Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 47 re to nv4500, need advice

[SCox]

I have made my mind up to switch from my 47re that is well built to a nv4500. I have been chasing electrical problems for 6 months now with no end in site. I am done. I have located a complete nv4500 swap. What I would like to know is what can I do this trans to make it reliable consider my hp and torque. This truck does not get abused. It is my work truck and baby. It tows, plows and hauls my toys sometimes. What clutch, and fixes are recommended for weak spots?? I want to do this right the first time. Watch the classifieds, a very well built 47re will be up for sale soon.



Thanks

Steve

 

[HBarlow]

I've never owned a NV-4500 so someone may wish to disagree with me.

From all I've read and heard the only way to "do this right the first time" as you stated you want to do is to forget the NV-4500 and install a NV-5600 or G-56.

 

[SCox]

nv 5600s are hard to come by around me and very expensive. I also had synchro problems with my 5600 in my 01, from which I have read is common. G56 might be a thought if I am going to spend nv5600 type money... .

 

[HBarlow]

GAmes, a fellow TDR member, has a 700k mile Dodge Ram with NV-4500. He has rebuilt and replaced so many NV-4500s over the life of his truck he has given up on the five speed and has recently purchased an eBay G-56 for his truck. He is currently on the road and hasn't done the conversion yet but I'd bet he'd be happy to sell you a working NV-4500 if that is your choice. He could also discuss the changeover with you.

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

If you do much towing the 6 spd could easily be worth the extra dollars. I have not towed with a 5 spd, but I do know how well the gears are spaced in my 6 spd for towing, would not want to give one of them up.

Godspeed,
Trent

 

[HCannon]

If you arnt going to pull a lot or live in the Mts, the nv4500 should work fine. My first nv4500 made it to 270K before it gave up. The one I have now (different truck) is at 265K and no problems yet. 75% of the time I was pulling a loaded trailer. The 5600 gear spacing is a lot better but you wont notice it if you arnt pulling a load. Also, the 5600 do have problems and the cost will be about double the cost to fix. These are in 12 valves one ton with, with a mild horse up grade.



This is only my opinion. The nv 4500 has served me very well.

 

[SCox]

Thanks for the input! I have done a little more searching and I believe a g56 is out because of the body lift needed. I have a turnover gooseneck ball and don't want to get into modifying that. If anyone knows if it is possible w/o a bl please chime in. NV 5600s are incredibly high priced. I think that and repair costs will keep me away from them.

 

[HBarlow]

Why would a body lift be required to install a G-56?

 

[SCox]

If you search g56 swap, several posts mention second gens needing a body lift to clear the trans and linkages. I am not exactly sure about this??? Hopefully somone will enlighten me... .

 

[HBarlow]

TDR member Gary Ames "GAmes" has recently purchased a G-56 for installation in his standard non-lifted 2wd '97 3500 Ram. Gary is a good shade tree mechanic who does all of his own work and carefully did his homework before deciding to retrofit the G-56 to replace his NV-4500.

I asked and he has already stated that he doesn't see any issues with fitting the transmission into his truck. I would be extremely surprised if Gary had overlooked something that important.

You may have been given some incorrect info regarding need for a body lift kit.

 

[SCox]

I found a possible donor today, a 02 6spd eth, low miles, salvage truck. The auction goes off on the 14th. I am going to try and get the entire truck. We will see

 

[HCannon]

If you can make that happen that is the way to go. Wish you wont so far away, I need some parts my self.

 

[HBarlow]

The HO 24 valve engine in the salvage truck you are considering would be a nice upgrade also if you buy the complete truck. With nothing more than a set of RV275hp injectors those engines run very strong and have a more desirable torque curve and rpm range than 12 valve engines.

Ooops! I see that your 12 valve is highly modified and producing big hp and torque. Guess you wouldn't consider the HO 24 valve an upgrade after all!

 

[HCannon]

I also thank you will find the automatic will have the 70 rear end where the standard will have the 80. It wouldnt take long to change the rear end if the ratio is OK.

 

[jhoughton]

I swapped some time ago from the NV4500 to the NV5600 and could not like it better. My 99 already had the wider crossmember so the only mods where to the driveshafts and 4 wheel drive shift linkage. The longer wire for the BU lights was also already there. I have read about the G56 swaps and also don't recall any body lift requirements. I picked up my NV5600 off of ebay out of an 04. Paid right at 2k to the door. When I did the trans upgrade I put in the CON OFE 13" clutch and have had no issues. With the 5 speed when I first did my edge comp you could slip the 12 1/4 inch stock cluth some. But when I installed the Mach 1. 6 inj it slipped quite often even with the edge off. I know that you will like any manual over the 47re. I drove one before I bought my 99 and said no way after just a mile or two. Good luck and keep us posted. There are a few good websites that offer good conversion instructions too. I will try and look them up and post here.

 

[SCox]

Thanks for the encouragement J, hopefully I will get the 6spd tuesday. Its a auction, so you never know. What did you need for the 4wd linkage. I had a 01. 5 dually with the 6 spd, loved it except in heavy traffic.
Barlow, my truck is a 24 valve, unless someone stole 12 of them last night... .
This whole deal is stressing me pretty bad, I have a high dollar, very capable auto trans that because of electrical issues won't function, I am about to put either a 6 speed with limited expensive parts in that has some known faults or a 5 speed that I don't feel is up the trucks hp/tq numbers. This really sucks. Sorry, venting.

 

[jhoughton]

The linkage for the 4WD shift lever has to be 6 inches longer. I used 1/2 drill rod and drilled each end to the size of the original rod diam. Then welded and painted.

 

[Dieselnut59]

What is so special about the 5600 versus the 4500? I have one of each. I don't see a thing wrong with the 4500 and actually prefer it in most situations. I had to replace the 5th gear nut/gear with the improved design but other than that it has been flawless. In my opinion, the '96 and under ones are better than the '97 up with the bolt-on input shaft. I love my 6-speed in the '03 but I really love the good ole long throw, solid feel of the 5 speed in the '96. It has 240,000+ miles and has been a good one, well worked and abused!

 

[SCox]

Ok, auction went higher than I could have gotten a g56 and all the parts needed to do the swap. I am going to take the truck to the dodge dealer, one of the service guys I have been talking to is going to check the voltage at my govener pressure solenoid in the trans. He is convinced it is the internal wire harness shorting somehow. The one thing I did not replace was the harness... . hopefully this is my problem. The more I think about it the more I want to keep my auto, just not the problems.

 

[SAronson]

Ok, auction went higher than I could have gotten a g56 and all the parts needed to do the swap. I am going to take the truck to the dodge dealer, one of the service guys I have been talking to is going to check the voltage at my govener pressure solenoid in the trans. He is convinced it is the internal wire harness shorting somehow. The one thing I did not replace was the harness... . hopefully this is my problem. The more I think about it the more I want to keep my auto, just not the problems.

What should the voltage be at the solenoid? And maybe you could ask the tech where the harness is prone to failing. I'm going into the transmission for the third time in 2 weeks, and would like to check this. Love my auto/ hate my auto... . #@$%!