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Old 04-17-2021, 09:43 AM   #1
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1967 26' Overlander
1975 20' Argosy 20
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Gear vendors

Looking at options to help with lowering the revs on my new Argosy 20 (must settle on a name). I知 tempted by the Gearvendors solution. I致e read the previous posts from the Airstream guys and here and yes there are a number of different opinions.

There are a few options on their website and I will call them on Monday but this looks to be the correct one (see below.).

So in terms of fitting - I知 assuming I will need to get the prop shaft shortened and re balanced as well as fitting the Gearvendors.

Has anyone done this on their Argosy - anything I need to know regarding issues?

Thanks.

Laurie

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Axle ratio 2:73



Part # 3DFS400A

190673Automatic 3-Speed TH 400 4″ Tailhousing

Automatic 3-Speed TH 400 4″ Tailhousing.Replaces 4″ tailhousing.Small block and Big block cars.
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Old 04-17-2021, 10:06 AM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by r1071987 View Post
Looking at options to help with lowering the revs on my new Argosy 20 (must settle on a name). I知 tempted by the Gearvendors solution. I致e read the previous posts from the Airstream guys and here and yes there are a number of different opinions.

There are a few options on their website and I will call them on Monday but this looks to be the correct one (see below.).

So in terms of fitting - I知 assuming I will need to get the prop shaft shortened and re balanced as well as fitting the Gearvendors.

Has anyone done this on their Argosy - anything I need to know regarding issues?

Thanks.

Laurie

覧覧覧覧覧覧覧覧覧覧覧覧

Axle ratio 2:73



Part # 3DFS400A

190673Automatic 3-Speed TH 400 4″ Tailhousing

Automatic 3-Speed TH 400 4″ Tailhousing.Replaces 4″ tailhousing.Small block and Big block cars.
I have one of Bella, lowers the revs on the motorway by around 25% Laurie.

Yes the prop needs shortening, but a good alternative to changing to an overdrive transmission.

Only downside is they need a oil change every 3000miles.
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Old 04-17-2021, 10:29 AM   #3
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That’s encouraging that you have one on Bella Martin.

Noted the 3000 Mile oil change, didn’t know that but sounds like it’s worth it.

Brilliant - thanks.
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Old 04-19-2021, 02:47 AM   #4
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Martin

Just a quick question before I order the Gear Vendors today.

The rear axle ratio is 4:10, I got that from previous posts on this forum, what about the 4" tailhousing? I am not certain on this. Also the part below doesn't mention the parking break but I will discuss this when I call.

I am assuming Martin you had yours installed when Bella was in the states, I am hoping that its not too complex and I can get a UK outfit to do the job.

Thanks

Laurie
__________________________________________________ ________

https://www.gearvendors.com/hrgm3s.html

Part # 3DFS400A

190673Automatic 3-Speed TH 400 4″ Tailhousing
Automatic 3-Speed TH 400 4″ Tailhousing. Replaces 4″ tailhousing. Small block and Big block cars.
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Old 04-19-2021, 06:31 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by r1071987 View Post
Martin

Just a quick question before I order the Gear Vendors today.

The rear axle ratio is 4:10, I got that from previous posts on this forum, what about the 4" tailhousing? I am not certain on this. Also the part below doesn't mention the parking break but I will discuss this when I call.

I am assuming Martin you had yours installed when Bella was in the states, I am hoping that its not too complex and I can get a UK outfit to do the job.

Thanks

Laurie
__________________________________________________ ________

https://www.gearvendors.com/hrgm3s.html

Part # 3DFS400A

190673Automatic 3-Speed TH 400 4″ Tailhousing
Automatic 3-Speed TH 400 4″ Tailhousing. Replaces 4″ tailhousing. Small block and Big block cars.
Hi Laurie

I did have it fitted whilst Bella was in the US (actually I had officially left the US, had the parts shipped to a friend and left it being fitted at a transmission shop local to him, then went back and spent around 4months as a 'visitor' to sell the house etc).

GV recommended 3D0400B plus 3S0043 (the 43T speedo adapter). There is no transmission brake on our units (they have a separate cable pull on the rear drum brakes). It was a regular kit for TH400/475 transmissions.

