Compatible transmissions for the M35a3 with the cat 3116

[Rambling Wreck]

Not sure I understand what you mean.

 

[goodguyzy]

Ok Ive read this thread over a few times. I'm a simple construction worker, so please keep this in mine. The A2 spicer has a 5th gear ration of 1:1. The A3 4th gear has a ratio of 1:1. The A3 has bigger tires, so why doesn't it go faster? Is it the axles that are geared differently?

 

[quickfarms]

The spicer 3052 used behind the gas and early multifuel was direct

The spicer 3053 used in the later multifuel was overdrive

 

[goodguyzy]

Ok I dont know where I got the 3053 being 1:1. So my final conclusion (that was summed up in about post number 2) is that getting the 3053 back in with the same tires or bigger would give you a better top end without the OD kit, or would you still need toms OD kit?

 

[jaymcb]

you wouldn't need the OD kit, because the 5th gear in the spicer already HAS an OD gear.

If you REALLY wanted a taller OD gear, then you could do both, but MY Cat3116 wouldn't have the balls to push a truck along with gearing that tall. It barely climbs the hill leading up to my house with the Allison auto in second gear

 

[goodguyzy]

Thats a good point, you do put the 3053 back in, how will the engine act at that lower RPM say at 60MPH.

 

[jaymcb]

even with the spicer gears, if you keep stock tires, 60MPH is going to be near redline anyways

 

[m-35tom]

the 3116 can be turned up to more power than the multifuel. with a stock 3053 you will have some more mph, but not much. with gear kit you will have 67 mph at 2500 rpm. there is a mph/rpm charton the od gear website for comparason.

 

[tryon]

I have a GMC Topkick with a bad 3116 and a good 5spd. trans with recent new clutch. Don't know if it is an OD but if you are interested shoot a PM and I can get model numbers, etc. to see if it would meet your needs.

 

[Rambling Wreck]

Has anyone come across additional information on compatible transmission or other options to obtain more speed out of a M35A3?

 

[m-35tom]

see post #48, a flywheel for the 3116 is just over $200 new. i think it would be an easy swap.

tom

 

[Rambling Wreck]

Tom, Are you referring to post #48 of another thread?

 

[m-35tom]

no, i am refering to this thread. most OD trans are just that, OD, while the 3053 with my gear set is more like another gear which is what is needed with such a low rear ratio. i am very surprised no one has done this swap, i think it would be the best of both worlds.

tom

 

[Rambling Wreck]

Ok, I understand now. I was just confused because post #48 didn't mention a flywheel. If I was to go back to a Spicer I could also install a PTO/Winch. Starting to sound more and more attractive. My next step though is to talk to a local transmission/diff/gear shop to see what ideas they may come up with.

 

[m-35tom]

keep in mind that no one has ever found a trans with this much OD that will fit in the short space available. given that you would spend, $3000 doing this, (a guess) it would take some time for payback, but driving at 65-70 is much nicer than 48.

tom

 

[jaymcb]

Is that 3k for parts, or 3k for 'all done'?

 

[m-35tom]

parts, you may be able to do it just a little bit cheaper if you already have some of the parts like the trans and clutch. life aint cheap!

 

[GHILL55]

I must just be an "old fart" now,'cuse life is pretty sweet at 45mph! When I want to go faster I drive a different truck, pretty simple.

Slow down and enjoy the ride, life is about the journey - not the destination.

 

[Rambling Wreck]

I hope to take my A3 from Atlanta to the family farm in south Georgia multiple times a year. The trip is 240 miles which means that I could make the trip in about 1.5 hours less time (each way) if I could travel at 70mph. I would rather take that time and use it around the farm/river/ponds than to use it absorbing the scenery along I-16 (I have made that trip hundreds of times and there is nothing along that route that I haven't already seen or care to see). To each his own though.

 

[flyxpl]

If you plan on turning an A3 tire at 70mph, be prepared to be a dead man.