Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Nv-4500

[Willie G]

I have been looking on line for rebuild kits for the 5-speed NV-4500, they run about $200. 00. Has anyone rebuilt one of these trannies and where do I get a book with specs in it? I have rebuilt engines and done A/C work but, I have never torn into a transmission. Also does anyone recommend an aftermarket clutch? I am a new member so, how do I get my truck information to show up on my postings?



Any help would be appreciated,

Wiltcher

 

[RCapehart]

Go to the "user control panel" and fill out the "signature". What you put in here shows up at the bottom of your posts. I will let someone else comment on your nv4500 questions.



Ron

 

[Bill Lins]

Originally posted by Wiltcher

does anyone recommend an aftermarket clutch?

Yup- South Bend Clutch. Do a member search under that name & you'll get Peter- he's good people.

 

[NBowlin]

i just did mine and got everything including a manual w/ diagrams, exploded views and what not from www.standardtransmission.com



it looks bad in there but its actually not to hard once you get going. i just kind of took it off and kept everything in piles just like they came off. seperated out by where ever there was a snap ring. you doing synchros and bearings? or are you getting the whole new fully splined mainshaft and fifth gear as well? may as well do it all while you are in there.



also a part i over looked is that some of the bolts that go around the outside of the casing to hold on the housing where 5th is and where the input shaft is. the manual i got calls them stretch bolts and one time use only. i didnt have much choice but to use them again. they were only torqued to 20 some ftlbs. mine isnt leaking yet thank goodness.



anyhow i am sure one of the 4500 expert type will line you out.

good luck to ya.

 

[PaulG1]

NBowlin,



Good summary. I've also considered rebuilding mine - although it looks like there's a zillion parts. I've had a few local shops rebuild manuals before (riceburners) but have always wondered what parts really went into it - hence my interest in doing myself.



If you purchase the fully splined main shaft does it come completely assembled with everything new (gears, bearings, the whole shabang). If so it seams it would save a lot of work and lower the assembly risk because it is allready assembled.



Does anyone have pictures of a step by step rebuild that would give insite to the degree of this task.



Thanks,



Paul

 

[Willie G]

Thanks,



NBowlin,



How much did your parts cost?



Wiltcher

 

[kentdiesel]

Paul,

When you buy the Fully splined mainshaft kit you get a mainshaft, fifth gear,split washer and updated retaining nut. You have to transfer everything else from your original mainshaft. I suggest buying a factory manual because the instructions and pictures are a big help.



Parts will come off both ends of the mainshaft, have a uncluttered work area and lay the parts out exactly as they come off.



If you change the mainshaft buy a mainshaft shim kit so you can set the mainshaft end play to the . 002 to . 006 spec. When I changed mine the original shims were to thick by . 010



Kent

 

[PaulG1]

Kent,



Thanks for the clarification on the main shaft swapout and shim info.



Regarding other kits STD trans has: If you buy the kit with the cluster does that include all the gears bearings etc so that the mainshaft is an assembly.



Sorry for my lack of knowledge on the terminology here.



Thanks,



Paul

 

[kentdiesel]

Paul,

Your welcome on the mainshaft info. You could call Standard and ask but I think the only way to get a assembled mainshaft is thru buying a rebuilt transmission.

Even if you buy the " big meal deal" you would still have to transfer the parts from the old mainshaft to the new one.



Changing the mainshaft is not that bad, it's important not to turn the syncronizer assembles around backwards, the Dodge Factory Manual warns of this. There is one large, strong snap ring on the mainshaft that requires a good set of snap ring pliers.



Since you mentioned changing the cluster gear I will add that there is a shim kit for setting cluster gear end play also.



To make servicing the trans a little easier I stripped it to the bare case, put it in the Milling Machine and put a decent drain plug in that I thought the factory should have. That boss on the side of the case was just begging to be drilled and tapped.



Kent

 

[Deezul1]

A digital camera or video camera to record it as it comes apart can help a lot.

 

[BWatson]

I need to do this also. I just ordered a new mainshaft but that was all I ordered. I'm thinking about sending that back and getting a complete rebuild kit with bearings and synchros since my transmission has around 150K on it. Quick question (FSM would probably answer this but I unfortunately don't have one yet) - - Are there any special tools needed for this job? I heard of some special shaft wrench that helps tighten down the gear nut. I did not have this wrench when I updated my 5th gear nut a few months ago and it backed off this past weekend even with two set-screws and two stakes. Is this wrench really necessary or did I screw something up? Are there any other tools like this (other than common hand tools and a press, etc. ) that one needs to rebuild a 4500? Thanks a TON in advance.

 

[CumminsPower98]

I also put a drain plug in my 4500 before going to the 5600. I agree, that boss was screaming at me to use it so I did.

 

[BWatson]

Found this and I hope it helps a little. Doesn't look like they go inside the case though. Looks like up to here they only recommend one specialty tool. http://dodgeram.info/tsb/1998/21-10-98a_r.htm

 

[Dan_69GTX]

Here are a couple GOOD links from our frend Steve and his time rebuilding his transmission:



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=40473&highlight=rebuild+trans*

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=41091&highlight=rebuild+trans*

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=48787&highlight=rebuild+trans*



Dan

 

[BWatson]

Good info here Dan.



Thanks for showing us this!