Receipt is attached for info.
Attached Files
File Type: pdf GearVendors receipt.pdf (335.6 KB, 33 views)
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Old 04-19-2021, 08:30 AM   #6
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Brilliant - thanks again Martin.
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Old 04-19-2021, 11:01 AM   #7
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Bookmarking this thread. Driving the Diskotrek for the first time on a real trip had me worried about the high revs everytime we were on the interstate. Hopefully I don't *need* transmission work anytime soon, but I want to have my ducks all in a row when the time comes to make a change.
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Old 04-19-2021, 12:44 PM   #8
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The early Argosy with small 16/16.5in wheels/3 speed transmission/driving on a freeway feel like a hamster running flat out in a wheel, only a matter of time before either the 'wheel' or the 'hamster' breaks!
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Old 04-19-2021, 12:48 PM   #9
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The early Argosy with small 16/16.5in wheels/3 speed transmission/driving on a freeway feel like a hamster running flat out in a wheel, only a matter of time before either the 'wheel' or the 'hamster' breaks!
Yeah... that's pretty much what I was thinking, except in my analogy (based on the sound) it was a rubberband!
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Old 06-04-2021, 03:31 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by martin300662 View Post
Hi Laurie

I did have it fitted whilst Bella was in the US (actually I had officially left the US, had the parts shipped to a friend and left it being fitted at a transmission shop local to him, then went back and spent around 4months as a 'visitor' to sell the house etc).

GV recommended 3D0400B plus 3S0043 (the 43T speedo adapter). There is no transmission brake on our units (they have a separate cable pull on the rear drum brakes). It was a regular kit for TH400/475 transmissions.

Receipt is attached for info.
Martin - quick question re the Gear vendors unit.

The fitter in the UK - Steve from Anglo American in Newport has stated that if he shortens the front prop-shaft to accommodate the Gear Vendors unit it will end up being about 8inches. He is concerned that this may end up being too short and will end up causing vibration.

Do you know how yours was fitted and if they did exactly this or whether they ended up doing something more complex?

Many thanks

Laurie
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Old 06-04-2021, 04:09 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by r1071987 View Post
Martin - quick question re the Gear vendors unit.

The fitter in the UK - Steve from Anglo American in Newport has stated that if he shortens the front prop-shaft to accommodate the Gear Vendors unit it will end up being about 8inches. He is concerned that this may end up being too short and will end up causing vibration.

Do you know how yours was fitted and if they did exactly this or whether they ended up doing something more complex?

Many thanks

Laurie
Once the rain stops I will get some pictures Laurie.... If it will help I am happy to jump on a Zoom etc call with Steve and discuss (he is a great guy by the way, and you have chosen wisely to get him working on your unit!)
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Old 06-04-2021, 09:29 AM   #12
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Every time I'm on the interstate with the giant hamsters running at top speed I think about this thread and dream of the day I can run at lower RPMs!
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Old 06-06-2021, 09:03 AM   #13
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Once the rain stops I will get some pictures Laurie.... If it will help I am happy to jump on a Zoom etc call with Steve and discuss (he is a great guy by the way, and you have chosen wisely to get him working on your unit!)
Not too much to see Laurie, but this is the GV install in Bella.


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Old 06-06-2021, 09:51 AM   #14
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Thank you so much for the pictures Martin - this will help Steve I’m sure.

Laurie
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Old 09-21-2021, 05:30 AM   #15
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Gear vendors update

So just a quick update for anyone contemplating installing a Gearvendors unit on their Argosy or Airstream MH. I must admit it makes a huge difference to motorway driving. I can now cruise at 60mph and still have a conversation. A big improvement on fuel consumption as well.

I do have a vibration at 30mph which stops at around 40mps. This is with the GV unit off. Its going back in a couple of weeks to hopefully get sorted. Steve in Anglo American thinks he may need to adjust the angle of the shaft into the GV a little.
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Old 09-22-2021, 05:03 AM   #16
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Do you have Centramic wheel balancers Laurie? (https://www.centramatic.com/).

They make a huge difference in terms of wheel based vibrations and are available front/back for the 8 hole dually hubs.

Fronts, https://www.centramatic.com/wheel-ba...Number=400-408
Rears, https://www.centramatic.com/wheel-ba...Number=400-409
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Old 09-22-2021, 08:17 AM   #17
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I don't have these Martin, I will check them out. Many thanks again.
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Old 09-23-2021, 02:30 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by martin300662 View Post
Do you have Centramic wheel balancers Laurie? (https://www.centramatic.com/).

They make a huge difference in terms of wheel based vibrations and are available front/back for the 8 hole dually hubs.

Fronts, https://www.centramatic.com/wheel-ba...Number=400-408
Rears, https://www.centramatic.com/wheel-ba...Number=400-409
Martin - with the 400-409s for the rear, do they simply fit between the dually wheels?
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Old 09-23-2021, 04:51 AM   #19
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Martin - with the 400-409s for the rear, do they simply fit between the dually wheels?
Yes.

I have a steel rim inner wheel, and an Ion alloy outer and the Centramatic sandwiches between the pair. Its way the front is dished and the rear is flat.
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Old 09-24-2021, 01:17 AM   #20
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Yes.

I have a steel rim inner wheel, and an Ion alloy outer and the Centramatic sandwiches between the pair. Its way the front is dished and the rear is flat.
Excellent - thanks Martin - I will get them ordered.
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