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spicer 3053a transmission questions.

MuleMac01

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Has anyone attempted to put a spicer 3053a transmission and match it to a OA-331 gasser and got more speed because of the OD transmission?

What are the pros and cons?
 

waayfast

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This gasser owner is also curious about the transmission swap.
But I'll up the annie and ask if anyone knows if an air shift transfer case can be installed behind the OA- 331 ??
 

gringeltaube

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The gas engine will not have enough Torque/Power to make the overdrive gear deliver the results you are looking for...
Exactly. I have done it - and promptly switched back to the 3052...




(Wow, just realised: that was 25 years ago! No SS and no TMs at that time...)
 

MuleMac01

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The gas engine will not have enough Torque/Power to make the overdrive gear deliver the results you are looking for

The transmission will work nonetheless
The torque specs are almost the same and hp just a little less with gas

Screenshot_20200530-100151_Chrome.jpgScreenshot_20200530-100126_Chrome.jpg
 
Last edited:

gringeltaube

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The torque specs are almost the same and hp just a little less with gas
Sure... but not at the same rpms!


They say there is no substitute for one's own experience.... It only takes a couple of hours to replace a transmission in a Deuce, so go ahead and try it out.
Oh, and leave the floor tunnel cover removed and all tools handy - because you might want to go back to the original, that same day...
 

fleetmech

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I own both a mutifuel deuce and a civilian Diamond Reo truck with a very healthy 331/ 3052 and I can say 100% that no matter what the charts say, the 331 makes nowhere near the power of the multi. My 331 is a '69 and rated at 171 hp... at a comical, rod throwing 3600 rpm. I would not want to be in the same county as that engine over, say, 3200. Granted mine is a very heavy, extra long straight rig, but its only good for about 25-30mph up hills and 45-50 on flat ground. Thats with a 2 speed axle with 8.5:1 (ish) in low.

Owning both trucks, its a theoretical "what if" I kicked around, but it probably wouldn't be worth it. You could probably hit 5th on long gentle downhill stretches and maybe run on flat ground for a bit at 55... I guess I would do it if I blew the 3052, had a spare 3053 and needed to run it, but I don't think I'd invest in buying parts.
 
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