3 spd or 4 spd (1 Viewer)

[kar5555]

I have my '69 in a thousand pieces, but at least it's all painted and ready to reassemble. I had to buy 3 cruisers to have enough good parts for 1. Now I have a 3 speed and a 4 speed tranny. Which should I install and what are the plusses and minuses w/ each. Engine is original f145 and runs good.

thanks.

 

[ocdbeetle]

If you're a stock nazi put whatever came with it when new.....Otherwise I can't see any decision between the 3 and 4 speed....The 3 speed in mine sounds like its going to blow at speed.....I'm sure its not but that tractor tranny gets loud....I'd love to be able to shift to 4th....

 

[Pighead]

I can't think of any minuses in installing a 4-speed instead of a 3-speed...

 

[Dusty 66]

I can't think of any minuses in installing a 4-speed instead of a 3-speed...

X4

 

[marks69cruiser]

Go with the 4spd. Top speed wont change as both 3rd and 4th are 1:1. However the drive ability will be much improved. Good luck on the build.

 

[alkarich]

Synchronization with the 4sp tranny.

 

[cruiser_guy]

Yep, definitely 4 speed if you've got the parts and stock isn't important to you.

 

[mjrsfj40]

Go 4 speed! If you have the adapter for the three speed t-case to work with the 4 speed, you will be even happier. I changed over to the 4 speed and used an adapter gear from Mark' s Offroad to connect the original 3 speed t-case (even kept the vacuum shift). Synchronizers are a beautiful thing

Of course drive shaft length will be an issue, as the 4-speed is longer than the 3-speed. There is a good article in the tech section on this conversion. Good luck!

 

[Zekester]

ummm if you aren't sticking to original...why not....5 speed??

 

[mdonivan]

Definitely 4 speed. I have the 4 speed with 3 speed transfer case combo and had to have my drive shaft shortened a bit, but it is a great combo.

 

[cardinal fang]

Another question

Of course, the question now is which transfer case will you use?

 

[In2cruisers]

If you go 4 spd... wont you miss shifting to reverse thinking your in first

 

[Coolerman]

Go 4 sp with the 3sp case but also get a set of 4 sp drive shafts, a new set of drive shaft bolts, and a set of pinion/t-case flanges for the 4 sp drive shaft pattern. That way you get the 4 sp trans w/synch, the larger stronger 4 sp shafts and NO drive line mods. Kurt @ Cruiser Outfitters has the flanges.

 

[Quazii]

My 3 spd works just fine. then again I'm a nazi. As was before stated the final drive for each tranny is the same 1:1 ratio. Therefore highway rpms will be the same. The 4 spd however has a lower first gear and as stated earlier it's synchronized. Two big pluses. 2nd and 3rd on the three speed are synched but that doesn't help at 4 mph when the red light finally turns green. Another vote for the 4

 

[71AZFJ]

I have a 3 in mine , but if the 4 cuts down the tranny noise , I would go with the 4 speed. Remember , The Best Sound ,Is The One You Cant Hear.