Hi all,

I'm looking at buying a '96 4wd 2500 that the owner just cannibalized the nv4500 from to use in another truck. I happen to have a spare 2wd nv4500 sitting around. Can the 2wd nv4500 be used in the 4wd truck with some reasonable modifications, like swapping the tailshaft housing?

 

as far as i know, just changing the tailshaft housing should suffice, but what do i know?

 

Well, I just called my buddy who is the main diesel mechanic at the local dodge dealership (I got impatient), and he said that not only is the tailshaft housing different, but the output shaft itself is shorter and has different splines to fit the transfer case. He said that if you swap the shaft and housing then it will work, but to swap the shaft you must press the gear(s?) and synchros off the shaft, which is not really a home shop job. In other words, if I'm gonna get this truck, it'll be for parts only, or I'll have to find a good used tranny. Either way, the price better be RIGHT.