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Saturn Overdrive? Yes/no?

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Jonbbrew, Mar 20, 2018.

  1. Mar 20, 2018
    Jonbbrew

    Jonbbrew Member

    Paso Robles, CA
    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2015
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    739
    Hey all I saw a show where they put us at an overdrive in an old flat fender jeep. Has anyone else had success with these? They seem a little pricey but for these three speeds on modern roads seems like it may be a good investment.
     
  2. Mar 20, 2018
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2002
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    12,529
    Might do a search here for Warn/Saturn overdrive. Tons and tons of discussion.
    A lot of it depends on what engine, tire size, axle gear ratio, and terrain you have or intend to use.
     
    Thean likes this.
  3. Mar 20, 2018
    Greevesman

    Greevesman Member

    Napa, Ca
    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2014
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    417
    I put one in my 64 with a good strong F head. Good investment. You can split gears, Very useful.
     
  4. Mar 20, 2018
    Thean

    Thean Member

    HSB Idaho
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    Sep 1, 2017
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    88
    Tons of them are run. It will allow you to bring your highway RPM down. Possibly increase highway speed. They aren't a be all fix all though. You cant make up for lack of horsepower. Your 198, depending on axle gears may benefit from one. Made right in Paso Robles @ Advance Adapters, previously made by Warn and another Co. . :D
     
  5. Mar 20, 2018
    CJMark

    CJMark Jeeper

    Spearfish, SD
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    Mar 7, 2014
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    102
    Yes they are pricey, but in my opinion worth it depending on gear ratio and how you will be using your Willys. I have one in my '46 with L134 and 4.88 gears, it's a real pleasure to drive. Planning on getting one for my '71 which also has the 4.88 gears, just haven't pulled the trigger yet.
     
  6. Mar 20, 2018
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Florida Keys
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    Jan 23, 2014
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    4,170
    Axle gears and engine power are determining factors. An F-head running 4:27 gears is what I consider the outside limit to run an overdrive. Lower gears (higher numerically; 4:88,5:38) would definitely benefit from an overdrive.
    If you have a V6 with 4:27 gears (or higher numerically), I would say you would benefit. If you have 3:73 gears, an overdrive probably isn't worth the cost.
    -Donny
     
  7. Mar 20, 2018
    47v6

    47v6 junk wrecker! 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    USA
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    Oct 25, 2006
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    I run a buick v6 odd fire, 5.38 gears and 35" tires. I have plenty of power and run about 3400 ,or so, RPM at 55~60. I do almost all my driving in the city and the fastest i generally go is 45MPH. I would love one for an extra shifter, but honestly I just don't need it. If I ran more highway, I wouldn't think twice about getting one.
     
  8. Mar 20, 2018
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2013
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    Use mine all the time...v6 with 4.88s. I do drive a lot of 60mph around here and the gear splitting is very helpful both off road and when trying to find the exact right gear for cruising up the mountain hwys. Basically, my 4.88 gears act pretty similar to 3.73s with the OD engaged - with 80% OD I think its right around the equivalent of 3.90 gears. If I had 3.73 gears with my v6, I probably would skip it - although its still helpful offroad for gear splitting.
     
    Tom_Hartz likes this.
  9. Mar 20, 2018
    Daryl

    Daryl Sponsor

    Bonney Lake, WA
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    May 25, 2006
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    The most benefit from an overdrive is cruising around town in 2nd over at about 30 mph. When you really need an in between gear it is handy. As mentioned above, only really useful with 4.88 or lower gears. The new Saturn od has much better quality parts then many of the original Warn ones did. Some of the quality control was non existent at times for Warn over the years.
     
    Thean likes this.
  10. Mar 20, 2018
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

    At the foot of...
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    Apr 4, 2010
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    If you have a Jeep with 4.88 or 5.38 gears, this is the single best modification you can make IMO
     
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  11. Mar 20, 2018
    Greevesman

    Greevesman Member

    Napa, Ca
    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2014
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    417
    My F134 has 4:27 gears and the OD is very useful.
     
  12. Mar 20, 2018
    3b a runnin

    3b a runnin Active Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    virginia
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    I have an overdrive in my cj3B, and in the cj6. The fhead in the 3B is marginal for speed, but splitting gears, as in 2nd over, going up long hills really does help.
    In the cj6, it lets me keep up with most other traffic, even up to 60-65 mph.
     
  13. Mar 20, 2018
    Chris Insull

    Chris Insull All roads lead me back to the beach... 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Chesapeake, VA.
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    Sep 22, 2002
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    805
    My dad and I installed a Warn OD in my ‘71 CJ in about ‘73, the first real modification to a vehicle I was involved in. I still have the take off cover, gear and original instructions. I started driving it regularly in ‘79 and have never looked back. The around town and freeway manners are great. With my 225 V6, 4.88’s and 33’s I’m at 2400 RPM on the freeway; keeping up with traffic and have zero issues with acceleration. Off road, I don’t use it much as it’s not needed. I will eventually install the BOP T350 trans I’ve had for about two years, and fully expect to remain as satisfied.
    Do it... the Saturn won’t get any less expensive in the future.
     
  14. Mar 21, 2018
    1947cj2a

    1947cj2a Member

    PNW
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    Nov 11, 2017
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    Before I installed one on my '47 the engine sounded like it was going to come apart at ~45-50 mph. After that the thing would comfort cruise over the Cascades at 55-60...windsh wind down of course lessdrag that way.
    Jeep has 5.38, L head, tall skinny radial tires

    Looking to get one for the '70 5, it has the f head with 5.38
     
  15. Mar 21, 2018
    CJ Joe

    CJ Joe Truckhaven Tough!

    Pinon Hills, CA
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    Nov 9, 2002
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    390
    V6 with 33" tires. When I re-geared to 5.38 I installed one for better highway performance but discovered I love it because now I've got a six speed!
     
  16. Mar 22, 2018
    willys59cj5

    willys59cj5 Sponsor

    Gilroy, CA
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    Worth every penny. I couldn’t imagine driving my Jeep without one.
     
  17. Mar 22, 2018
    80cj

    80cj Member

    Hawaii
    Joined:
    Sep 1, 2003
    Messages:
    554
    I had a 64 CJ-6 that I had swapped a Chevy 283 into. I ran the original 5.38 gears with 12x15 Gumbo Mudders and the Warn overdrive gave me decent highway RPM as well as allowed me to split the gears. Hell, I had 4 reverse speeds!
     
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