Posted by Charlie on September 06, 1999 at 00:55:30:
In Reply to: What we need Ray is.... posted by M37 owner tired of non-synchro and doing 42 MPH. on September 05, 1999 at 23:10:06:
Please read my contribution to "Best of the Forum". The 5 speed problem has a long history, and will be an issue when I'm dust. Without moving the transfer case, a 15" transmission will fit, with driveshaft modifications (the little driveshaft). 5 speeds that are less than or equal to 15":
Clark 280VO - 5.98, 3.50, 1.86, 1.00, 0.80; 15", hard to find; Performance Gear in Mississippi has some; he charges a lot.
NP540 - 6.06, 3.31, 1.81, 1.00, 0.82; 13"; impossible to find in OD configuration
Spicer OD 5 speeds - they exist, they are used in non-USA vehicles, I don't know where to find them; one example is the T5-290, used in the Australian OKA. Ratios 5.36, 2.62, 1.51, 1.00, 0.79. The OKA has a GVW of 12,000 lbs.
Spicer 3053A - 2.5 ton 5 spd, designed for SAE#3 bellhousing, 16.5" long
NV4500 - too long, 18.5-21" in 4X2 configuration
Add-on overdrives:
Advance Adapters Ranger II - 0.73:1 (could use 5.83s!), fits between bellhousing and trans, 7" long, some machine work needed to adapt to Dodge application. I'd advise running a SM420 behind it, then the only machine work needed is on the front.
Gear Vendors overdrive - ratio 0.78:1, fits on rear output of transfer, shifts electrically with button on shift lever (easy to use as splitter for 3rd as well as 4th), works only in 2WD, expensive, no machine work needed except shortening driveshaft 14"
Charlie