry about it.

I have put over 700hp thru the unit (not engaged though) and nothing has snapped. Again, i just use it for cursing. If I were to be hot rodding around, I wouldn't consider having it engaged.

 

[CTD_CR924]

As Baja mentioned earlier, they give you a 1350 yoke that is pretty small for our applications. There is a spicer yoke you can get that will work with a 1400 joint that is stronger. I ended up going that route and so far no problems. My only real concern with the unit is it's a slip yoke. I wanted to do a fixed one but I couldn't make it work with the 1400 u joint. The slip yoke that works for the Gear vendors has approx 1.25" of stroke in it. That is a lot less compared to the stock slip yoke.

I have 37" tires with a lot of horsepower and I am glad I put in a ladder bar. I would be afraid with the large tires with the twist the axle would be seeing without a ladder bar could potentially pull out the yoke enough to either shear the splines or flat out pull it out.

I Use my truck off road a lot and that yoke travel is my greatest concern. If I had a pavement princess truck, I wouldn't worry about it.

I have put over 700hp thru the unit (not engaged though) and nothing has snapped. Again, i just use it for cursing. If I were to be hot rodding around, I wouldn't consider having it engaged.

Very good points. Sounds like you have a Hell of rig.

Though this isnt too much of a concern of mine, did you notice an MPG increase?

 

[Dylanss180]

i didnt notice an increase. you just dont have to rev it as high anymore.

 

[Baja]

Same here, no real increase in MPG. I only use it on the freeway. I guess I need to take a long road trip and use the GV for a few tanks and do the calculations. As it is, I get about 16 combination city/country. I admit, if mine broke (hope to he!! is doesn't) I would repair it and continue.