Borg Warner R10 Overdrive? Any Good?

[notmetro]

I have a 1968 Charger with a 440 and 4 speed, Dana rear end. I was lamenting the lack of a fifth gear to a friend and how expensive 5 speed conversions or Overdrive units are, and he said I should look into a Borg Warner R10 overdrive unit. Apparently, these were used in a lot of cars and reduce rpms about 20%. But, they seem to be old tech and I don't trust my friend's recommendation until someone with more experience confirms it's a possibility.

I know nothing about these. Does anyone know anything about these units? I found one for sale at a reasonable price that even has a Dana adapter included. But, I sure could use some help here. Thanks much.

 

[wyrmrider]

is that the one that bolted to the rear end

 

[notmetro]

is that the one that bolted to the rear end

I don't know for sure. It's possible, though, because I think these units go way back.

 

[wyrmrider]

parts and rebuild kits still available?
is unsprung weight an issue

 

[wilmacmike]

They do go way back. I had one on my stock 1937 DeSoto 5 window business coupe. It had the big six cylinder and the four on the flour with the overdrive unit. The overdrive was attached to the tranny.

It worked very well. It was actually like you had 8 gears or so, because it worked in 2nd, 3rd, and fourth gear.

 

[wyrmrider]

I've never seen one for mopar FORD chev AMC almost everyone else
http://devestechnet.com/Figures/bwrebuild.pdf
I've rebuilt from T96, T86, T96 Chev Saginaw etc

 

[notmetro]

I've never seen one for mopar FORD chev AMC almost everyone else
http://devestechnet.com/Figures/bwrebuild.pdf
I've rebuilt from T96, T86, T96 Chev Saginaw etc

The unit I found swears that they have an adapter for the Dana. I will check into it further. Thanks, everyone!

 

[notmetro]

parts and rebuild kits still available?
is unsprung weight an issue

According to seller, yes, rebuild kits are available.

 

[wyrmrider]

ok 10 is not as strong as the 11 but should be ok
I've never seen one except behind the trans
IDK which one bolted to the diff
have not built one in years
Les Ritchie had a T85 with OD in his factory blown 57 312 Ranchero but locked out the OD for drags
I used them in Ramblers in the Mobilgas economy run- but that is very easy on parts
Is the Chevy OD the same?
Chrysler fluid drive OD? (some were a wide ratio trans on hills start low gear (where second is)> OD > manual shift to high gear >OD or flatland just take off in high and shift to OD