Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Quad 4X4 Torque King 4500 transmission, who has one?

[FATCAT]

Since my 5th gear blew off on Monday it has been a mad scramble to look for a new 5-speed transmission for my truck.



Apparently there is a national back order on these and GM (apparently they have taken over production of them since New Venture was disolved), is not planning any production runs any time soon.



I contacted Quad 4X4 and ordered a new 4500 with the Torque King shaft and filter kit. I want to be sure that this 5th gear nut does NOT jump off again. And rebuilding the old transmission with the a new fully splined main shaft and 5th gear, but keeping all the old 1-4th gears and stuff just doesn't make sense to me if I'm planning on keeping the truck for at least 3 more years if not more.



Question: Who has one of these Torque King trannies form Quad 4X4, and how happy are you with it? No problems?



My truck will be down for about 2+ weeks (which stinks )

 

[MarkMiller]

A source for a trans for you, maybe this guy has a new one on hand: I got a new NV4500 for my jeep wrangler from Gear Tech Heavy Duty. http://www.geartechhd.com He can customize as you want it. His name is Wayne.

 

[Fogie]

"Dan the Gear Man" (Quad 4X4) is great to deal with. I got a complete master rebuild kit from him last winter... ... ..... been great with the fully splined mainshaft. His design for the torque king was not available at the time or I would have gone that route. Dan's backs what he sells... . no question. I spent two days removing... rebuilding... and installing. I wish you the best in your decision... ... ... ..... I'm really pleased with the decision I made.

 

[FATCAT]

"Dan the Gear Man" (Quad 4X4) is great to deal with. I got a complete master rebuild kit from him last winter... ... ..... been great with the fully splined mainshaft. His design for the torque king was not available at the time or I would have gone that route. Dan's backs what he sells... . no question. I spent two days removing... rebuilding... and installing. I wish you the best in your decision... ... ... ..... I'm really pleased with the decision I made.

Thank you Fogie for that recomendation. When I spoke with Dan yesterday he empithised with me about my 5th gear problem and said he would do his best to get the NEW NV4500 with the Torque King shaft out the door by Friday, Monday the latest. Wish I had the time AND the knowledge to rebuild a transmission, but I have neither and I'm sure as you know when your truck is down it is costing you $$$ and hair from your head.



Another question (I'll have to call Dan again today), is there a brake in period/procedure for a new/rebuilt transmission? For example if I should not tow with the new transmission for say, the first 500 miles ... then I have to plan for a long round trip up to the NH white mtns and great north woods. I have to get my dump trailer and a bunch of tools back from a job site where I will be done building by this weekend.

 

[Moose Truck]

I came across these guys from another TDR post:

http://www.high-impact.net/transmission_and_gear/nv4500.htm



Moose00

 

[Fogie]

Dan recommends a 500 mile break-in for the transmission. Just drive it like you did when you first bought the truck... . should not be any problem. I put HIS lock nut set on my new mainshaft..... love it. I cannot see where it will ever come loose. Best wishes.



Terry

 

[FATCAT]

Dan recommends a 500 mile break-in for the transmission. Just drive it like you did when you first bought the truck... . should not be any problem. I put HIS lock nut set on my new mainshaft..... love it. I cannot see where it will ever come loose. Best wishes.



Terry

Thanks again ... I'm feeling better about this purchase already. As I said, I need to keep this truck for a long time and need it in tip-top shape.



Thanks.

 

[Supermod56]

I was going to do the Torque King mod until I came across a 5600. Dan knows his stuff, and I think the Torque King is the best fix I have seen yet. But no matter what mod is done to it, it is a fairly fragile transmission to be bolted behind the Cummins, especially one that has been turned up a litte.

Tom

 

[FATCAT]

Problem with a NV5600 conversion is (beyond the addition cost), that parts for the 5600 are not made anymore. You would have to find a machine shop to make parts for you in the future. The 4500 is still manufactured.



If I was considering a 5600 upgrade, I would rather go all the way and install a 9 speed (RT-8709B) or an 11 speed (RTO-16909ALL) ... might as well shoot the breez.

 

[Bloomy]

Supermod56



Not to pick a fight, but I think the 4500 has more than proven itself above and beyond its design parameters. Other than the 5th gear there are few problems. I have 200k plus, 450hp 1,000 lb-ft torque, tow 10k on a regular basis sled pull every now and then and have been at that level for about 100k miles. With no transmission problems. Haven't lost fifth gear yet. No fight intended just wanted to throw that out there.



Thomas

 

[Johnstra]

I'm with FATCAT and Bloomy. I'd love to have a 6 spd but with it not being manufactured any more it doesn't make sense. Plus, as Bloomy says, the NV450 has proven itself to be a very reliable unit.

-john

 

[Supermod56]

Guys, no offense taken!! Maybe "fragile" was not a good choice of words! I agree the 4500 is good, and I AM NOT selling it, but the 5600 has a considerbly higher torque rating, and is a lot stouter, but the main reason I converted it is there is too much of a gap between 3rd and 4th gear going up a hill with a load on. I have 85K on my 45oo towing over 10K, but I am careful with it. The 4500 shifts a lot nicer. And you can get parts for the 5600, just have to look a little. And I wouldn't rely on GM to get on the stick anytime soon, I know from personal experience. Maybe the 9speed???



Tom

 

[Bloomy]

I really like my 4500, but like you said the ratio difference between 3rd and 4th is a pain. The 4k gsk helped along with all the other power but it is still there. The next biggest problem for me is I need another 150-200hp to sled pull in the next higher gear.



FATCAT



Keep us informed how your new transmission does. I will probably be in the market for one before 300,000.



Thomas

 

[FATCAT]

I really like my 4500, but like you said the ratio difference between 3rd and 4th is a pain. The 4k gsk helped along with all the other power but it is still there. The next biggest problem for me is I need another 150-200hp to sled pull in the next higher gear.



FATCAT



Keep us informed how your new transmission does. I will probably be in the market for one before 300,000.



Thomas

As soon as I get the truck back I'll give out reports as to how it is doing. I can't wait to get it back (hopfully 10/07). I'm having to use my Jetta with Kayak racks to carry boards to my work site (building a large solid Mahogany deck), its quite a site to see the little Jetta with a stack of 18' deck boards on the roof ... at least I'm still driving a diesel.



As I said once before, I want this to be the last fix for this transmission (at least for the next 200K miles).

 

[MarkMiller]

If I was considering a 5600 upgrade, I would rather go all the way and install a 9 speed (RT-8709B) or an 11 speed (RTO-16909ALL) ... might as well shoot the breez.

I am kind of interested in that 9 speed conv. But couldn't find info on it. Do you know where to look for info on it? Like, what bellhousings, transfercases, etc...

 

[FATCAT]

I am kind of interested in that 9 speed conv. But couldn't find info on it. Do you know where to look for info on it? Like, what bellhousings, transfercases, etc...

Well, here are the specs for the Eaton transmission. I have read that someone had installed one behind a 6CT (8. 3l) Cummins in a F350. The transfer case would be the tricky part.