Same Old Getrag Question

[billmaine]

I'll start by apologizing for rehashing an old question but here goes:



First off, I'm no mechanic so my terminology will be off. My son and I just pulled my 5 spd Getrag. Pulled the side plate and top plates off. Gears look okay but the lower shaft and set of gears that ride on that shaft have dropped down and are "sloppy" to the point where they don't contact the gears above. Also, there are narrow rings on the upper shaft that mesh with teeth astride the larger gears. The forward most set of teeth on this narrow ring are chewed off. Plus the collar for the bearing toward the front of the trannie is showing signs of scrapes, like metal had been chewing at it. Magnet produced lots of metal in base of tran.



If I've given enough info, can anyone suggest if this is a worthwhile repair with the Getrag (I've noticed also called the gutbag) or should I move up to the NV4500?



If I go to the NV4500, is the Getrag saleable as it is?



As I said, sorry for repeating old questions. I just couldn't find the posts in all of the hundreds (thousands??) that have covered this subject before and probably already answer these questions.

 

[dusthomps]

If the funds are available, the NV4500 conversion is the best way to go. The Getrag you have could also be rebuilt or reconditioned by a good transmission shop as well. Sounds like most people who have gone to the NV4500 are more than happy with it, but I'll let them give their input on this topic.



Dustin

 

[AMikonis]

Well, I'm not a professional, but I've been into four or five Getrags. IF I'm reading you right, sounds like you might only need new bearings and synchros, about $250 in parts. The important thing here is first that the gears are okay, and the top cover and shift forks are okay. Next, I've seen one drop its countershaft like you are describing; it punched a hole in the rear bearing retainer (tailpiece. ) We welded it up and its still in service. Make sure the front and rear bearing retainers are not chewed up. These things can nuke bearings to the point where there's LOTS of play, making you think things are really bad; they may not be. Also check the bearing race in the back of the input shaft. If you don't need any of the hard parts, a rebuild shouldn't be too bad.



On the downside, it sounds like you pushed this one pretty far, and you could of hurt something expensive. That's why we pull 'em down when they get a little noisy. Usually one $20 bearing goes, and that's all they need to run a few more years. If you let that cheap bearing get worse it lets things get sloppy in there and starts taking out more bearings, and other things...



Good luck,

Andy

 

[billmaine]

Thanks for the help, Guys. Dan at Quad4x4 concurs that it's the countershaft due to bearing failure. The front bearing retainer did take a mild beating.



After reading all the posts about Getrag nightmares, I decided to order a new NV4500 from Dan. Mixed feelings about it. I don't like spending the $$ but I like the reports about the NV4500 and feel confident it will hold up well



Now, anybody out there interested in a slightly used Getrag in need of, oh, about $250 worth of repairs?? (Gears are okay but looks like bearings and one set of synchros need replacing).

 

[McGivern]

Getrag/NV4500

I have 186,000 on my Getdrag now and only had the bearings and synchros done once at 120,000. It has been good since I went to a synthetic oil and overfill by 1 qt.



I will replace it the next time it pukes, but if I were going to buy a new transmission I think I'd go with an NV5600, as it is much beefier than the 4500. Just my 2 cents.



Mark

 

[MAX A/C]

Many things on the 1st gen have to be re-engineered to fit a NV5600; I figured I'd be into it for $2000 more than a NV4500, and that's only because I had a gonga deal on the 5600.



I'm sure you'll be extremely happy with the NV4500!!! It'll feel like a whole new truck



Scott

 

[McGivern]

Scott is right, you do have to make some modifications to adapt the 5600; I should have mentioned that.



I do know someone who's installed it (and a US gear overdrive begind it) on a 92 truck. If you do your research it shouldn't be a big deal. I gues I'm comparing that to other things I've tackled though. As an engineer I just like to be made aware of all the options before I make a decision.



Here is a link with some research info:



http://www.drivetrain.com/nv5600.html#Information Early Dodge Getrag



Here are the NV5600 specs:



http://dodgeram.org/tech/transmission/nv5600_spec.html



Here are some NV4500 specs:



http://dodgeram.org/tech/transmission/nv4500_spec.htm



Hope this helps,

Mark