2004 NV4500 quality?

[MikeKelley]

I have the California SO engine and the only available manual trans at the time was the NV4500. I know about the weak points (fifth gear nut backing off, not fully splined shaft etc. )that this transmission has had and I know that New Venture knows how to fix it. The question I have is; has my 2004 model NV4500 had the improvments made from the factory or is it still the same old NV4500 they always were with all it's weaknesses?

MK

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Mike I don't know the specificis but I know improvements have been made to the NV4500 over time. I have never heard of a 3rd Gen hurting one yet although there aren't a lot of NV4500s running around anymore.



Vaughn

 

[SRadke]

They did modify the fifth gear nut keeper and it is better than it used to be. Still not as good as it should be but better. They have not however put the fully splined shaft in them from the factory yet so if you up the power and tow in 5th you'll have a good chance of stripping the splines out of fifth gear. There have also been reports of stripping the center out of the hub that the fifth gear syncro activates (I'm not sure what to call it). This could also come with increased power. Keep in mind they stopped offering this transmission becasue it's torque rating was not as high as that of the 2004. 5 model Cummins. I'm counting the days until I put a fully splined shaft in mine and the SBC will go in with it.



-Scott

 

[MikeKelley]

I appreciate all replies so far. I guess I asked the question merely for peace of mind. It is good to know that some improvements have been made. I don't plan on towing anything but a small,3000lb travel trailer. I plan also to keep the engine stock. So perhaps I'll never have any trouble with NV4500?

MK

 

[SRadke]

Don't lug it down below 1500 in fifth and I'd say that is a reasonable assumption. Also be sure to change the oil about every 30k reguardless of what the owners manual says. That is the source of failure on as many as the fifth gear.



-Scott