Sad Story On a Gear Vendors OD
What was the initial cost of the used GVOD? 800$ to repair could still be a steal.
I have a GVOD and it's worth it's weight in gold.
Sorry, unless people quote a message I never know there was a question.:D
He paid 500 for the GV, so you are right that he could still come out pretty good on it.
I tow cars and trucks half way across the state in OD, on a dolly with my 2000 Dakota.
167,000 hard tuck use miles and never a trans issue (except maybe a delayed 2-3 shift when cold for that last 20K miles) despite the 1990's-early 00's reputation for any MFG having massive trans failures.
The OD turns my 3.92 axle into a 2.7 ratio. Best of both worlds.
The trick is to keep it out of OD until you are at or near cruise speed, and if you want engine braking, turn it off before you prepare to stop.
What you described as your use of the overdrive is exactly why I'm fairly comfortable with the Dakota trans with OD in my car.
Not only does the truck weigh a lot more, but it's also rated for towing 5 or 6k.
I have it set up to where it only goes into OD at the speed I set the adjustable pressure switches for.
It will only go into OD above 65mph, and drops out of OD at anything under 65.
Converter clutch is set up the same way, but at 75mph.
This makes where I don't have to do anything for them to do what they do, and never have to worry about remembering to disengage the converter.
I just put it in D and everything is fully automatic.
Also OD and lockup can be completely bypassed manually with the switches inside the car on the shifter base, basicially making it an A999.
