Your opinions of what I should get w/ my new tranny

[unlikely hero]

Well since losing 5th and now 2nd and having a large hole in my tranny I'm deciding on getting a new TRE tranny w/ a couple extras. First I want the 25% taller 5th gear. Living in North Dakota means alot of driving because everything is so freakin far away. Also I do alot of long road trips so the lower rpms will help gas milage greatly. But I mainly cruise around 65-85mph and I want to make sure that the gear isn't too tall. Anyone have any experience in this, not from what you've heard. Also I'm looking into getting the double 1st gear just because I hate grinding into first at stop signs. Lastly I'm lookin into the steel shift rails just because it isn't much and extra insurance.
So anyone have any other suggestions in what I should get done. I'm trying to keep the cost somewhat down but i don't want to be kicking myself in the ass later for not getting something.
=Jason-

 

[splattj]

4 spider center diff and steel shift forks with bronze pads.
I have a TRE trans with TRE 1/2, double synchro 3/4, Steel rails and forks, 4 spider center, 10% taller 5th and all the super-secret stuff that TRE does to the gears and what not.
It was a bit stiff for about 5-6k but it shifts great now.

 

[boostedinaz]

I am in the same situation and found a few things that might help. The first thing is dont get the 25% taller gear. It is straight cut and will be fairly loud while cruising. You can imagine a 1 hour drive with a constant whine and it will get old fast. Get the smaller upgrade gear, 10% i believe, because it is still a helical gear.

The next is just common sense. I looked at the prices and TRE cant touch Shep. After i cut almost 1K off the build price by deciding to go with Shep, I called him and told him my REALISTIC goals and driving habits. He suggested what parts and features I should get and my tranny will be about 1200.00 or so unless something is really bad inside (knock on wood). Call up both companies and see what they have to say.

Michael

 

[unlikely hero]

I would rather go shep racing but i have a pretty large hole and well I don't have 2nd, 5th, and shes been driving around w/out alot of fluid because of the constant leak.
I've heard mixed things about the 25% 5th. Some say its noisy but others that have it say it isn't after 50mph. Also others say that it will bog down under 80 but then again i hear thats its great even at 55. Anyone know for a fact? Anyone that has it???
=Jason-