What is it?

I scored a cj3 today with a bunch of parts, while looking at one of my new transmissions/transfer case I saw something I have never seen, it attaches to the back of the transfer case with the drive output, it has a small mechanical lever on the left side and two, what appear to be solinoids with electrical connections on either side, the gear shift lever has an electrical switch and the tub has an "overdrive lever" Im guessing its an overdrive but after searching these forums and looking at Herms site I am still not sure what I have, for what its worth the transmission is a T-90 w/ sbc adapter, rear driveshaft is very short so Im assuming a sbc set up. its too dark to get pics now, anyone have a guess?.........thanks, Vic

 

sounds like an old Rancho/Studebaker overdrive
operable in 2wd only as it only affect the rear output
manual cable operated, or electric kickdown operated if I recall
post a pic in the morning

 

I'll get a pic tomorrow, this really does not look aftermarket it looks "aged" with the transfer case was this a factory option?...and are they worth messing with quality wise?....Vic

 

Borg-Warner would be a better description
does it look anything like this ?

 

thats the critter.......any opinions?............Vic

 

yes
they were factory option...on 2wd Jeeps, wagons, pickups, Jeepster
my Dads 51 Jeepster has one on it..
parts getting harder to find, expensive when you find them
not pratical on 4wd rig in my opinion
I wouldn't toss it; it's worth something to someone somewhere

 

Jim, why are they not practical? why do you have OD in yours?...thanks Vic

 

the style you have only works the rear output/driveshaft
you can only use it in 2 wheel drive, not 4 wheel drive
the warn bolts to the other side of the transfer case
adapts to the rear output of the trans thru the transfer case
it's a true "all range" over drive: 2wd, 4wd, high range, low range, reverse
the borg-warner unit could be used in 2wd driving down the highway without any harm; I should have been clearer on that point.
before the Warn came out, that's what lots of old time Jeepers did.

 

I suppose another disadvantage could be the shortened length of the rear driveshaft.
I'm no expert (can you tell)

 

Jim,

I see, do you think with a sbc powering this thing any benefit would be gained with keeping the rpms down on highway use? or would it become a liability, dependability wise?.....Vic

 

hmmm
I don't know about dependabilty behind a sbc
I will say they weren't designed for use behind high HP
I suppose like anything else, if you use the speed pedal lightly...
other here may have good experience with them
I just don't know, sorry

 

You know more than I do, you identified it in about 10 seconds, thanks again..........Vic


p.s. tell your dad I got parts.....lol

 

When you think about it how many of us would be in 4WD when the need for the overdrive came into play. Try it out. See if it works.

 

And if you dont want it let me know, I am in the market for a used o/d set-up for my cj5.

 

I'll research this a little more, if it goes your first up chilli, Vic

 

Im guessing the lever is a simple "in and out" what purpose would the solinoids play?..........

 

It's definitely a Rancho overdrive. Jon Compton, owner of Border Parts in San Diego @ 619-471-0161 has licensing/rights to it from Rancho, and can get you any part, schematic, and operating instructions needed. I saw an original ad where they retailed at $69.95, so worth a little more than that today if it works, OD should add value, and as you stated keep rpm's down on highway. I think Warn/Saturn OD's caused the demand to drop on these. I've got one on my '45 Willys MB, but obviously aftermarket. One other note, if Rancho OD is engaged, reverse won't engage. It must be off for reverse to work.

 

Thats what Im talking about!!!!.........thanks Mike I'll call him tomorrow.......Vic