Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) NV 4500 R&R -- Any advice?

[Ross]

I'm pulling my 5-speed this week and will be replacing with a rebuilt unit from Standard Trans. I've done this before on different units, but never on my Dodge.



Are there any tricks/hints for the interior console removal, or any other part of the job from you guys that have done this a time or two?



Is there a remove/replace procedure (shop manual) online?



Thanks.

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

It's all pretty easy if you've done a transmission R&R before. The one tip I would have is to remove the cross member support the transmission, take out the transmission mount, remove the bolts and then drive the cross member up with a mallet and then move it rearward. It's V shaped so if you hit it up you can pull it out easily. There's no need to spread the frame or anything.

 

[Evan A. Beck]

It is MUCH easier to get the crossmember out--and back in--if you spread the frame a little. I have taken out lots of transmissions, and a frame spreader saves a lot of time!

 

[Ross]

What about releasing the shift lever from the stub? Is there a trick. I'm assuming I can leave all the interior stuff (console, shifter & boot) intact.



Also, should I leave the clutch attached to the transmission or leave it bolted to the engine? I'm afraid if I leave it bolted to the engine, I won't be able to slide the transmission back far enough to clear the input shaft from the clutch splines. That is, I won't be able to drop the transmission down because of the input shaft stuck inside the clutch. This may make the little stub at the top hang up on the floor pan. I'd like to leave it on, but don't know if it can be done.



I've got a R&R procedure for a 1997 dodge (should be similar). The first step is to remove crankshaft sensor. What's that about?

 

[Deezul1]

My 97 has had the trans out 3 times and never even dreamed of the crank sensor being removed. On the 97 you can remove the the shift lever completly from the trans so nothing sticks up but the tower. Dont know on the newer ones if that is so. I have seen pics of a trans with 4 small bolts around the tower that look like they could be removed to remove the shifter but dont know which trans it is but its not a 97.

 

[Ross]

98 & newer

OK. The transmission's out and sitting on the transmission jack. Thanks to Steve St. Laurent who told me that YES, you must remove the shifter on 98's and newer from inside the vehicle. It was really easy, I just didn't want to dis-assemble the console. But now, while she's tore down, I'll route my PACbrake shifter mounted push/pull switch down through the console.



As far as the crank sensor goes, I'm stumped. Like you, Deezul, I can't imagine why the ALLDATA shop procedure recommends this done???



At any rate, the transmission's out, and I'm headed to Fort Worth Friday to Standard Trans to get the replacement. It's only about 500 miles, and I'll be driving a Dura-whatever. Yikes! (See thread in Towing/Hauling forum).



The job took me about two hours. Not bad for the first time out. The cross member came out easy. I have removed it once before to put on the 5th gear split nut. I hope the new transmission never slips 5th!!