Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 5th Gear

[The Grinch]

I'm sure it's been covered about a zillion times, but I'm just getting back to the forum, after a lengthy hiatus, and haven't searched for it yet. Travelling down the interstate last week... cruising... empty (except for my son and I)... and ... "K'Bang!"... nothing! 5th gear was gone. 141,000 miles. I really didn't like the sound of running at highway speeds in 4th, so I've temporarily relinquished highway duties to my wife's Volvo.

Big question I have, is... can the repair be made with the transmission remaining in the truck? I don't have an adequate jack (although I may be able to borrow one) and I have to do this by myself.

Second question, has someone (within this forum - or elsewhere) posted the procedure that I can view from the web?

Any reply will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, folks!

The Grinch:{

 

[Briar Hopper]

Yes, it can be done with the transmission staying in the truck, but the transfer case and crossmember need to come out. Then the back cover of the transmission can be removed, after draining the gear lube.

It's not really an easy do-it-yourself job, sorry, not if you want it to last awhile. I've done enough on my trucks and customer's trucks to know that. You'll need special tools and a torque wrench that can go up to 300 ft. lbs. at least. There are a few things to go wrong, too, that can really make your day.

To get the leverage necessary to tighten the nut, you need the truck on a lift.

With that many miles on your truck, maybe you could consider a remanufactured NV4500 from Blumenthal's, built with the fully splined mainshaft to avoid the fifth gear problem, or ship them yours to have the shaft installed... .

 

[The Grinch]

I appreciate the reply! This time, at least, I'll <i>have</i> to do it myself. In school, unemployed and terribly broke. Since posting I've done more research on it, and feel as though I can put it together well enough (provided there's no damage) to make it last until I either have a job or until I'm out of school... whatever comes first! I do next to no towing with it, so that's not an issue. HOWEVER... the P. O. put the big Rickson 19. 5s on it, and in 5th at 70 it's only turning 1760 rpms. I've put 14,000 miles on it since I bought it from him, and a considerable percentage of that is highway. I'm wondering if that's my problem???

The Grinch

 

[Garry Verheyden]

Grinch,

Why don't you come across the border to Abbotsford and get it done here. I think Piers is pretty busy right now. But I know someone else that rebiulds these things every day, and you will have to buy the upgraded 5th gear nut to fix your problem properly anyway. Call me and I can find out how much it will cost. With Canadian dollars, it will not be too expensive for you.

Garry.

Cel. 604-817-8170

H. 604-856-1117

 

[The Grinch]

Special tools?

Does anyone have the special tools I'll need to repair the 5th gear on my truck? There have been a few folks who have said I don't really need them, but if someone has a set I could borrow (I'll pay the postage both ways) I'd rather do it right. I'd really appreciate it!

Thanks,

The Grinch

 

[C. Harlan]

Just bite the bullet, and buy a NV5600 from Blumenthal's... . I did, and dont have to worry about 5th gear again, and it pulls like a hoss!!!!



-Chris-

 

[The Grinch]

I'd LOVE to do that... the problem is, I'm not employed! I'm a student and can hardly afford the "band-Aid" Standard Transmission set-screw 5th gear nut... let alone a whole new shaft or another transmission. Maybe when I'm done with school, I'll buy the 6 speed... but for now, I've just got to get the truck back on the road before September!

Thanks,

The Grinch

 

[Bob V]

Grinch, did you get my PM?

 

[The Grinch]

No! Try email direct (?): -- email address removed -- , please... . Thanks!