Posted by Gary [64.234.252.216] on Tuesday, November 03, 2015 at 19:37:09 :
In Reply to: Re: 5 Speed for 1961 W500 posted by Daryl in Oz [202.138.27.234] on Monday, November 02, 2015 at 04:38:37 :
I would much rather keep the 4 speed and Brownie as you can split shift between all gears. If the Brownie gives you a 1:1 and overdrive instead of an underdrive, then keep it. NP-540s are extremely rare. Also a 2 speed aux tranny can be turned around to give overdrive or underdrive... I think anyway. An OD 540 is more like having a 3spd with OD and a granny gear in practice... gears are wider spaced and not as good for hauling. I like lots of gears for those hills and the ability of having just the right gear for the hill. A 0.73 ratio for OD is a good split.
I have an NP-540 with a 1:1 5th. It is like a close ratio 4spd with a really low granny (7.41:1). When I was young I drove Dump trucks for awhile with 5 spd mains and 4spd aux. all non syncro.
Gar