2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission NV4500 synchro what are my options?

[Cowboy Medic]

I feel like I am going through driveline hell the last couple of months. I got the front end running great in March and then I got an oil leak from my rear main seal that ruined my clutch, so got a new South Bend clutch in and the seals fixed and now fourth gear is grinding like crazy. I am assuming it is the synchros as sometimes it will shift smooth but most of the time it is grinding, otherwise it runs fine. Once it is in ger there are no problems.



My question is what is my best option for getting things working right. The transmission just had the input shaft replaced with the kit from south bend when I did the clutch, so I hate the idea of replacing the whole transmission. I have looked at Standard transmissions website and looked at their kits. I realize I should probably get the fully splined fifth gear since I am gonna be into the transmission anyway but money is kinda tight right now and I am wondering if this is a job I dare try and take on myself. I have never done anything like this but I am usually pretty good at following directions and getting them right. I could afford the 500 and some dollar kit that replaces the fith gear stuff as well as the synchros and bearings if I can do the work myself.

My other thought is to go ahead and just have a whole transmission shipped up and just do the swap part myself. More expensive but might be a safer bet on the whole. I would really like some insight on this. If you have done anything like this or have some observations to help me settle on a plan of attack I would appreciate it. In reality I do think I can get by with it the way it is for a while until I can get some more money saved but I really miss having it moving smoothly down the road.



Jon

 

[w-cummins]

You will need some specialized tools to do the job. You need a dial indicator for setting the correct end play and an assortment of shims to change the setup. You will also need a LARGE set of snap ring pliers ( did I say LARGE I had to get snap-on's 2nd largest set to get the rings off) You can order a rebuild manual from GM for the NV4500 and it helps. BTW I bet this message gets moved ;-)

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

First check the pilot bearing/bushing. If you forgot it, there is the source of the problem. At this point unless you are a real good transmission guy, get one from Std Trans--it will have the good mainshaft etc already in it, and the cost will probably be lower than buying a lot of pieces and trying to get a local guy to do the work anywhere near as well as they do it. Afterwards you can look to many, many miles of good service instead of waiting for the next failure.

 

[Cowboy Medic]

Joe, I don't know if you remember but you were giving me some good advice when I was going through trying to get my clutch stuff done and I was at the shop the second time they put it together and watched them put in the pilot bearing. Is there a possibility it got knocked out again somehow? Everything else seems to be running great it is just when I am trying to get into 4th gear.

 

[w-cummins]

BTW you said that you replaced the input shaft did you reset/adjust the end play on the main shaft??



William