Overdriven

[Ryan_M]

So I accelerated my plan of waiting until next year for an overdrive unit, bit the bullet, and ordered one from Herm this week. I've read through his online instruction manual and a few other posts that I found on various forums. Looks like install is fairly simple, with the slip ring placement being the most tedious (and critical) part of the whole process. Can anyone else who has one of Herm's overdrives offer up any tips or things to watch out for when installing one?

[johnrb3b]

I had one problem with mine that turned out to be because my 3B is a Jeep Salad.
The engine and trans are from a '53 Wagon or Truck. There was a bit of a spacing difference between the transmission and transfer case which caused the overdrive to pop out of 1:1 fairly often. Herm sent me some shims that solved the problem. He's great on support.

Be sure you put the oil scoop in correctly. Without it, the overdrive will eventually self-destruct from lack of lubrication.

Also, be aware that the transmission and transfer case share lubricant through a very small hole. It takes a while for the level to equalize. Check the fluid level after you've driven a few miles.

[garage gnome]

Yes, be sure to put that clip in properly! When I installed mine, I jacked up the rear wheels and put it in gear (engine was running of course) for a while to let the oil lube to OD before actually driving it. Also, throw out the rubber boot that comes with it if you are using leather shifter boots. Use another transmission shifter boot and trim it to fit the retainer ring. Also, carefully notch your tranny cover. �;)

Here are a few pictures of when I did mine.







If you have a reproduction body, you might have to cut this corner off like I had to.

[BMIC]

A funny (now) twist in Willy's history, the engine I have in my 3A came from Ryan's 3A. Back in the day an unnamed relative thought a 3A could do 60mph.
Note to JeffM...  Borrow the kid's jeep next time he comes to town. I'll ride with you and we'll see if the new OD makes a difference.

[Ryan_M]

A funny (now) twist in Willy's history, the engine I have in my 3A came from Ryan's 3A. Back in the day an unnamed relative thought a 3A could do 60mph.
Note to JeffM... �Borrow the kid's jeep next time he comes to town. I'll ride with you and we'll see if the new OD makes a difference.

BMIC - 60mph still remains an elusive achievement with my Jeep. The last and only known attempt at such reckless velocity was made nearly 30 years ago. Recorded history barely goes back that far but the tales passed down through the ages put the record at just over 50mph. A noble feat by the standards of any daring test pilot.

Last weekend, although deemed impossible by many, I shattered that long-standing world speed record as I watched the quivering speedo needle briefly graze the 57mph mark. �It was, admittedly, made possible with the help of a long downhill grade and a fair tailwind - but cheating has never left me with much guilt so no sense in second guessing myself now. Initially, I thought I was blacking out due to the acceleration G-forces but I soon realized it was only the recirculating exhaust fumes pushed forward by that helpful tailwind. �

A later attempt on a flat and wind free test area rewarded me with a 52 mph run. Contrary to the sound and feel of the effort, �I was surprised that some (or all) of the driveline components didn't come rocketing up through the Jeep's thin metal skin and shred me to ribbons.

I motored home victorious but more determined than ever. When I arrived I picked up the phone and called Herm.

[garage gnome]

I made it to 65 once with mine.

[Ryan_M]

I made it to 65 once with mine.

if you don't hit at least 80 with that hot rod carb configuration i am going to be disappointed.

[garage gnome]

I'm not sure if I would want to do 80 in a Willys! �;D And the speedometer only goes to 70. �;)

I will wager however, that the dual carbs will help a lot with keeping up with traffic.

[Jeff_M]

A funny (now) twist in Willy's history, the engine I have in my 3A came from Ryan's 3A. Back in the day an unnamed relative thought a 3A could do 60mph.
Note to JeffM... �Borrow the kid's jeep next time he comes to town. I'll ride with you and we'll see if the new OD makes a difference.

We didn't know how fast it would go, but as we rarely exceeded 40, we decided to shoot for 50, which it just barely hit. �We then had to hit the brakes to make the quick right turn. �This almost didn't happen. �:-) �

[jamesr]

I made it to 65 once with mine.

Is that a backup light switch mounted on black bracket mounted to tower bolts?  
JamesR

[garage gnome]

http://cj3apage.com/forum-yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1363119194

  Answer is here.

[BMIC]

It was the exhaust fumes Ryan, the only times I ever experienced a G-force in a Willy's was when my foot slipped of the clutch or when I backed into a fire hydrant.

So what are the actual benifits of installing an OverDrive? Just the additional speed? How much?

[Jeff_M]

I would say being able to travel near-highway speeds without having the engine rev out of its mounts would be a benefit, although it may still not be comfortable much over 50.

[Ryan_M]

I don't really need or expect higher speeds. I'd just like to be able to cruise at 40-45mph with the same RPM's that I'm currently seeing in the 35-40mph range. I think it will make the Jeep much more "driveable" on a daily basis. Should help on hill climbs too where you wish you had a gear somewhere in between 2nd and 3rd.

[garage gnome]

Yep, that is the benefit of an OD. It lowers the engine RPM so you don't have it screaming all the time.