NV4500 - Why Only the Dodge Gas Engine Donors?

[Orange Crush]

Why won't the NV4500's out of the Dodge diesel engine trucks work?

http://classicbroncos.com/tech/nv4500-5-speed-manual-transmission-guide

 

[bigmuddy]

I would assume that they are a different bolt pattern but thats just a guess.

Ben

 

[mp]

and input/output shafts

 

[Orange Crush]

Yeah, both make sense, but why wouldn't AA make an adapter kit to overcome this? Seems like there would be quite a few of these trans out there.

 

[trailpsycho]

You can use a Chevy...AA sells kits for both, but you have to have the right kit for the right tranny. As MP mentioned the input/output shafts differ between the two. Otherwise the tranny is the same...mostly. You can read up on the history and get some tech info at www.NV4500.com . Their prices arent the best, but you can get some good info there. One thing to mention, it is hard to find the EB kit using their search engine, as well.

If its going to be rebuilt, which I would recommend anytime you are putting an unknown tranny in a new application, then the rebuilder can source the appropriate parts without it costing a ton of xtra cash. The Castrol synthetic (Dodge/Chevy oil) is reportedly not the best for holding up--from what I learned talking to some tranny shops. They showed me transmission cases where the stock oil had decomposed and oxidized...I asked if it had overheated and they said NO, they all look like that. They recommended I use the AMSOIL equivalent. AMSOIL makes oil specifically for both the NV3500/3550 and for the NV4500. Its also significantly cheaper--still not cheap, but not arm, leg and huevos like the oil you are supposed to source from Dodge/Chevy. HTH.

 

[Apogee]

Also, if you do choose to rebuild your NV4500, you have some options as far as putting the lower 6.34 Chevy first gear and heavier main shaft in the Dodge tranny at the same time. There were numerous 5th gear issues that were addressed over the years, so whatever you do or pay someone to do, make sure they have experience with the NV4500 specifically.

Not to thread-jack, but does anybody have a rebuild manual with all of the specifications for wear, end play, etc for the NV4500? I was thinking about going through mine since it's got a little rattle in 5th and an as of yet unidentified sound it makes when shifting...hence it getting pulled to begin with.

Tobin

 

[.94 OR]

Apogee,

Do you rebuild your own or have it done?

I work out of Albany by the way.

 

[Orange Crush]

Thanks guys. I was hoping an NV4500 from a Dodge 4x4 diesel would be adaptable. There is one here locally, but I'm told it is out of a 98 Dodge 4x4 diesel 2500. I does have a 23 spline shaft though, which makes me think it might work. When I check Advance Adapters site, they show the diesel as having a 29 spline output shaft. Anybody know? Maybe he's wrong about the vehicle it came out of. What else can I look for to tell me if it will work?

 

[Pa PITT]

Well if you have the NV4500 from a diesel then you just need to swap in a new front stub shaft ...then it'll match your clutch ...and out the back I guess it's the same match you yoke to you u-joint .....The gas NV4500 is correct for your clutch and the Chevy should be correct for your clutch as I understand it...
....The Diesel trans you use with the 4BT swap or change out the pieces since their the easy ones to find ....At least they are in my area.

 

[22213evl]

x2 on the oil, amsoil is better
the two i've seen/helped rebuild the stock oil was compromised and the front shaft bearing has a tendency to seize.

 

[trailpsycho]

Also, if you do choose to rebuild your NV4500, you have some options as far as putting the lower 6.34 Chevy first gear and heavier main shaft in the Dodge tranny at the same time. There were numerous 5th gear issues that were addressed over the years, so whatever you do or pay someone to do, make sure they have experience with the NV4500 specifically.

Not to thread-jack, but does anybody have a rebuild manual with all of the specifications for wear, end play, etc for the NV4500? I was thinking about going through mine since it's got a little rattle in 5th and an as of yet unidentified sound it makes when shifting...hence it getting pulled to begin with.

Tobin

Tobin-

A while back I found a site where the guy was selling tons of parts for the 4500 including a manual and possibly even a DVD. He was out of Montana, I believe. He had the boot I needed for the shifter.

Here you go... Pretty reasonable for the download and a video available as well... http://quad4x4.com/4x4 Service Manual Tech Library.htm

Let me know how it goes. I may pick this up just to have for the future...hopefully, it wont be necessary. Mine is kicking out of 1st, unless I hold it in. The rebuilder says he knows--most likely--what the problem is, but that I have to pull it and get it to him...so I am still driving it for now. Very disappointing with only 15K on it...but this builder jerked me around on this deal from the go, sold the box he originally built for me to someone else, cause he thought I didnt need it ASAP and then had problems finding a replacement...now I'm thinking that he was a little too quick to go through it and wasnt thorough...withholding name and info until he has a chance to resolve it. I may decide to go through it myself as well. There is another tranny shop that have been good technical advisors ove the last couple of years that I can hit up if I choose to do it myself. I am just not sure if I trust the original rebuilder anymore.

 

[Apogee]

Apogee,
Do you rebuild your own or have it done?
I work out of Albany by the way.

I've been into mine twice myself and once with Pete at Pete's Transmission in Corvallis. Needless to say, the box had some issues that were left over from the previous rebuilder that AA was recommending at the time I purchased my adapters...they no longer use that transmission supplier if that's any indication. It didn't help that it took a swan dive off the pallet that it was delivered on at some point during the trip. I've been running it behind my 429 in my PU since 1999 or so, but it's going to go into my EB this winter if I can get off my butt and make it happen.

QUOTE=trailpsycho;1376914]Here you go... Pretty reasonable for the download and a video available as well... http://quad4x4.com/4x4 Service Manual Tech Library.htm[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the link...that's exactly what I had in mind. The manual looks like a good resource to have regardless.