jeepguy1948
Well-known member
I recently purchased a ‘30 Phaeton and it has a Ryan Overdrive. It appears to me that this is a non synchro unit. I know how to shift the non synchro transmission but can’t seem to get the knack of the OD. Any tips?
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Ryan OD
- Thread starter jeepguy1948
- Start date
Marshall V. Daut
Well-known member
Double clutch and time the engine and transmission RPMs to be compatible. There's a sweet spot as the RPMs die down where it is optimal to shift into overdrive. Double clutching DOES help. You just need to get to know your engine and transmission personality. Each pair is a little different. And make sure the engine idle isn't too high. That will cause gear grinding when shifting.
Did you receive the copy of the Ryan Owner's Manual I sent you?
Marshall
M.
Did you receive the copy of the Ryan Owner's Manual I sent you?
Marshall
M.
jeepguy1948
Well-known member
I did, yes Marshall and thank you. I’m just looking for some practical advice from real world experience. Looking at a picture of the inner workings it looks like it would be impossible to shift while the vehicle was moving.
Marshall V. Daut
Well-known member
I drove cross-country many times with the Ryan in place and was very happy with it compared to the timebomb Rambler overdrives I had tried before. Don't worry about why the unit shouldn't work; it does. It may just take a little practice shifting and timing the gear revolutions to shift smoothly into overdrive. Just don't delay too long when shifting into overdrive. Shift quickly and feel the gears go into place.
Other than not having synchromesh gears, the Ryan is nearly bullet-proof and highly reliable. The shifter could have been more robust, but that's just mice nuts complaining. Be glad that you have a Ryan overdrive and not a Rambler. In the 1980's, I went through three Rambler torque tube conversions from Washington State and all three failed or the sun gears locked up on cross-country trips. The Ryan NEVER failed me. I still have it in my 1931 DeLuxe Roadster 35 years later...
Marshall
Other than not having synchromesh gears, the Ryan is nearly bullet-proof and highly reliable. The shifter could have been more robust, but that's just mice nuts complaining. Be glad that you have a Ryan overdrive and not a Rambler. In the 1980's, I went through three Rambler torque tube conversions from Washington State and all three failed or the sun gears locked up on cross-country trips. The Ryan NEVER failed me. I still have it in my 1931 DeLuxe Roadster 35 years later...
Marshall
Jim Brierley
Well-known member
I put many miles on my Ryan, and had no troubles with it or shifting it. When shifting into OD, I just paused a bit midway, no double clutching, just a little pause. When shifting back to conventional, I just grabbed the shifter and quickly pulled it back, no problem.
jeepguy1948
Well-known member
Went for a long drive today and I think I have it down. I just needed to know that it could be done. FWIW this is in a new to me RHD car so I’m learning to shift left handed at the same time. I’m also learning to deal with the accelerator button in between the brake and clutch pedals (it’s a tight fit for size 12 shoes).