Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) NV4500 Shift Tower

[DTroy]

Does anybody know if I can take a shift tower from a 2001 and put it on a 94-97 era NV4500?

I can swap my tailhousing as well if I need to.

I just don't know if the shifter forks are the same length... and am I overlooking anything?

 

[Got Smoke?]

Does anybody know if I can take a shift tower from a 2001 and put it on a 94-97 era NV4500?

I can swap my tailhousing as well if I need to.

I just don't know if the shifter forks are the same length... and am I overlooking anything?

I read about a guy on NW Bombers site swaping the the whole top cover off a 98 or newer NV4500 to a 97 and later. Said it was just a simple bolt up.



Ever since then I've tried to find one, and can't come up with one. However I haven't went as far as to call Standard Trans. yet. I'm not in "need" of one yet, but would like to have one for whenever I do have to put a clutch in my truck.

 

[csevers]

Are you talking about the shift tower or Cover? The shift levers are diferent 94-97 and 98-current. One being round, the later being square.



Craig

 

[SRadke]

The entire cover can be swapped. The change which incorporated a removeable tower occurred in 98, anything newer than that requires the entire cover to bolt to an older trans or vice versa.



-Scott

 

[DTroy]

I have access to a 94-97 transmission. I want to use the 98-up style shift lever so that I could install a BD quick shifter. I know that the cast iron transmission housings are the same externally, so I wanted to know if I could change the entire aluminum fork cover.

There were different reverse gear cluster sizes for the 4500 so I didn't know if I would have any problems with this swap. Mainly, does the reverse gear clutch fork vary in size?

I will check out the Bombers site as well.

I'll let you guys know what I find out.

 

[Jff24Gordn]

it is direct bolt on. You just replace the whole top cover and shifter. the changes in the reverse gear ratio doesnt affect the shift cover. Right now, I have a 2001 transmission in my truck with the faster reverse gear and my 96 cover. It works just fine.

 

[DTroy]

Thanks for all of the advice guys. It's looking promising so far.



So the older Rams had a slower reverse? I think reverse in my '01 is too fast.

Reverse shouldn't be faster than first gear. Since mine is a manual, I don't like to ride the clutch in reverse when trying to maneuver a trailer. Not to mention it's going to be a bear when I finish installing the FE clutch.

 

[willyslover]

DTroy. . put a 2 low switch/kit in it ... that will take care of all the backing issues 100%

 

[DTroy]

I like the idea of the two wheel low kit, if I were to keep the '01 transmission.

I'm leaning towards rebuilding the one I already have. I think I'll play it safe and order the upgraded mainshaft kit.

 

[DTroy]

I ended up buying a rebuild kit. All of the bearings,seals,blocking rings,small parts,etc... fully splined mainshaft, fifth gear and nut, countershaft, fifth gear clutch hub, blah blah.

Dan at Quad 4x4 is great to deal with. The transmission is 200 lbs. Use a transmission lift. Or in my case, a modified ATV lift.

 

[Got Smoke?]

I just ordered a 98+ shifter lever kit from Quad4x4 today.



It will work great with my 98+ top cover I bought from a fellow TDR member yesterday!



Can't wait to get both those, and my SBC DD & input shaft installed next weekend! Oo.

 

[DTroy]

One day I hope to have the need for a DD!

 

[Got Smoke?]

I don't NEED it, but I hope to get into a little pulling next year, came across a scream'n deal..... and well..... you know how it goes! :-laf

 

[willyslover]

anybody have a link to Quad 4x4

 

[DTroy]

I hear that. I would never buy an FMS brand new. But when one came strolling by at a good price, I just had to give it a good home.

Do you have to do any chassis mods to pull competively?



Willyslover try this: www.quad4x4.com



Dan is nice to deal with. His videos are great. His major overhaul kit includes everything that you could need and then some. I keep going back to him.

 

[Got Smoke?]

Do you have to do any chassis mods to pull competively?

A good set of traction bars so you don't tear your rear yoke off is always a good idea! :-laf I hear that blocking your suspension also does wonders, but that depends upon the rules of each pull and what not (i. e. I don't know all the details :-laf )



I've got a buddy (same one that's helping me install the DD/shaft/cover) that takes top links for tractors, slices 'em in 1/2 and extends them with large diameter metal rod to make some nice inexpensive traction bars. I'm gonna get him to build me a set after I recover from some of this financial extension I'm in right now!

 

[DTroy]

One of these days I'm going to watch one of those truck pulls. (I have to wait for one nearby)

 

[Got Smoke?]

One of these days I'm going to watch one of those truck pulls. (I have to wait for one nearby)

Contact Justin Williams on this site. He sell's video's of Thunder in Muncie, Scheid Extravaganza, and other Indiana pulls for like $10 a video.



Website name is JWilliams3

 

[DTroy]

I'll send him a message. I'd like to see Scheid's truck in action.