12 Valve Engine and Drivetrain Talk about the 12V engine and drivetrain here. This is for 1994-1998.5 engine and drivetrain discussion only.

Lost 5th gear, OK to drive?

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Old Nov 6, 2011 | 06:02 PM
  #1  
scjfly's Avatar
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From: Idaho
Lost 5th gear, OK to drive?

Today it happened Lost 5th gear while towing my horse trailer. Wondering if its ok to drive it around in forth gear for the time being. I am 100 miles from home and am planning on limping it back. Is there any damage i can cause by doing this? I'm not familiar with the internals of the nv4500.

Thanks,

Clark
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Old Nov 6, 2011 | 07:50 PM
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I am not familiar with that particular transmision but in general if you lose a gear you will have chunks of metal floating around which have a good chance of taking other bearings and gears out.
If you have a magnetic drain plug you would reduce this risk but i doubt it would have come from the fsctory with one.
Good Luck
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Old Nov 6, 2011 | 07:54 PM
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From: LaCrete, Alberta
dont sue me but i was reading about losing the fifth gear nut on manual 12 valves and somebody said it was ok to drive them. hopefully somebody else chimes in
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Old Nov 7, 2011 | 07:52 AM
  #4  
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From: Streator Illinois
Originally Posted by scjfly
Today it happened Lost 5th gear while towing my horse trailer. Wondering if its ok to drive it around in forth gear for the time being. I am 100 miles from home and am planning on limping it back. Is there any damage i can cause by doing this? I'm not familiar with the internals of the nv4500.

Thanks,

Clark
Uh, I am almost embarrassed to admit this, but mine has been a 4 speed wonder since 2008....... I promise I will get to it one of these days......

Drive her home.
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Old Nov 7, 2011 | 10:31 AM
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From: Montana
I drove mine 1800 miles in 4th.
It was the best fuel mileage I've ever gotten.
No problem at all with the gear gone.
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Old Nov 7, 2011 | 11:00 AM
  #6  
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From: Idaho
Thanks for the info guys! Good to know its most likely not urgent.

Clark
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Old Nov 7, 2011 | 11:15 AM
  #7  
Andy505's Avatar
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From: Bristol, Indiana
Once the gear wobbles off the splines its just along for the ride on the output shaft.

Mine has came loose twice....no damage done....except to buy the liquid gold to replenish the fluid once I've pulled the tail housing off.
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Old Nov 7, 2011 | 01:22 PM
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From: Nixa, Missouri
Went 170 miles witht he 5th wheel in tow when it broke the 2nd time. Did not damage to the rest of the tranny. When the gear breaks though it is usually due to the main shaft being worn out. The weld trick didn't last on my over 170 miles towing. If this is you 1st break and under 175k miles I would look at quad 4x4 replacement nut kit. Otherwise you will have to replace the main shaft for long term which mean a complete tear down of the tranny so might was well put in a overhaul kit and start with a fresh tranny.
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Old Nov 7, 2011 | 06:42 PM
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From: ruidoso new mexico
mine failed twice both times a long way from home. no damage.the second time i was in the Florida everglades and drove back to mid new Mexico. going threw fort worth and Dallas was scary i was only able to pass two vehicles one was a garbage truck and the other was a white hared old lady
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Old Nov 7, 2011 | 07:59 PM
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From: Malakoff, TX
I've been through it on 3 trucks. Drove one back to Texas from Oregon then fixed it with ease. Drove one from Denver to Dallas again no problems to repair. Drove the last one only 200 miles before I was able to fix it. it is just floating on the shaft back there. Drive it home!
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