GearVendors behind ZF5 4x4 - Anyone done it and care to share their setup?

BlindAmbition

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I picked up a GV unit for $350 meant for an E4OD equipped RV with a driveline brake. Bolts right to my transfer case, seems like it'll bolt right to my ZF5 4x4 transmission as well. The issue with this particular setup is the transfer case shifter linkage mounting, I'll need to figure that out. Anyone installed a GV unit on their ZF5 4x4? I'm doing a 2005+ axle swap on my truck, so the driveshafts will all need to be made anyways, not too worried about that.

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Nero

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Why not? It's already a double overdrive when equipped to an E4od.
 

BlindAmbition

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I'd mainly use it in 5th over while freeway driving, it'll be something like 1600 rpm at 70mph depending on tire size with 3.73 rear axle.
 

Nero

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Huh, that's interesting. I would have imagined it would go Trans, transfer case, then gear vendor. But what do I know.
 

Jesus Freak

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Huh, that's interesting. I would have imagined it would go Trans, transfer case, then gear vendor. But what do I know.
That's my thought, but now you can gear split I 4wd, AND as a bonus you get to have both driveshafts custom made!
 

BlindAmbition

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It usually does go that way, Trans -> Tcase -> GV -> Axle

You can't use it in 4WD, it'll destroy something, regardless of which way you have it setup. That is the overwhelming consensus I've read, at least.
 

Cubey

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It usually does go that way, Trans -> Tcase -> GV -> Axle

You can't use it in 4WD, it'll destroy something, regardless of which way you have it setup. That is the overwhelming consensus I've read, at least.

Seems that way.

-92: https://www.gearvendors.com/product/manual-5-speed-zf-5/
93+ https://www.gearvendors.com/product/manual-5-speed-zf-11/

 

Austin86250

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I’m not sure why folk hate on double over drive having a .53:1 gear ratio sounds amazing
 

snicklas

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I’m not sure why folk hate on double over drive having a .53:1 gear ratio sounds amazing

Most newer vehicles are this way from the factory. My 11 F-150 with the 6 speed auto is. 5th is over and 6th is double over. 6th is something like 1700 RPM at 70-ish
 

Booyah45828

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I think the double over is fine. My thought is why would you need double over while in 4wd? What's the minimum speed for a gearvendors anyways, 50mph? If you're in a low traction scenario that requires 4wd should you really be driving highway speeds? I'd have the gearvendors after the transfer case, that way you're only buying one shaft.
 

BlindAmbition

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It isn't for using it while in 4WD, just 2wd. All I read and the few people I've talked to say specifically not to use it in 4WD. GV wiring has a cutoff if 4wd is engaged.

GV adapters are $700+, I picked this whole thing up for $350. It will fit the way I showed above without buying anything extra.

As far as driveshafts, I am doing an SD front and rear axle swap at the same time, I have to make custom ones anyways.
 

Black dawg

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Looks like it has been done before, found this picture.
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This isnt the same setup as your first pic. THis is a us gear/doug nash overdrive unit.

That first pic, I have never seen a gear vendor like that. But I have never seen one with a tailhousing brake.

If it would in fact bolt up between the trans and t case, you would be able to use Od while in 4x4, but my concern would be adding the extra stress of a t case clear at the back. Based on my own experience and what I have seen with GV, putting it in front of the transfer case will remove the option of driving on the front driveshaft when it fails. Being able to use low range would help it out with the reverse type failure though....
 
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