Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) nv4500 loose nut warning

[DEspen]

does the nv4500 give some kind of warning if it's about to lose the infamous 5th gear nut?

 

[odieub]

nope when mine went in my 99 2wd just kinda jerked just a smidge kinda like it jumped out of gear.

 

[Alexdring]

There was a TSB on the 5th gear nut. But it says its for the 94 and 95 year. Not sure what year yours is. Anyways this TSB might give some indication what the symptoms are. BTW TSB means Techincal Service Bulletin issued to dealers from Dodge. This particular TSB number is 21-09-95

 

[Alexdring]

Sorry man, but I didnt see a more recent TSB on that. This is from the buyers guide from this website.



"... ... This bulletin supersedes technical service bulletin 21-10-98, with an effective date of September 11, 1998. This bulletin applies to vehicles equipped with a NV 4500 manual transmission and the 8. 0L V10 gas engine or the 5. 9L Cummins diesel engine. The problem described is that the transmission operates normally through all ranges except fifth gear. The 14 page bulletin describes the proper repair procedure. "



What I dont understand the TSB number for this is 21-10-98, but it says its supercedes it. A TSB supercedes its own TSB. Anyways you can find this info on page 135



TSB 21-10-98

 

[Steve8511]

Nope... . no warning it just hopps out 5th gear -forever. Well until fixed anyway. And I have had the so-called fix done from all the cheap remans after I broke the mainshaft and I lost 5th.

Get the Quad 4x4 shaft or the 5th gear retro fix and you'll never have to worry about it again... . and maybe a 1 3/8 input shaft too

 

[MLee]

So with all this searching going on and the questions about the 5th gear nut in the NV4500 and all the fixes that are recommended, has any one used the lock nut retainer from NV4500 Transmission Repair, 5th Gear Repair in Arvada Co. ? and what is your advise?

 

[MChrist]

Previous owner of my 98. 5 had it tack welded in place. Still fine 10 yrs later.

 

[gary johnson]

here is my 2 sense... ... . when my fifth went south, got into a lot of research and head banging. Then found Steve at HighGear in Memphis and got an explanation. The spline on the shaft only goes halfway into the 5th gear. Eventually getting knocked out of the spline not really falling off. Welding will change the temper of the shaft and other nut fixes don't address the spline issue. The upgrade for the 45's has a redesigned shaft. Everyone has an opinion, but I liked Steves and the price for his reman 45 was great!

 

[MChrist]

True, WELDING will change the temper of the shaft, but just tack welding it doesn't generate enough heat to alter it. Mine has been that way for 10 years and 150,000 miles of HARD, HARD, use.
That's my 2 cents.

 

[gary johnson]

The proof is in the pudding, MC..... the tack weld did you good, turned out to be a long term fix. Glad it worked for you!



GJ

 

[gary johnson]

MC... . would like to hear your coments about your ATS turbos... ... I'm interested in the Auroura 3000 and any input about ATS would be appreciated!



GJ

 

[MChrist]

I love my compound system!!

I started with Smarty Jr and was very happy. I could have left it alone, but didn't... so I ordered the ATS Aurora Plus 4000 Compound system, which uses the stock turbo, plus their 4000 turbo. Quick boost buildup, and 44-46 lbs of boost, cool EGTs, no smoke.

Actually, I didn't get the higher boost until I switched to Smarty Sr. Jr didn't give enough fuel to "light" the bigger turbo and I noticed no power increase until the switch.

I went with the 4000 series because had I gone with their 5000, I would have had well over 50 psi and at that point, it was recommended I had ARP studs, bigger injectors, and possibly a second CP3. Since that would have cost quite a bit more for an extra 50-100 horsepower, I didn't see the value.

Even now, I don't feel the urge to get that extra 50-100 hp. I just don't need it. When I tow, I can pull anything I have on my lowest Smarty settings and never break 1100 degrees. Now, during winter, I have Smarty on #1 and everything else set as soft as I can. During summer, I set it on #7 and use a light foot, or tire wear becomes an issue! I never timed how quick I get to full boost (46), but I would guess one second max.

I haven't had any mechanical issues with this setup, other than a frozen waste gate hose last year. This caused over boosting because my waste gate wasn't opening. It went away and never returned.
No leaks, problems, or anything else. I can't compare them to other peoples' compound setups, because I've never driven them, but mine works flawlessly. Other systems can/will give you more power, but with that extra top end power typically comes increased lag to spool up. I have no such problem, with more than enough power.

I haven't had my truck on a dyno, however I do have an app on my iPhone called "dynolicious" which uses it's built-in accelerometers and your vehicle weight to calculate HP, and it tells me I have 460 at the rear wheels on #7. I ran a quarter mile at 13. 6@104 without even trying hard. I may be able to go 13. 3 at the same speed with a better launch, but there was no point.

I would recommend their system.

 

[Nyoest]

My 4500 had an upgraded fifth gear nut on it. It was the split style with clamping bolts. Then the splines of my fifth gear syncro stripped out. That was a crappy vacation.



First pic shows fifth gear nut somewhat, second is a close up of stripped splines.



I wouldnt hesitate to weld fifth gear. You can always fix it right the second time.