Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) fifth gear

[Mhannink]

ok well im doing some other work on my transmission and i figured id do the fifth gear nut while im in there thing is i noticed a little detent that was pushed into the keyway of the shaft. is this stock and in need or a remedy or has someone been in there already and this will do fine. i want to thread lock it and tack weld it but w/ this little thing i think it might be fine.

 

[Robin]

Locking fifth gear nut.

The first fifth gear nut on my 97 NV4500 was locked onto the shaft by punching the narrow flange so a dimple was in the keyway. I would get a new fifth wheel nut from Quad 4X4 or from a Dodge garage. The new ones are split, have a small bolt to tighten the nut onto the threads. If There is enough room on the shaft threads, put two nuts on. Clean the shaft threads thoroughly. Tighten the clamping bolt (its a Torx head) so the gap is closed. Back off the clamping bolt exactly one turn. Apply red thread locker to the shaft and the inside of the nut(s). Tighten the nut to 280 ft lbs. Then tighten the clamp bolt.



Your shaft may not have enough threads to use two nuts.



Bob

 

[Bob V]

My '97 was the same as yours with the nut "staked" im the key way, but there was no torque on the nut, only about hand tight. I have always felt that the nut does NOT back off, the threads get striped off.

I also would get the Dodge nut bot use locktite 680 to mount the gear to the shaft ( if the gear comes off). That is wat I did with my 97 and it lasted over 175,000 mi.

Bob V