Lazy Daze Owners' Group

3 speed vs. 4 speed transmissions?

January 26, 2016, 11:44:33 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 158381

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Hello!
 We are in the market for a Lazy Daze, preferably from the early 90s when they finally went to a 4 speed transmission.
 But since we tend to find lots of them from the late 80s for sale on the West Coast, I thought I would ask if anybody here has had both, and would they go back to a 3 speed again.
 We like to travel, we towed our 66 Streamline Countess (26') over 12,000 miles over 3 years.  So I know on a longer trip the quieter engine noise would be nice, never mind the improved fuel economy.
 I'm still poking around and doing my research, but thought I would pop in and ask.

Thanks! Ian - Portland, OR

Re: 3 speed vs. 4 speed transmissions?

Reply #2 – January 27, 2016, 12:53:12 am

Yahoo Message Number: 158384

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"late 80s for sale" = carb = $$$

(except maybe for 89)

Do yourself a favor - do not get a carb model

Re: 3 speed vs. 4 speed transmissions?

Reply #4 – January 27, 2016, 11:41:59 am

Yahoo Message Number: 158388

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Weighing in with a few thoughts. I spent the winter bringing a '92 up to good standards, so have a bit of experience, but not as much as many people here. YMMV

My old trucks with 3 speed trans worked well. Till 4 speeds came along. I loved the extra gear at highway speed. Down low it didn't matter. All these are pretty good trannies, for automatics. Manual gearboxes are better workhorses, but who wants to shift for themselves?

Windows over the cab ended in 1990. They are leak prone.
The 460 Ford is IMO the minimum size engine for any rig this size, I love the V10 tho, in stock config.
The 4 speed overdrive is a good, but not "bulletproof" trans The 3 speed trans lacks an OD so the engine RPM stays higher even on the plains The vehicle's maintenance and use history is critical, unless an engine/tranny swap is part of your plan I would Avoid a carbureted or early fuel injection engine unless on a vintage collector car Gas mileage in any configuration is poor, and economically not much difference Skin leakage and frame rot is the big issue to avoid in any older LD The RV systems are easily tested, repaired, replaced, upgraded- just bring some extra $

These are considered vintage RVs A restoration project is always a challenge to all skills, and great fun, satisfying, when done well. If that is your inclination, an LD is a great way to go- the Mothership continues to be a great resource for the older ones, and this community is a treasure.

Re: 3 speed vs. 4 speed transmissions?

Reply #6 – January 27, 2016, 02:15:34 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 158394

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I have a 1989 22' MP with a Chevy cab.

It has the Chevy 350 engine with a TBI fuel injection system, and a 3 speed TH400 transmission.

I live in Durango, Co, and our LD regularly tackles the massive climbs through the San Juans. Heading North, one climbs from 6000 feet over a pair of 11,000 foot passes to reach Silverton, and a 12,000 foot pass to go further North from there. To the East is Wolf Creek Pass which also has a massive elevation gain in the climb.
We have been more than satisfied with the performance.
On level ground, the rig will cruise comfortably and sedately at 65 mph and get 12 mpg. Even climbing the passes, we still average out 11 mpg. Both of these figures are better than what we expected and better than similarly sized fuel-injected Ford 460 rigs I've used in the past.
We do not use a toad and definitely wouldn't recommend it given the smaller engine, but the engine pushes just fine for our needs and we are happy with the fuel economy.
One plus of a 3 speed like the TH 400 is that it is both a very durable design and also very cheap to rebuild when the time comes.

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Re: 3 speed vs. 4 speed transmissions?

Reply #8 – January 27, 2016, 04:29:55 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 158398

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"I have a 97 V10 with 3 speeds and an overdrive. Not enough in my opinion. I would much prefer Ford's newer 6R140 auto."

Chuck
 Be aware that the 97-99 V-10s only have 265HP, compared to newer V10s, which have 305-HP.

Larry