Rebuild overdrive vs. Going with a Roverdrive

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  • LR Max
    3rd Gear
    • Feb 2010
    • 315

    Rebuild overdrive vs. Going with a Roverdrive

    So I've been going back and forth, haven't made a decision yet. My current overdrive (Fairey unit) is in shambles. Screams, leaks and I cannot downshift while the vehicle is moving. So basically, gotta check the oil every week, wear earplugs and once I shift into overdrive, I'm commited.

    In another thread, people are saying they got their overdrives rebuilt for ~$300. This is more appealing than the ~$1500 price tag for a roverdrive. However I'm wondering if this is one of those "get what you pay for" deals. I don't mind dropping the extra coin up front to have higher quality. Also in the back of my mind I hear stories about the old Fairey units breaking. This doesn't help the agrument for the Fairey.

    Does anyone else have any input?
  • rejeep
    4th Gear
    • Apr 2010
    • 420

    #2
    ROVERDRIVE!!!!

    was the first thing I did when I got my Series..
    actually, the roverdrive was in my garage long before the truck even got home..
    1971 SIIa 88" NAS Dauntles V6
    1974 SIII 109" RHD

    Comment

    • SafeAirOne
      Overdrive
      • Apr 2008
      • 3435

      #3
      The Fairey will be rebuilt by Rovers Down South, the current manufacturer of the Fairey unit so you know it will be done properly.

      I'm going to guess that the $300 figure was pulled out of thin air. It could be $10, it could be $1000. You can't possibly know till you send the unit in for evaluation.
      --Mark

      1973 SIII 109 RHD 2.5NA Diesel

      0-54mph in just under 11.5 minutes
      (9.7 minutes now that she's a 3-door).

      Comment

      • I Leak Oil
        Overdrive
        • Nov 2006
        • 1796

        #4
        Max, I'm in a similar situation and will probably go with the Roverdrive. I bought my superwinch made Fairey in 94' brand new, had RDS go through it a (rebuild) a few years ago and now it needs it again. I'm ready to try something else.
        Jason
        "Clubs are for Chumps" Club president

        Comment

        • superstator
          2nd Gear
          • Aug 2008
          • 298

          #5
          I sent a Fairey to RDS for rebuilding, and apparently the case was worn such that he couldn't do anything with it. It ended up not even being worth shipping the parts back. Unless you're very sure that the Fairey is a good rebuild candidate (and it doesn't sound like it is), I wouldn't bother.
          '67 109 NADA #413 - rebuilding w/ TDI & galvy chassis.

          Comment

          • Firemanshort
            2nd Gear
            • Nov 2006
            • 282

            #6
            See above - same thing happened to me. Albeit my OD was for an LT95 and not a series, I still obtained the same unsatisfactory result.
            Firemanshort
            1980 Stage One
            (Past owner of 1973 Series III - Highlander)

            Comment

            • LR Max
              3rd Gear
              • Feb 2010
              • 315

              #7
              Well then...better scratch up them cash dollas!! Roverdrive is what it sounds like.

              Comment

              • SafeAirOne
                Overdrive
                • Apr 2008
                • 3435

                #8
                Originally posted by superstator
                I sent a Fairey to RDS for rebuilding, and apparently the case was worn such that he couldn't do anything with it. It ended up not even being worth shipping the parts back.

                You could always sell it on Craigslist for $500.
                --Mark

                1973 SIII 109 RHD 2.5NA Diesel

                0-54mph in just under 11.5 minutes
                (9.7 minutes now that she's a 3-door).

                Comment

                • I Leak Oil
                  Overdrive
                  • Nov 2006
                  • 1796

                  #9
                  Originally posted by SafeAirOne
                  You could always sell it on Craigslist for $500.
                  You mean that's not the one?!
                  Jason
                  "Clubs are for Chumps" Club president

                  Comment

                  • east high
                    3rd Gear
                    • Jan 2008
                    • 337

                    #10
                    Originally posted by superstator
                    I sent a Fairey to RDS for rebuilding, and apparently the case was worn such that he couldn't do anything with it. It ended up not even being worth shipping the parts back. Unless you're very sure that the Fairey is a good rebuild candidate (and it doesn't sound like it is), I wouldn't bother.
                    Same here.
                    '67 sIIa 88

                    Comment

                    • Donnie
                      2nd Gear
                      • Apr 2007
                      • 287

                      #11
                      Originally posted by LR Max
                      So I've been going back and forth, haven't made a decision yet. My current overdrive (Fairey unit) is in shambles. Screams, leaks and I cannot downshift while the vehicle is moving. So basically, gotta check the oil every week, wear earplugs and once I shift into overdrive, I'm commited.

                      In another thread, people are saying they got their overdrives rebuilt for ~$300. This is more appealing than the ~$1500 price tag for a roverdrive. However I'm wondering if this is one of those "get what you pay for" deals. I don't mind dropping the extra coin up front to have higher quality. Also in the back of my mind I hear stories about the old Fairey units breaking. This doesn't help the agrument for the Fairey.

                      Does anyone else have any input?
                      I can't help U choose what to buy, but I have bought several "not worth saving" Faireys over the years, some for the price of a HAM sandwich..And out of 4 used units I have built 2 good ones W/O buying any new parts...It is hard to understand what some people will scrap.I am running one in my 6cly 109 wagen now for about 4 years & the other one I traded to a friend for a couple of VW diesels....And he loves it...If you have any that are not worth the return freight..contact me........Donnie
                      I spent most of my money on women & cars, the rest of it I just wasted.......

                      Comment

                      • tmckeon88
                        1st Gear
                        • Jan 2007
                        • 139

                        #12
                        Echoing the recommendation for the Roverdrive. It is quieter and smoother than my old Fairey, and the they have good customer service. Worth the money.

                        Tom
                        Tom
                        1969 Series IIA 88"
                        I like it because I understand how it works (mostly).

                        Comment

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