Hey everyone

I have been thinking seriously about an NV4500 conversion for my 1st Gen (see sig). One problem that I have found is that the output shaft on the HD NV4500 is 29 splines, and my t-case is only 23. I did find out, however, that a LD 4500 has a 23 spl output and that it will bolt right up. According to my sources, It takes slightly more than $300 too convert the NP 205 'case to a 29 spline input and make it work with an HD 4500.

With that in mind, I was thinking that an LD 4500 might be the way to go. I figured that I would probably get the best advise in the 2nd Gen section. has anyone had a Dodge with a 360 and a five speed? Are these trannys weak or reasonably strong? How about the 5th gear issue? I will probably not get too carried away with the bombin', although I will use it to tow 10-15,000 lbs from time to time. I guess that I am just trying to get some feedback about the tranny.

Thanks for any help!

 

If I understand correctly, the transmission you ask about is used in gasoline engine trucks? If this is the case, I can't say I recommend using any transmission used behind normal gasoline engines in a diesel truck. ESPECIALLY not for any kind of towing. Go on and spend the $300. Trust me, pulling the transmission and reinstalling it is a *****-don't make yourself have to do it twice.

 

I have seen the light duty nv4500's blown up in Dakotas with the 3.9 v6. I would highly recommend you get the adapter if you go with the hd4500. If you are going to be towing heavy, look into the nv5600. I think there are some first gens running around with them.

 

The Dakota tranny is an NV 3500, which is known to be weak. The only Dodge with the LD 4500 is a 3/4 or 1 ton with a 360, and GM probably uses one also in heavy duty pickups. I would like to know what the difference (aside from the main shaft) between it and the HD version is.

 

Gm had a lower first gear for the first few years and know it is about the same as the dodge gear. The gassers from dodge and GM have the small input shafts but the dodge has a larger pilot bearing size. Dont know about the output shafts. Personaly if I was running a stock 12v I would try the gasser version if I could find a cheap enough clutch disc because it sounds like your swap vehicle is already a 5spd. If it blows up then fix it. You could probably just change the input shaft and have the HD setup. From what I have read the gears and bearings are all the same. If memory serves me right you will also need a diesel/v10 bellhousing as they are differnt than the 360s.
On a side not those NV3500 are pretty tough trannies in their own right. I wouldnt put them behind a cummins but I had 3 factory chevy PUs with 350 in a 4x4 with it and not one failure. I beat on them a fair amount and even hauled a car from CA with the 89! Two where at 150-160k range when I sold them. Still shifted smooth and nice and quiet. The 97 did eat a roller pilot bearing a few thousand miles before I sold it though.

 

Here are some specs for the 4500's. I coulda swore they offered a 4500 in a Dakota, but I guess not
http://www.dodgeram.org/tech/transmi...v4500_spec.htm

 

Hey, everyone makes mistakes.

As far as the NV 3500, my dad has an 89 GMC LD 3/4 ton pickup with one. He used it to pull an 18' stock trailer for years. When the tranny finally did decide to go, the pickup had 180,000 miles. The NV 3500 outlasted the 350 engine by 20,000 miles! So, in other words, it has been a good tranny in my personal experience and I love the way that it shifts, but I just hear a considerable amount of complaints.

My pickup is actually an automatic, so a new adaptor, bellhousing, flywheel, and a number of other parts are needed anyway. It would have been better if it was a Getrag, because the t-case has a 29 spline input shaft, but I'd still need a new bellhousing and several other parts.

Thanks for the replys!