Free89W350

Whats the difference between the gas and diesel models. I have seen a add for a "light duty" NV4500 just wondering if a gasser will hold up or if they actually made 2 different NV4500's.

jimbo486

i wouldn't trust a "light duty" NV4500 that probably came out of a 1500 or 2500 gasser to hold the torque of a cummins.

Crossy's son

Input shaft.

Free89W350

If its just the input shaft that is a easy fix, change the input shaft and be done with it. Has anyone had both apart and if so is there a big difference with the internals.

CaptainChrysler

I don't think they will have the 29 spline output. You might have to swap the mainshaft.

67HotRod

Gears are different, forget the difference. I think the case is thinner on the gasser.

JustRamIt91

Although its built to withstand less abuse, they do hold up pretty well behind a 318... that being said if you are able to use it try not to lug down the motor in higher gears, it makes the motor sound cool but is terrible for everything inside the gear box...this is what i'm told anyways. My guess is that the torque will twist or even break the main shaft.

pulltilbroke

Input shaft, bearing retainer, mainshaft, and the tail housing is different


Mark Nixon is running a light duty 4500 in his hauler with a diesel input and retainer

Free89W350

I actually asked Mark about it and he said he changed out the input and bearing and used a slip yolk from a 518. Now my truck with the auto trans uses the 23 spline output shaft can I assume this is the same "size" as the one Mark has in his "light duty" NV, if that is the case I don't see why I cant get one out of a 3/4 ton (Mark say's there beefier), change the input shaft and bearing, and be able to use the transfer case that is on my auto. Thoughts or suggestions from you 5 speed guys.

pulltilbroke

What are your plans for the truck, Is this goin in you 4wd

Free89W350

My 4x4 crew cab project. I also know where there is a 6 speed out of a 6.7 but I don't think it will bolt up. I'm just trying to weigh my options, a gasser trans will be easier to find then a diesel and can be had cheaper. If I need parts I have a in at the local dodge dealer so I get parts at there cost.

pulltilbroke

You gonna run a divorced case or what?

Free89W350

I would prefer not to, I am going to try to find a 4x4 trans first but if need be I do have access to multiple divorced cases.

dzl_damon

Free. I"m looking at the same thing now. A "light duty" Nv4500 from a gasser dodge. With the 23 spline output, why couldn't it use our Auomatic np205's?

Yes you would have to change the input shaft though. And without looking at it, I don't know what that requires.

Mark Nixon

A few simple things to remember about the GAS NV4500:

The mainshaft is 23 spline and uses both a smaller 5th gear, and nut.
Aside from an "upgraded" 5th gear retention nut, there are no other strengthening features offered for the 23 spline version, no mainshaft upgrades.
The GAS input uses a smaller spline/diameter, but the bearing outer diameter and center hole size is the same as diesel.
The bearing retainer snout size is smaller on the GAS tranny, so swapping in the diesel retainer and shaft is necessary.
There are no clutches that will work on the GAS splined input that will match up to the diesel flywheel/pressure plate.

The gear ratios on DODGE diesel NV4500s and the GAS NV4500 are the same, '92-'02, possibly longer.

The NV4500 was incepted in a Dodge in 1992 and was the ONLY 5 speed option offered in the 1/2, 3/4 and 1 ton Gas powered Dodges.
The NV3500 was not offered in a fullsize pick-up until 1994.

Prior to that, (1992 and 1993) the NV3500s were exclusive to Dakotas and VANS.

The "original" 5 speed for fullsizes, vans (And Dakotas) was the A-535, initially used in 1987 Dakotas, and was discontinued after 1991.
The NV4500 still remained a "Heavy Duty" option on the gas trucks from '94 through at least '02, but the NV3500 (AX15) was the standard light duty 5 speed.

As far as the viability of a "Light Duty" NV4500 behind a diesel, like anything else, if you prep it right and you know the limits, chances are you won't have any problems.
Will it take 350 horses and 500ft lbs of torque? No.

At least, likely not for long, but then again, neither will 7290 driveshaft U-joints, which is how the hauler is set up.
A bad u-joint is a better warning sign than a broken output.
I've curbed over 16,000 pounds SINGLE WEIGHT with the hauler numerous times and in 11,000 miles, with a DEAD STOCK '90 CUMMINS, not a bit of trouble from the trans.
If anything happens, it's the driveshaft(s) that will probably be the crippler.

As far as using the 4WD 23 spline version in front of an NP205, this is a good option to the 29 spline conversion and should just about bolt right up.
Be aware that it IS NOT a "hook-um-up and go for broke" tranny.

Keep in mind though, in truth, the GAS version of the Dodge NV4500 trannies are actually harder to acquire than the diesel versions and I've found that the junkyards tend to still price them high.

ALL references to "Diesel" also pertain to "V-10" where the NV4500 is concerned.

Mark.