Auto, or 5-speed???

["Mad Max"]

Happy New Year all!



Okay, here we go... In digging up info on building bulletproof A-518's I have come across adamant responses saying the auto's don't hold up to BIG torque and that I should go with a NV4500, and I have also seen some responses saying the Getrag 5-speeds aren't the most reliable either. Fair enough, but it looks like the built (DTT, etc) A-518's are plenty tough and I don't know too much about the history of the NV4500's.



I need a transmission either way, and either way isn't cheap, so given the choice, which would be better? I dig rowing a truck and having direct control of the gears, but then I also dig just sitting back and letting the auto do all the work. Either way is bueno with me, I just need some 'been there and would have done that' advice. Doing conversions seems to be my life, and converting to a stick would be fine if it seemed worthwhile.



- My first question for the panel is when were Getrags used and when were NV4500's used?

- Did Cummins balance their 1st gen engines all neutral so you could bolt up either an auto or manual?

- Is there a difference between the crank shafts and pilot bushings?

- Do you need an adaptor, blah blah... ?



If I could do a stick I would, and finding the parts is just a matter of persistence.



Thanks y'all,

- Sam

 

[PPeters]

With my limited knowledge, I'll give it a stab.



I'm not certain, but my 92 dodge manual has reference sections on both the G360 as well as the NV4500. I bought mine (the manual) in 97, so I don't know if Dodge reprinted after 92 and added info. From what I gather though, I think the NV4500 came later.



I have the auto, and also have wrestled with converting to a manual. From what I understand, the NV4500 is relatively easy in the 1st gen. Looked into the possibility of a NV5600, but way too much mod's for me. Try www.quad4x4.com for info. I would really prefer a std, but my research points to higher cost vs replacing auto.



In my case, I will probably replace the auto with one from Suncoast Converters . http://www.suncoastconverters.com Just called last week, price is $2962, plus shipping, plus $800 core. 89% billeted torq converter, beefed valve body, all steel planetaries, deep MagHytec pan, 3yr unlimited mileage warranty



Hope this helps



Pat

 

[Underdog]

You might take a look at these sites. They might possibly

have some info that may help you.

www.drivetrain.com

www.advanceadapters.com

www.dieseldynamics.com

 

[Old Smoky]

If you decide to convert to an NV4500, I would recommend Quad 4X4. They are great to work with, make good parts, and include just about everything needed for the swap. What ever you do DONT use the Getrag! Some have been lucky with it, but its failure rate is too high for me, and it has poor shifting qualities.



As far as choosing an auto or manual, it’s a tough choice. It seem like guys with manuals wish they and an auto at times, and the other way around. It just depends on how you will use the rig, and what you like.



Mike

 

["Mad Max"]

When it comes down to it, I really enjoy the luxury of having direct control of what gear I'm in, and considering I'm eventually swapping all the diesel stuff into my 74 crewcab 4x4 dually, I'll have a combined weight of about 15,000 lbs when the trailer is loaded, or more if I go with a 5th wheel down the line. So I'm looking hard at the swap to the NV - I like auto's a lot, nice and smooth, but I like the control of the manual more.

Additionally, with the low range of the 4x4 and the granny low in the NV, it makes for some very reassuring performance off road. I don't worry about long - I worry about strong!

I've always loved big rigs - looks like that's what I'm building...



Thanks 'Smoky - I'll give Quad 4x4 a ping.



- Sam