Ranger Torque splitter overdrive?

[gearhead74]

Any one install a Ranger Torque splitter in front of their NP435? Looking for an overdrive and really want to keep my NP435...

 

[Broncobowsher]

I can think of a few that have. I have an article from the early 90's that goes over one install. A few have been done, but I can't think of anything recent.

A neat one I remember from about 10 years ago was a diesel conversion on a 70's F-series. they got the OD set up to match the diesel engine up front and the Ford transmission in back. Made the overdrive also be the adaptor. This was before the cummings was common, It was a Perkins, John Deere, or something like that.

I can't think of anyone currently running one right now.

 

[broncnaz]

Biggest issue is the 7in of lenght it adds to the drivetrain. For the cost involved your probably better off with a ZF or similar 5sp.

 

[Rockin69er]

Within the year I will be doing this. I have already rebuilt the trans/T-case and like them. I weighed out the cost of rebuilding the 435 and adding the Ranger against the NV4500. When all said and done they were very close.

With the NP435/Ranger you have an iron case trans, lower 1st gear and the ability to split every gear including reverse. Oh and you already have the trans installed. Cons; rear driveshaft length.

 

[broncnaz]

Doesnt matter that the trans is instaled it has to come out to install the Ranger also I believe that all the rangers are made with aluminum cases. While cost wise it may be close I'd be concerned with the lenght especailly with tall lifts driveshaft angle will be very steep especailly on 5.5in lifts short ujoint life and driveline vibration may be unavoidable.

 

[bigjhoov]

John Monroe down in San Antonio did this several years ago. I think he wound up having seven shifters or so when it was all done between his twins sticks, the 435, the o.d., and the doubler. It passed through a few hands and was for sale here about a year ago last I recall.

 

[gearhead74]

4 1/2" lift, and I am going to move the rear axle back 12-15". 37" swampers and 4.88 gears. I get a solid 11 mpg around 60-70 mph. I was curious to what kind of mileage I would get with the 27% overdrive...

 

[Broncobowsher]

4 1/2" lift, and I am going to move the rear axle back 12-15". 37" swampers and 4.88 gears. I get a solid 11 mpg around 60-70 mph. I was curious to what kind of mileage I would get with the 27% overdrive...

Realist guess, 11½ MPG. Too many other things against you (lift and tires are big ones) to get much better. OD isn't a magic bullet for this one.

 

[broncnaz]

actually you'd probably lose mileage in OD unless you have a 351W then you might gain something. With 27% OD you'd drop engine RPM by slightly more than 1000 RPM.
As was said lift and big tires are the factor that prevents a smaller engine from making mileage gains.

 

[gearhead74]

Yeah I have a 351w with edelbrock performer cam/intake, Holley TA 670. 3000 rpm's on the highway it just seems that by dropping the rpm's down to 2000 or so I could get a couple more mpg.

I like the way the NP435 shifts and feels, like a 70's Ford should. When the rig was stock with 3.50 gears and 235/15's I could get 16 mpg with the stock 302 and 2v. Sacrifices...

 

[broncnaz]

You might gain something but probably not enough to warrent $1300+ in my book. I'd consider a ZF they still feel like a truck tranny while not as low geared at least you get a OD.
I run my 73 at about 2800 RPM on the hiway and get 16mpg if I tried to run OD it would fall flat on its face on any type of grade. But I dont have the lift or tire size that you are running thats whats really going to suck the mileage.