I was reading my Haynes truck repair manual regarding removal of NV4500 from vehicle. It states to remove the 4 bolts holding it to the clutch housing to remove it. Of course after disconnecting all the other components from the unit.
I need tho replace my clutch and this seems easier than removing the trans with the clutch housing. If I had a NV3500 it would have to be removed as a unit with the clutch housing.
My question is which is easier, drop the NV4500 as a unit with the bell housing or separate it as the repair manual states?

 

I think your gona want to drop it as a unit. but i would pull the transfer case first to make it a bit lighter. also if you are already in there i would fix that fifth gear nut. when i did mine i was able to just slide the tranny back and put in the clutch.

 

U have to take the bellhousing off the engine adapter to replace the clutch anyway so just take it off in one piece with the trans. And re-installing keep the bellhousing attatched to the trans, because if u bolt the bellhousing up first, it's so frustrating trying to keep the clutch fork on the pivot when u put the trans on the bellhousing already attached to the engine.

 

Take the tranny off the bellhousing first. 4 bolts, get the heavy thing out of the way, then you can get at the small bellhousing bolts that much easier. The amount of time it takes to remove 4 bolts from the tranny will more than makeup the time spent at getting the upper bellhousing bolts with tranny in place. Also makes physically removing the tranny easier since you don't have to slide it down and back to clear the pressure plate while the bellhousing is against the cab. When going back in, attach the bellhousing, since getting the input shaft housing through the throwout bearing is a PITA.

 

Guys thanks for your information. I don't want to make this job any harder than it has to be.
This is going to be my first clutch replacement and appreciate any tips sent my way.

 

i have done many of these and the very first one i helped a guy on he tried to remove the bellhousing like you are saying and it is a major pain. your best bet is to remove it all together. just my opinion. the only bad part about these trucks is the crossmember but they are not that bad. good luck.