Gear Vendors

[JLD1942]

I pull a 31' sovereign with a 1986, 6.9, F250 ford diesel. Another list member suggested I add Gear Vendors to the vehicle. He suggested it would be more cost effective than buying a newer vehicle like a 1999 Suburban since the truck has a rebuild engine and is in good shape. I live in the Seattle area. Where would be a good place to have the work done and does anyone know how much it should cost if I have it done locally. I also have a friend who works on the family cars quite often, but is not an expert in diesel. He is an auto mechanic. Does it take a transmission expert to do this work. If he can do it, what would be the cost of the parts alone? Thanks. Joan

[overlander63]

Strangely enough, it was me that suggested it...
There are several threads in the motorhome areas (mechanic's corner) where the process is documented. The overdrive units are not diesel-specific, so your family mechanic can probably do a lot of the work, but a driveline specialist may be a better choice.
Here is a link to GV's website. Gear Vendors under/overdrive transmissions the most awarded auxiliary transmissions.
They are also good at helping over-the-phone to get the bugs straightened out.

[Kajtek1]

You are not saying why you want the gear vendor? Since you are talking about towing, it is definitely not for fuel economy. Do you have a problem with low speed torque?
Gear vendors cost several thousand dollars and they will not bring much resale value to the truck.
The 6.9 l diesel is not having the best reviews to start with.

[bobchevy89]

Originally Posted by Kajtek1

You are not saying why you want the gear vendor? Since you are talking about towing, it is definitely not for fuel economy. Do you have a problem with low speed torque?
Gear vendors cost several thousand dollars and they will not bring much resale value to the truck.
The 6.9 l diesel is not having the best reviews to start with.

you should look up gear vendors and check out what the do.it gives you a extra gear that comes in handy when climbing hills towing a camper.read the G V article and you will learn something.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by Kajtek1

You are not saying why you want the gear vendor? Since you are talking about towing, it is definitely not for fuel economy. Do you have a problem with low speed torque?
Gear vendors cost several thousand dollars and they will not bring much resale value to the truck.
The 6.9 l diesel is not having the best reviews to start with.

Resale value on a 20 year old truck is not part of the equation, improving uphill towing and towing speed on flat ground is, along with keeping a vehicle they have had many miles and years of experience with.
The 20% underdrive will help the truck to tow the trailer in a higher transmission gear uphill, without overheating, and the 20% overdrive will allow for faster running on the flat ground. A 6.9 with a C6 automatic, and 4.10 rear axle, is not set up for a blistering top end.
Also, the direct descendent of the 6.9, the 7.3 Powerstroke, has millions of users driving tens of millions of miles, and an excellent performance record. The 6.9 also was miles ahead of its other light truck competition in its time.

[wahoonc]

Originally Posted by Kajtek1

You are not saying why you want the gear vendor? Since you are talking about towing, it is definitely not for fuel economy. Do you have a problem with low speed torque?
Gear vendors cost several thousand dollars and they will not bring much resale value to the truck.
The 6.9 l diesel is not having the best reviews to start with.

And what reviews are those? It was a bit under powered, but not surprising for a non turbo engine. And it is the same base engine that became the 7.3 PSD probably one of the best light diesel truck engines ever built.

Aaron