Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) NV4500 5th gear

[bobedson]

My 98 with 133000 miles has finally backed off the 5th gear retaining nut. Probably time for a rebuild instead of just trying to fix the nut. Talked to Standard Transmission in Fort Worth about getting a reman transmission. Looking for any suggestions on the changeover. I am somewhat handy with tools but have never replaced the trans or clutch.

 

[CTD12V]

Replacing the 4500 isn't that hard. I used a transmission jack when I did mine a few years ago, and the only time I recall needing help was guiding the trans back into place and lining up the splines with the clutch hub. Take your time, and at least use a Haynes manual if you don't have the factory service manual.

 

[SRath]

Mine had about that many miles when the nut backed off two years ago. I planned to replace the 4500 with a 5600, but I needed the truck driveable right then and needed a low-cost option to buy myself some time.



The local transmission shop did the nut fix for me for about $300. He encouraged me to look for a different transmission since he did not think the nut fix would be very long lasting.



It is still doing fine as I continue to gather parts for my planned and expanding NV5600/NP205 conversion. I'm almost there and now just really need to get through the winter before tackling the dirty part.



Finding a replacement for my t-case has been the biggest holdup. It's tough and expensive to find an older NP241DHD with a speedo sender and I'm alot harder on the 241DLD than I am on 5th gear. I'm really looking forward to getting the NP205 in there as well as the NV5600! Should be close to bulletproof.



I wouldn't worry about rushing into a rebuild or replacement right now if the timing isn't right. A nut job would get you by for awhile if that would help. Maybe you could find a different transmission to rebuild or a better price if you weren't rushed.



You will have the additional expense of a new clutch, pilot bearing, throwout bearing, maybe a rear main seal to consider while the transmission is out. That stuff adds up fast in price. Be ready with everything you need so you don't have to cut corners or repeat your R&R efforts in the near future.



That "temporary" $300 nut job has allowed me to find an NV5600 and flywheel with less than 30k miles on them for $2k, a brand new SouthBend clutch for $500, a $100 NP205, a $140 rebuild kit for it, and the adapter to convert its mechanical speedo drive to an electronic signal for $20. Spreading the cost out keeps me married.



I just need the Advance Adapter kit to bolt the 5600 and 205 to each other, and that costs $414. I've contacted AA to ask them to machine the adapter plate 0. 600" thicker for me so I don't have to trim my NV5600 output shaft 0. 600" like their regular kit requires. I hope they can. The kit is normally used to put an NV4500 into a Ford with a NP205. I can't believe more guys haven't done NP205 conversions in our Dodges instead.



I will still be able to sell my working/repaired NV4500 for about $900 to $1000 when the conversion is done, so I consider the $300 well-spent even on an NV4500 with those miles.

 

[hsmith]

With no more miles than that and if that is your only problem, pull the tail housing and repair 5th gear.

 

[bobedson]

Many thanks, found a local friend of mine that helped someone else fix the nut problem and is going to look at mine. I will try the fix first to save some time but hate to do the work and have to take it apart again later. Thought about just doing the reman from Standard Transmission with the upgraded shaft to prevent any problems in the future. Good time to change the clutch and stuff anyway.



Thanks for the help, this is the reason I am a TDR member, good people here.



Bob

 

[bobedson]

Update thoughts. After some consideration this weekend I have pretty much decided to replace it with a reman, preventative if nothing else. I know the throw out bearing is going bad, heard it getting noisier for a couple of months now. Also has been getting very hard to shift into gear the last several months after sitting at a stop light. It is a 4 X 4 and I pretty much have to take everything apart just to change the throw out bearing and with the other problems I think I will just change it all out upgrading to a South Bend clutch and updated Standard Transmission from Texas. I think the temporary fix on the nut would probably get me a few months but will need a throw out and clutch very soon anyway. Probably will do the U joints also and clean it all up for another 100,000. If anyone wants to stop by Cleveland, TN next week for a little vacation, drop in and I will loan you a wrench.



Thanks again for the help.



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