RTO to RTLO

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by Andres Guerrero, Jan 27, 2024.

  1. Andres Guerrero

    Andres Guerrero Bobtail Member

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    Hey guys so I have a 1990 379 I have an older style RTO transmission I'm not a huge fan of it looking to switch over to something newer was wondering is it as simple as just swapping out the transmission or what has to be done?
     
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  3. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    More or less I would think they should swap right over. Driveshaft length may change.
     
  4. jamespmack

    jamespmack Road Train Member

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    Rt,rto,rtlo of same gears all fit in place of eachother. Rtlo will be low inertia and helical cut gears. Stronger and quieter.

    Rt,rto straight cut gears and loud in comparison.

    Be more specific of your swap.

    10/9 to 13/18 shorten shaft.
    13/18 to 10/9 lengthen.
    13/18 to rtlo 13/18 no driveshaft fab required.


    Super 10, never took the time to measure one of those turds.
     
  5. Hammer166

    Hammer166 Crusty Information Officer

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    They're a 13/18 missing a couple gears in the main, but the same case / length.
     
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  6. BoxCarKidd

    BoxCarKidd Road Train Member

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    I thank under Eaton Fuller Transmission Ratios PDF or something close you can find all that information.
    Length weight low and OD ratios as well as reverse. There are three different places the stick can be positioned on the top. There are two different shift tower styles.
    You would need to be more specific on what you are doing but can look it up the same as the rest of us.
    Big thing to me would be what I was wanting to do. Road speed in top gear at the RPM range desired. Use one of the many road speed calculators on line. I like 15 speeds in many applications. If you were geared out right could run in 14 on state roads and 15 on the interstate.
     
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  7. Andres Guerrero

    Andres Guerrero Bobtail Member

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    Thanks for the info! Im looking to swap in another 13 speed just something newer not a huge fan if not being able to pre select
     
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  8. Last Call

    Last Call Road Train Member

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    I’am a big fan of the 15 speed just for that very reason . There seems to be a fair amount of people that have a lot of misconceptions about 15 speeds ,and double over 15 speeds (which are a nonexistent fairy tale and a whole nother debate ) but some of the people that complain about them or think they are ( just a glorified 10 speed ) no nothing about them and how important your final gear ratio is when it comes to utilizing the benefits of a 15 speed
     
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  9. jamespmack

    jamespmack Road Train Member

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    All new models must be pre selected.

    Not only can towers vary, but top covers have different hole location. U shape pattern was standard, H pattern was optional. Any good trans shop will get you set up. Also match your torque rating.
     
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