NV4500 WEAK?????
02-04-2003, 06:13 PM
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Nv4500 Weak?????
I was doing alittle research into the whole 5th gear nut thing and I came accross a guy, I think he is Clydesdale, who claims that the NV4500 is a total piece of . I aint no tranny expert but I thought from everything people have said that the NV4500 is a pretty bad tranny. I always hear about it in 4x4 Mags and stuff. Has anyone else experienced these catastrophic problems?<br><br>Oh and about the fifith gear nut. What is the best fix? and what does it cost for parts?<br><br>-Thanks 
02-04-2003, 06:27 PM
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Re:NV4500 WEAK?????
I have lost a few 5th gears but the 4500 is one tough 5 speed. I have put 500 plus HP through this thing for a long time. <br><br>Oh, I did twist the input shaft off, but that was not the trannies fault, it was the injection pump, big injectors and 4 big sticky tires on the rear axle that did that ;D<br><br>I actually think it will hang in there pretty good to 600HP as long as sled pulling is not factored in.<br><br>Don~
02-04-2003, 07:13 PM
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Re:NV4500 WEAK?????
You'll break the Dana 80 before the NV4500 gives up. At least that's the way mine is going. I've lost 1 5th gear and lost a snap ring on the coutnershaft causing the syncro clutch gear to wear prematurely(chewed the gears up pretty good). 
<br><br>I gotta tear into the Big ol Dana to replace either the pinion bearing or one of the carrier bearings. Something back there doesn't like the HP, or my driving style.
<br><br>I gotta tear into the Big ol Dana to replace either the pinion bearing or one of the carrier bearings. Something back there doesn't like the HP, or my driving style.
02-04-2003, 09:40 PM
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Re:NV4500 WEAK?????
The fix for the 5th gear nut is a fully splined mainshaft. I have lost 5th gear twice. Put on a new 5th gear with a fully splined mainshaft and all is well.<br>John
02-04-2003, 10:02 PM
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Re:NV4500 WEAK?????
I have had good luck with my 5-speed also. Hay anyone noticed how they (the 5speed) seems to complain with a growling type sound with about 400 HP going through it below 2000 rpm? Mine dose this with the comp turned on. Anyone else? I have check my oils and they are clean, the trans has done this ever since the bombs. I have never had the 5 gear nut fall off yet. Maybe soon though.<br><br>
02-04-2003, 10:42 PM
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Re:NV4500 WEAK?????
At 150000km I was hauling across the top of the city and mine went. I was cruising in 5th and the tranny went BOOM. A stream of fluid trailed me as I pulled over. The stick moved, but no gears were shifting. I had it towed to the dealership and got them to look at it. (It was the company truck at the time so price was no option) They opened it up and the gear sheared off and actually sheared 2 others off too. They were going to rebuild but then called my back saying the parts were on back order and time was important to me. So they got a brand new tranny and installed it in a few days. It was about $5500-$6000cdn after all was said and done.
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02-06-2003, 08:59 PM
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Re:NV4500 WEAK?????
[quote author=BigBlock link=board=16;threadid=10525;start=0#100573 date=1044404027]<br>I was doing alittle research into the whole 5th gear nut thing and I came accross a guy, I think he is Clydesdale, who ...<br><br>[/quote]<br>Sir, you refer to me. My old name was clydesdale, but apparently someone else got it when I was offline for a long time.<br><br>I believe I said the 4500 may be ok for gas applications, but is entirely inappropriate for HD/Diesel use. The main case is (4sp) is OK, but the OD is a lousy design IMO. Far too many failures behind the diesel & V10. This tranny was originally used behind s.b. Chevy's. It was upgraded for the HD version Chrysler uses, but 5th design was not improved.<br><br>I work in the construction industry. I see few Dodges (2nd gen or later) on the job. Of the few I know, ALL had major failures from the NVG geartrain. That does not indicate to me a good design. Granted, many guys don't mind throwing tons of money at their trucks every time something breaks, but I work for a living - and depend on my truck, 7 day/wk. It has cost me a fortune in repairs and down time. Never again.<br><br>When I tore down my 4500, I found multiple, inexcusable errors and just plain sloppy workmanship. To make matters worse, it was not just the 4500 - it was the NVG241 t-case as well. Frankly, I think Chrysler & GM ruined New Process when they bought them out. <br><br>Running 4500's behind small gas engines in lightweight 4x4's doesn't stress the tranny the way a low rpm/very high torque diesel does. Gas engines also don't produce the damaging resonances that an I-6 diesel does. Comparing apples to oranges. But if you like the 4500, GREAT! I'm not telling anyone not to get one, just relating my experiences w/it, FWIW. Heck, buy a 3500, 4500, 5600 - collect the whole set. Me, I'm finding something else - <br><br>Regards,<br>-Scott
02-11-2003, 05:41 PM
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Re:NV4500 WEAK?????
I agree, the 4500 is a touch light for our Cummins, BUT...<br>I have deduced the 5 th gear will almost never fall off if you don't lug heavy in 5th gear.<br>Keep it up above 1800 rpm.<br><br>Input shafts don't take slam shifting, they shouldn't have to.<br><br>Big input shafts are available from several vendors.<br><br>All in all, I think they have held up amazingly well compared to what I have seen/done to them.<br><br>I do know, that one lasted all year in a 1000 hp pulling truck, until it sheared third gear off and split the case.<br><br>I think they could have done better from the factory, but it is pretty tough. The 241 HD transfer cases are holding well at the track also.
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