Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) auto to nv4500 conversion

[magoo]

recently purchased 95 dodge 2500 regular cab 4x4. it currently has an auto transmission and im looking to change it to a 5 speed. im thinking it should be a fairly simple swap. only wondering about cross member location difference, driveshafts, and electrical connections. i have been told connections for clutch switch is there but didn't know about vss and ot ther t-case connections. any tips or comments on swap would be greatly appreciated.

 

[SRath]

Here ya go, Mr. Magoo:

98-02 DODGE CTD NV4500 4X4 5-SPEED MAN. CONVERSION KIT : eBay Motors (item 300392538416 end time Feb-05-10 15:21:46 PST)

 

[ewcmr2]

If you're towing heavy or adding much power I'd suggest skipping the 5-speed and going straight to the 6-speed. No 5th gear nut, broken mainshafts, etc. If you're mostly daily driving or light towing the nv4500 will be more cost effective.

 

[magoo]

thanks alot Srath

didn't know the nv4500 had so many problems

still think it is strong enough for what i would like to do

 

[SRath]

It's plenty strong, and one of the most popular manual light truck trannies ever built, if not THE most popular. Only a six speed NV5600 or G56 (supposedly) is stronger unless you get to into medium and heavy truck transmissions.



As mentioned, it does have some weak spots that can be addressed. When the local transmission shop fixed my 5th gear nut a few years ago, they warned me they were not sure the repair would last long. "The shaft is pretty worn from the 5th gear rocking loose on it for so long; not much spline left. " It's still going fine, but a fully-splined replacement shaft and nut kit would definitely be in order the next time.



I don't tow heavy over mountains, but I do plow snow. I seldom use 5th gear for that... :-laf



Before the 5th gear nut/mainshaft gives out again, I'll already have the NV5600 and NP205 in, I hope.



For what you are doing, finding a complete NV4500 conversion setup all from one place is real bonus and you can always later upgrade to a 6-speed if you find the NV4500 is not up to the task. And that package is more complete than any I have ever seen, right down to the steering column to get rid of the auto shifter.



After reading that auction more carefully, I see it is for a 24 valve 2nd generation. I can't think of a reason why it would not work on your 12 valve, but maybe I'm missing/forgetting something that someone here can point out?

 

[GAmes]

After reading that auction more carefully, I see it is for a 24 valve 2nd generation. I can't think of a reason why it would not work on your 12 valve, but maybe I'm missing/forgetting something that someone here can point out?

One thing is the speedometer pickup. On 97s and earlier the sensor is mounted to the tailshaft on 2WDs and on the transfer case on 4WDs. 98 and newer sensor is on the differential. That little problem was solved with a box that converts rear wheel ABS sensor output for the speedo.



Considering shipping charges I would think that finding a wrecked donor truck locally would be the most cost efficient plan. If you had a 2WD I could make a better offer than the e-bay guy.

 

[ewcmr2]

thanks alot Srath

didn't know the nv4500 had so many problems

I don't think the NV4500 has so many problems as much as so many of us turn up the power and tow at (or above) GCWR. My old NV4500 held up just fine towing a 5000lb open trailer. My current 12,000lb enclosed trailer ate up 2 NV4500 in 50,000 miles, then I swapped in the G56.