I looked into it briefly when I ordered my 6MT and apparently the dual ranges were muted down in ratio over the years to prevent exploding as the engine torque climbed. Eventually the ratio was 18% or something pitiful like that because any more and the 2.5 NA H4 would make it explode? In any event, I decided that wasn't a good transmission to put behind my H6 and just ended up putting the 6MT in there. Super happy with it... But the automatic was WAY better for rock crawling. Unstoppable slow crawl.

 

No doubt an automatic would be top choice for slow off-roading, but then you have to deal with it for everything else!

These ADS boxes are rated to up to 390bhp with up to a 1.61 reduction ratio. The 6MT really is a great box, I loved it in my '07 Spec.B. I was sold on the 6MT swap for the Battlewagon until I came across this.

 

ADS referred me to a stateside partner - ZF Design out of Ridge, CO. I talked with one of their shop techs and am working on getting an quote for the 1.61 box. Based on our conversation and ballpark estimates, this might actually be more affordable than I thought...depending on upgrade options, of course. And there are options, to be sure. Upgraded synchros, dual synchros for 1st and 2nd, front LSD, center diff upgrade options including full-on DCCD...while you're in there you might as well upgrade the shifter, bushings, pitch stop, trans mount, clutch/flywheel... Should be in the ballpark of a new OEM 5MT replacement. More to come!

 

My friend had a built dual range installed in his 2.5 XT Foz. Big bucks but if money isn't an issue then it absolutely seems the way to go.

 

@Brucey That's the beauty here! At least I think/hope so. I'm going to go with some above-and-beyond upgrades (stronger center diff, Torsen front LSD, upgraded synchros), and I'm looking at roughly between the cost of a new OEM 5MT and a new OEM 6MT. A budget build sounds like it would be in the ballpark of a used 5MT. This assumes reuse of differentials and no unnecessary upgrades, and of course installing it yourself. No, none of these are inexpensive, but they're not money-is-no-object crazy expensive either. I don't have hard numbers yet so don't want to stick my neck too far out, but I'll wager that it will be significantly less expensive than your standard 6MT swap. For anyone considering mods like that, this is a serious contender.

For what it's worth, it will be a long time before I actually do this upgrade, but I'm pretty sure I will do it at some point. Then again, I said I was doing long travel coil-overs "at some point" and now here we are...

 

I'm here to support you emotionally but I can't help much technically.

I'm working on swapping the gearing in the Gen 5 and I am surprised at the responses I'm getting from those that seem to hate anything new just because it's new.

 

I think I can tackle the technical, but I will ALWAYS take some extra emotional support, LOL.

 

Necro Bump as the timing is right.... Due to the NPS voicing their 'intent' to actually follow through on vehicles needing more than AWD on passageways posted as such.

With no one really installing a dual range transmission as of late.... Or at least teasing us with the neener neener neener of having one when we don't. (And my own personal OB having a new transmission installed) It'd be interesting to see who is going to be opening up that can of possibilities again....

Darn you SOA and the over-willingness to grab the brass ring of CAFE numbers...

Then again this may be a PR spin to negate the Yahoos renting 4x4s and crashing them. Or driving the rental Toyota Camry where it shouldn't be...

C.

Spoiler: An ever follower of the Rental Car Motto in my younger days...

'There is no curb too sharp or ditch too deep for a rental car we will not keep'....