NV4500 and South Bend Clutch in and WORKING!

[R.E. Miller]

I have expressed different levels of strife on the TDR about what I have had to go through to get this conversion done, and now it is after two months of weekend/evening work. I will first say that Standard Transmission and South Bend Clutch really try to take care of their customers and their help was a great resource when problems occured along the way. Second, the conversion was worth the money, my truck does feel totally different, tons smoother, quite, and now it shifts like a race car. The south bend clutch, although I had a hydraulic problem that felt like a clutch problem, is so nice, smooth, no jerking, and feels confident.



Now, here is my one plea, if you do this conversion, please consider using another source for your bellhousing and related parts. I went the advanced adaptors route, and was floored with the lack of instructions, no list of parts that are not supplied, but are necessary to complete the conversion, and low quality of the parts they sent.



Bellhousing:

1. You must "clearance the ears" where the mounting bolts thread into it to provide enough clearance for the flywheel. Not too big of deal, but come on, how long have we been casting things here in this country? And besides, advanced adaptors claims to have the highest technology in machine tools at their shop

2. I don't know what the deal was with this, but it really made me hot The hole in the bellhousing where the bearing retainer goes through was to tight of a tolerance only . 002" where the getrag has . 0025" (is that right?) So to get it to spec, I had to take my "new" bellhousing to a good machine shop and have them bore it the rest of the way for another $75, and of course wait for it.



Shift linkage for t-case:

1. They gladly send you the bracket that most trucks don't use, and give no real ideas as to how to figure out which you will need. Also, it will be nearly impossiable to install this bracket with the transmission in the truck, so please wait and spend another $77

2. Get this bracket and install it. Whoops, the yo-yo's powder coated it so it wouldn't rust, but threaded the holes beforehand, so spend more time and vulgar language on taping them out. Holes also did not line up just right on transmission, another delay tuning them.

3. No instructions as to how long to make the new shift rod, and, and ... ... ..... and no way to adjust it when it is up in place :-{} So, fiddle with this, measure my other truck, and wonder what part of this conversion does not require engineering.



Transmission mount adaptor: Flimsy, enough said.



Finally, thank you very much to our own Bob Beauchine, and Peter at South Bend Clutch who helped me figure out why after all of this work, my clutch would not disengage. Yes, Peter I didn't believe it, and Bob you were right, replaced the entire hydraulic system, clutch works like a charm Thanks to all for their support, and I hope that the info above can help you make a better desision then I did!



Russell

 

[CrewCabDiesel]

I am with you Russell,

when it comes to advanced adapters lack of documentation. It REALLY SUCKS, I to also ended up with the wrong t-case shifter bracket, and beat my head against the floor trying to make a round peg fit in a square hole . But I did buy my kit from Enterprise Engine Performance in Columbus OH. They had already did the mods and everything was ready to go but the t-case shifter bracket. They did rush me the correct bracket and I was up and running. Over all I am happy with my NV4500, but it would be nice if Advanced Adapters would get off their butt and write up some good directions, I had to modify my t-case shifter rod length twice before I got it right.

Kyle

 

[Bob Beauchaine]

Hi Russell

Glad I could help - as I said Peter is a class act - none better.



If anyone elce is considering this conversion I would call Dan at Quad 4X4 in Roberts MT. His kit was perfect in everyway including a video. His kit is for a 4 by but there is very little difference in the 2 by. As with Russell I will be happy to share what I had to do to my 2 by to install the NV4500HD. Dan's kit will cost more but you might find it worth it in the long run.



Now Russell - let the BOMBing continue!!!!

Happy trails

Bob

 

[GOODE11]

Same Same

I had the exact same experience w/ AA. I bought the kit from one of their retail suppliers. Well, after many, many headaches and 2 1/2 months (12 days to get the right t-case bracket) the truck was finally on the road.

I really don't know what the problem was, but a whole new hydraulic system, clutch and acc. , plus 3 trannys and we were on the road again. I know, you guys know what it cost pulling the trans and transfer case 3x's is.



We tried cutting corners and didn't go w/ Quad, in the end we could of almost paid for 2 of their kits.



Just thought I would let you know my experiences.

 

[R.E. Miller]

Sorry, but I am glad I wasn't the only one....

It is reassuring to hear that others had similar problems with their conversions, because I was just short of losing my mind during this ordeal. If any of you still have ANY doubts, PM me or talk to the guys above, it just isn't worth the headaches... . spend the extra dollars and be on with a smooth conversion



Bob,

You are funny Actually, since you know where I am working now, I am seriously considering the marine head gasket for starters. Mine is seeping a little bit of oil, and I am getting the hang of things... . that job looks like a weekend and done, and might as well throw in some 180hp squirters for good measure too



Thanks again guys!



Russell