I'm looking to buy a 1996 Dodge 3500 that has a 5 speed manual transmission. The transmission has had some previous work on it. I found a piece of paper in the vehicle that was apparently a receipt from the dealership mechanic. This paper stated "Customer said that 5th gear was not pulling and states he thinks that the 5th gear was stripped." The problem has obviously been fixed(although I'm not sure when) because it drove and shifted perfectly. I just wanted to know if this was a common problem among these particular transmissions. Any comments? I am supposed to go back Monday morning and buy the truck so I wanted to have some input before then, if any of you are willing to help. Thanks in advance.

 

The only 5th gear problem I have ever heard of the the 5th gear nut backing off, if it's fixed then drive it. BOTW that truck as allot of power potential just wating to be unleashed.

Jim

 

Thanks, Jim. I looked this information up on the internet and found that it is a common problem with the NV4500 in the 96 Dodge. I guess I will probably buy the truck now that I know it isn't much of a problem and it has been fixed. I already own a 92 dodge diesel and it has 310,000 miles on and it hasn't given me any trouble.

 

Basicaly try not to pull heavy loads in 5th gear under 1800rpm. That seems to be a safe way of keeping the NV4500 in good working order.