Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Do the 1998 trucks still have the dreaded 5th gear nut problem

[TomGolden]

Hi all,



My apollogies for this, as I know how many times this topic has been beaten to death, but I didn't find exactly this answer when searching the forums...



I have a non-TDR buddy who is in the process of buying a 1998 2500 4x4 with the 5 speed transmission. He's buying it on eBay. We're in northern California, truck is in Phoenix, AZ. I suggested he ask the seller about the 5th gear issue and if the seller knew if this issue has already been taken care of.



My buddy has talked to the seller, who says he is well aware of the dreaded 5th gear nut problem, but he claims that this problem was cured by the 1998 model year trucks, and so it's a non-issue.



My friend is buying the truck without a chance to actually inspect it in person, and he wants to know if he can indeed not have to worry about this, or if he's gonna need to take it into a shop as soon as he get's it home to have it fixed.



Truck has ~160K miles on it.



Thanks

 

[pwerwagn]

My 98 had the 5th gear nut problem. as far as I know all NV4500's behind the cummins had it.

Also dont forget to have him ask about the KDP. Thats more important than the 5th gear nut IMO.

--Jeff

 

[TomGolden]

Yep, we're also gonna get the KDP taken care of once the truck is out here.

 

[DRAG DIESEL]

All nv4500's, Tom. The guy is blowing steam if he thinks 98's are exempt.

 

[TomGolden]

Thanks Jake.



I sent you an email this morning asking about this, and it bounced. It's been a while... I guess you have a new email addy



Could you either PM or email me directly your new address, if you don't mind?



Thanks.

 

[TomGolden]

to Fred Swanson

Fred, I just tried to respond to your PM, but your mail box is full.



The link to the ad on eBay is (or maybe was... )



1998 truck eBay ad



/edit:



Just tried, the link is still live at this time, anyway...

 

[Dick R]

Nuts

The 98 does have a nut problem , mine went out at about 85,000 miles , the nut on my 98 got welded back on with three good spot welds , seems like a number of these are welded on in our area and the nut stays on after the weld , the 98 is a darn good truck built well . Dick R

 

[KennethS]

My 1999 also had the same problem

I had a 1999 2 wheel drive, 5 speed trans and It had the same problem. I don't think Dodge ever solved the problem on this because some had It happen more then once on there trucks. The dealership tried to tell me my truck because It was two wheel drive nothing to worry about. Guess what It did happen. Never did hear what the outcome was. I had to pay to have my truck repaired.

 

[Willys]

It happened on my dad's '98(12V) while on a camping trip in MT. IIRC it was just outside warranty, had to have it fixed at the dealer in Bozeman. This was in '99 I think. My brother's '96 still hasn't lost his, 190k miles... mostly driving, very little towing.