Tranny's and linkage options for MCI 7

[Tenor]

What trannys will work with the stock 4sp spicer linkage?  I read somewhere about someone using a 10 speed because it used an electric solonoid to switch betweed 2 groups of 5.  Also looking to see what advantages there are to other stick tranny's.  Just looking for options at 5.09 per gallon.  Thanks!

Glenn

[TomC]

9,10,13,15,18 all use the same type of shifter with air splitters.  I believe you can get reverse shifters that make the shift pattern like a front engine. I once rode on a Mexican Dina that had a 10spd overdrive, where the shift pattern was backwards and the overdrive was backwards also-talk about confusing.  Good Luck, TomC

[Tenor]

Thanks Tom!
My friend has an Eaton 9 speed from his old cabover.  It has what he called a conversion on top so that you run linkage to the top instead of the gear shifter dropping through the top.  So some new questions - what advantages and disadvantages are there to using this tranny?  Some advantages I have been made aware of - such as a seperate reverse that would not need the electric system, better mileage on hills, a creeper gear for campground use maybe.  Are there any clearance issues, or driveshaft issues?  Any pieces needed to adapt linkage?  Better to remove the engine to put in the tranny?  I'd like to know as much as possible before thinking of taking on the job.  Thanks!

Glenn

[TomC]

Actually I believe that the 9 spd Roadranger is a shallower case than the 4 speed, since the 9 spd is a twin countershaft transmission, and the 4 spd is not (I believe the 4 spd is taller).  Personally I like the shift pattern of the 9/13spd much better than the 10/15 spd.  If you don't mind shifting, it is a great way to go.  You don't have to use all the gears all the time.  I used to skip shift.  So you start in 2nd, shift to 4th, pull up the button and shift into 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th.  Then you don't shift so many times, but have the gears for steep situations if need be. Good Luck, TomC

[prevost82]

Tenor ... Prevost uses a cabover tower on the tranny and a small box with the stick in it and a small 3 or 4 piece driveshaft running between them. The advantage is it shifts like the tranny is right under the stick (no slop). It would hard to install the driveshaft as the floor would have to be out of the bus.
Ron