Ryan Overdrive Operation

[wavey1us]

Just purchased a 1929 Fordor with a Ryan Overdrive. Never driven a car with an overdrive. Does anyone have any suggestions on shifting speeds for overdrive? I notice there were three positions: All the back, center, and all the way forward. Any ideas of position indications?

[katy]

https://www.santaanitaas.org/wp-cont...-Overdrive.pdf

[wavey1us]

Thanks. Just wondering what the advantages/disadvantages between neutral and out of overdrive?

[wavey1us]

Also, what speeds are recommended for shifting into overdrive?

[Ruth]

Originally Posted by wavey1us

Also, what speeds are recommended for shifting into overdrive?

I think once you drive your car you will know when to shift. I don't watch the speed. With my Mitchell I don't use O/D in first. After I get up to speed in 2nd, I will shift to O/D 2nd and usually leave it there for around town. Same with 3rd at higher speeds.

One thing you will really like is the neutral position because you can use it to downshift. From 3rd, put the Ryan in neutral, shift to second, then reengage the Ryan.

[Hitman]

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I usually drive an overdrive like a 4 speed, 1-3 in direct, final and 4th shift into overdrive. I generally do at 45 mph. You'll know when, the car will give the same signals at 3rd direct as it does when you go from 1st to 2nd.

The Ryan has straight cut gears and will be tough to down shift in.

Your three overdrive settings are overdrive, neutral, and direct drive. You'll probably still spend most of the time in direct drive with OD used at higher speeds.

[Ruth]

Originally Posted by Hitman

The Ryan has straight cut gears and will be tough to down shift in.

NOT TRUE! The Ryan has dogged gears similar to a constant mesh motorcycle transmission. Shifting has nothing to do either with the teeth.

[Hitman]

The straight cut gears and dogged gears are great transmissions, they wear quickly and do become difficult to shift. The main advantage of a dogged trans is the quicker shifts and ability to take abuse. Drive a car with a Ryan OD in it and you'll see.

There's a reason most modern vehicles and the Mitchell have helical cut gears and synchros.

[nkaminar]

Another advantage with having a neutral position in the overdrive is using it when stopped at a stop light. You don't grind first. Put the OD in neutral, put the transmission in first (no grinding), then after the light changes press in the clutch and put the OD in direct and start out like you normally would do. Use the neutral in the OD like you would normally use the neutral in the transmission.

Keeping the clutch depressed at a stop light just adds more wear to the thrust bearing in the engine.