The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline manual overdrive operation

i had a manual shifting saturn overdrive unit in an old jeep, so with a 3sp, i had a 6sp. not that that was very useful, but could the same manual operation be done with a '56 chevy 3sp unit - but specifically only for 3rd/od?

The Saturn/Warn OD units are operated with a lever and are either in or out. They do not have any electrical components or free wheel capabilities. You can operate a BW OD unit using a toggle switch and a wire attached to the #4 terminal. You will also need to manually operate the pull cable for the OD to engage. This system is used by several contributors to this site. Be aware that you can cause damage to the planetary and other components by starting out with the OD engaged. You can also cause damage if you somehow back up with the solenoid engaged. I prefer the factory set up as it is so simple to leave it in OD and let it do it's own thing. Once you get used to driving the stock set up you can get 5 speeds out of it quite easily.
Fred

yeah, as stated, i know how the saturn works. and due to my forgetfulness, i will def use your points about using the bw as designed. am i correctly understanding you - it's a set it and forget it?

A properly working BW overdrive has a governor to prevent engagement below about 30 mph. If it is wired correctly there is no way it will engage in reverse.

There are aftermarket switches and relays available that are inexpensive. If you need the P/N's & sources I can provide them for you. I drive my 56 daily and never take it out of OD. As Cletis stated you can't mess anything up with the stock set up.
You just have to remember to put it in reverse when you park and/or set the brake as it will roll in any other gear.
Fred

I used a double pole, double throw toggle switch for my kick down switch and a Bosch type relay.

Excellent advice above as usual.

I do have my '62 3sp+od set up to split the gears to allow for 6 forward speeds and have included a warning light on the dash to remind me not to start out in overdrive. As in my signature my truck is dd year round so it can be done, I do realize that no one would be able to drive my truck using this set-up, now 10 years in operation in this form. I will 'wire up the governor' when I rebuild and install my all-synchro '69 3sp+od.