Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Replace Auto transmission with standard 4500

[Paul Lamont]

I blew the transmission in my 96 3500 and is it time to think about doing a conversion to standard. I pull a 35 ft. fiver at 12000 #, Is it worth while ? and more important can it be done?

 

[DBrickel]

You sure you want to do that? I considered that and the cost wasn't really worth it, I would recommend DTT, It is a great transmission

 

[rrausch]

I agree, it is easier and cheaper to get a good Performance Trans. than it is to change to a stick. In the Performance Trans area there are a FEW companies who know what they are doing. ATS, Suncoast, Dtt and maybe one or two others that I can't think of right now.



I can recommend ATS. They are in Denver and 4 years ago developed the TripleLok Torque Converter and their Stage IV Trans for guys who were towing heavy loads up and over the Rockies. It puts the Power to the Ground!



If you decide to go the Performance Automatic Trans route, you should do some homework and call the major Trans. Vendors and ask questions. Then go with the people you feel best about. For me that was Clint Cannon and his family, who own & operate ATS. If you want to call them, # is 800-949-6002.



https://www.turbodieselregister.com...?threadid=40441&highlight=experience+with+ATS

 

[HCanales]

I converted my 98 to nv4500 and is was the best thing I ever did. The conversion was about the same price as a rebuilt transmission. Now I do have the auto trans that came out of my 98 that works fine that I'll sell to you for whatever its worth. I'm guessing its worth core value but I'm sure. If you want info in the conversion let me know and I'll be glad to help you out!



later HC

 

[jimk]

That is a good idea. JimK

 

[Jerred]

I did it to my 1996. Same thing, turned up the motor and blew the trany at 150k miles. I got info from some TDR guys about a guy named Jim Leonard who does the swaps. He gave me all the part numbers for everything you need. I bought all the parts from him except the trany, which I got rebuilt from Standard Trany and Gear in Fort Worth, TX. Total cost, $3900. Total time, one weekend. I got a Southbend clutch with the deal and it holds 450hp no problem. I've never looked back, never regretted it. But I hate transmissions shifting for me, call me a control freak! If you want, PM me and I'll give you the parts list he gave me and his contact info. You won't beat his prices, they're damn near his cost plus shipping. He's a wealth of info as well, all around nice guy, lives in Redding, CA. You'll make at least $1000 of the cost back selling everything on Ebay/TDR. Standard Trany and Gear will also give you a deal on core charge and shipping just for being a TDR member (you won't have a core to give them, obviously!). Talk to Michelle, she was a great help, very knowledgable. Just make sure you get the newer NV4500 with the four bolt shifter top so you can put a BD shortshift kit on it for the dragstrip! The older ones are not compatable, hense all the additional parts I had to buy. And make sure it has the cast iron extension housing, my aluminum one cracked and had to replace it.

 

[jimk]

Jim is a great guy, I got a list from him for a six speed. It will be a good winter project. I like to shift. Finally when I give the truck some fuel it will move and just rev up. JimK

 

[CPFF]

Jarred

How many miles have you driven the truck since you put the nv4500 in?



CPFF

 

[Jerred]

I replaced it at 150k and I have almost 180k on it now. It takes about 5k to break in a little and then it shifts like butta! I got one of the older ones though, didn't even think to ask if there were different versions. It doesn't have the right top for the short shift kit. But I was able to find the right top for $165 and I ordered a new shifter for $175 so now it's ready to have the short shift hit installed. I also got the new cast iron extension housing. They have come with Aluminum housing up until recently. With the extra power it's been taking, it stripped out the two bolt holes that mount it to the cross member mount. I heard it clanking around going down the highway one day! I had to drill out the bolt holes and re-tap them. The 4WD shifter bracket mounts are also stripped. The stick bounces around a little. The new extension housing will fix that though. I just need time to drop the trany and do it. It's a great gearbox. I have no complaints. 415bhp and it's running strong! If I had to do it over, I'd get the 5600 though. Even with GSK and extra power, there's still a big gap between 3rd and 4th gear (the major complaint that spawned the 6sp in the first place). Oh well, I still love it. Anybody want info for Jim Leonard, I'm sure he wouldn't mind me throwing some business his way. PM me if interested.

 

[CPFF]

Jarred

By your first post, I assumed you already had the cast iron ext. housing on the transmission. If you haven't put it on yet, you best check the diameter that locates the transfer case to the transmission. I just lost two transmissions & one transfer case with the C. I. housing. That dia. was off by . 028" on one and . 030" on the second. The third one will be back here next weekend & i'll check it then. CPFF

 

[KB0OU]

Jarred, just pmed you, I am interested in swapping the auto for the manual before I lose the auto. Will be looking for parts to do the swap. I kinda like the idea of a 6 speed, how much difference in cost. What do we do with the old auto transmission???



Thanks,

John

 

[Jerred]

Jarred

By your first post, I assumed you already had the cast iron ext. housing on the transmission. If you haven't put it on yet, you best check the diameter that locates the transfer case to the transmission. I just lost two transmissions & one transfer case with the C. I. housing. That dia. was off by . 028" on one and . 030" on the second. The third one will be back here next weekend & i'll check it then. CPFF

Uh, yeah, good call!! I never considered that, thanks! What measurement exactly did you find that was off? And what should it be? I assume it's the input shaft housing input diameter?

 

[CPFF]

Yes, Its the diameter that centers the transfer case and the seal bore dia. These are the ones that are "off location". I checked #3 and #4 yesterday. #3 was off center . 030" and #4 was off . 036". The fluid was severely over-heated and discolored in both the transmissions and the transfer cases. I think I caught these two in time as there was no apparant damage except the transfer case in #3 would jump out of 2wh on use of the exhaust brake. We'll see if this continues.

The owner of #4 took pictures of the process and will post them shortly.



CPFF

 

[Dull Pain]

CPFF - How about some tech info on how to check for off center. I just ordered a new NV4500 with the cast iron tail housing. Don't want to destroy transmission or xfer case.



thanks

 

[Jerred]

CPFF,



thanks for the heads up, I'll check that thoroughly before installation. Anyone else have similar problems?



That last response: You are probably ok since it will come already installed, but better rotate the shaft a little to make sure nothing is grinding. This is the first time I've ever heard of this and I know a lot of guys using the CI housing. Hopefully just a freak mistake, although too late and not much consolation for CPFF!

 

[CPFF]

The #4 C. I. housing came installed on a rebuilt NV4500 from one of the vendors that advertises in the TDR.

Both transmissions that were destroyed went about 6k. The first one was blamed on a "bad rebuild job". The second one (mine) went at the end of a 900mi run. It pumped all but 1" of the transmission lube into the transfer case and fried the input and countershaft gears. I was able to refill it and limp it 1200mi home. All the way back, I blamed myself for not adding the last 3qts of lube after I installed the full splined main shaft. When I got home and drained over 1 and a half GALLONS of atf/gear oil out of the transfer case, I then knew where the trans. lube went.



CPFF

 

[Jerred]

CPFF



Is it at all intuitively obvious when you put the CI ext housing on that it's not right? Basically, how will I know BEFORE I tear up my drivetrain that it's not right? At this point, I'm not sure I even want to attempt the job. What did Standard Trans and Gear say about the problem?

 

[propuller]

Can the 6 spd be installed into a 12 valve & have the speedometer work. I was told the speedo will not hook up to the 6 spd trans.



Kurt

 

[Jerred]

the speedometer input is on the t-case, so yes, it will be no problem.

 

[propuller]

Since the truck is a 2wd it doesnt have a transfer case so it might be problem. Jarred can you send me some info on how i can reach Jim Leonard.



Kurt