Quote:
Originally Posted by Xist
Is anyone else in this situation?
Okay, I had already gathered most of that, although lower wear is a nice bonus.
Regarding the Laycock overdrive:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overdrive_(mechanics)
So, the overdrive is an external taller fifth gear? |
I like to think of it as being similar to the 2 speed rear ends on the big trucks. A true 5th gear overdrive is just that - one more gear. This overdrive is an add-on to the regular transmission. You could get a straight 4 speed or the optionally added on overdrive unit mounted on the rear of the manual transmission. It has the ability to be engaged within the normal 1-4 gears, specifically as you've mentioned (and in this case) it can be engaged in 3rd and 4th. So in essence it will provide two additional distinct ratios beyond the 1,2,3,4 gears (add in 3rd overdrive, and 4th overdrive.) A nice patch between the 3rd to 4th hop, and then the overdrive beyond 4th. It also shares oil from the main transmission so you'll see some discussion on that topic across the net too. It's an interesting unit for sure and lots of vehicles did use them. An up-to-date unit is found under the "Gear Vendors" brand. An "all gear" lever operated version of an overdrive was the
Hone-O-Drive (from the 60's and 70's) that could be added on within the driveline if one wanted overdrive in their vehicle. Apparently those are back now too!
~CrazyJerry