I'm curently considering purchasing a good used NV4500 for my 92 W250. I know this is a relatively common swap. However, there is no sticky (although there is one for a 5600) for this in the 1st gen forum. From what I understand you can:

1)_mount it direct -change the starter, clutch and whatever else I'm not sure

or:

2)get an adapter plate for $400 and use all stock components

I also have been lead to believe that the TC is a straight bolt on at the other end but would like a confirmation here.

So if anyone can fill in the gaps (or make corrections) in my understanding and/or point me to a good link it would be much appreciated.

 

Why are you thinking of dumping the Getrag? I have never driven a Getrag before...but I know a few people have not been very impressed with the wide 3 to 4 gear ratios, me included. I have not heard the same form Getrag users.

There is lots of aftermarket support for the Getrag, and all the problems that could/can happen to them are easily remedied.

 

Just did the swap in mine a few months ago. The transfer case will bolt directly onto the back of the nv4500 as long as you leave out the rear seal of the trans. However, the shift linkage for the t case will not. It would be some simple fab work to make a bracket, but i just used the bracket that came with the bellhousing kit. The bellhousing kit from advance adapters includes everything you will need. I think it is worth every penny, and thats coming from a guy who watches his pennies carefully.

 

Why would you dump the Getrag -- it is a super transmission IF you never use overdrive for anything except running empty.

There is lots of aftermarket support for the Getrag -- there is lots of aftermarket support because YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY GOING TO NEED IT!

I swapped out the DirtRag and have never had another thought when I'm 500 miles from home if the Getrag is going to take a dump. Never a worry about using overdrive while loaded.
Since the Getrag is gone, it was replaced with complete peace of mind.

Though I could have sold the Getrag carcass on eBay for $250. - $300. the hated transmission as a matter of conscience went in the scrap metal dumpster. I wouldn't be right to sell trouble to another person, Getrags need melted down and forever removed from the face of the earth.

What's the problem with the Getrag? -- Riding lawn mower sized bearings and countershaft.
Tens of thousands countershaft have been burnt blue and that internet anointed advice of an extra quart of oil is just another feel good solution.
-----------------------------
The swap:
The Advance Adapters route is probably the best solution.
The hydraulic clutch release system doesn't need to be changed.
The flywheel, clutch and pressure plate can be reused.

I used all later model Dodge and Cummins parts. I remember welding up an adapter for the transmission crossmember mounting, perhaps the advance Adapters kit has this covered.

If you are bolting direct to a transfercase don't forget to use a gasket and after running the vehicle check the oil level in the tranny as some of it will now reside between the tranny and transfercase.

 

^ I agree with Ghenges. I have done three nv4500 swaps in the last three years. Mine a getrag to nv4500 and two auto to nv4500 in my dads rigs. I will say I have two other getrags that seem trouble free for now. But for serious work the getrag is a piece of crap!!!!! If you never do anything more with your truck than haul groceries the getrag should be fine. The only regret I have about putting the nv4500 in my dually is I didnt do it three years earlier.
Feveree40 is absolutely correct. I used the AA adapter kit everytime and its worth every penny. Makes the swap simple and trouble free as long as you read the directions ahead of time. The first time I waited til I started then realized I needed to head down to the local machine shop to have the bearing retainer shortened.

All in all its about availabilaty. I think getrag stuff is very difficult to find and what is available is all aftermarket. I will say I am using a getrag in my RC conversion and hope that it works problem free. But I dont plan to ever tow anything with my RC, its simply a dd and tailgating vehicle.

 

my getrag has 600,000 on it never been rebuilt.Pull my skidsteer(6000 pounds)and the trailer(2000 pounds) with it all the time.And still get 25 mpg loaded.36 mpg empty.

 

thanks for the info guys. Didn't mean to start any transmission wars! Just see a good deal on an upgrade to the 4500. I also suspect that the rag will be more expensive for parts. So it looks like the adapter is the way to go.

 

Thanks for the "Cons" on the Getrag, Ghenges and Freight train....I really had not heard/read to much about them....very interesting.

Quinnbrian...How is your truck set-up to be getting that kind of mileage? Care to share?

 

The extra quart in the getrag is to prevent input shaft bearing oil starvation - nothing to do with the counter shaft bearing.

 

It's not...his calculator is broken. That sort of mileage is not possible with these trucks. Even the purpose-built lightned, lowered, and geared MPG rigs that have been tirelessly tuned by the kings of the 12v Cummins world (Jeff Garmon, Peirs Harry, Dan Scheid) won't achieve that sort of MPG on a regular basis. The lowered Dodge 1500 with a 12v that Garmon built that got 55 MPG (Diesel Power June '09) won't even make those MPG numbers consistently.

I also have my doubts about a hard-use Getrag going 600,000 miles without a refresh...it's a lot more likely than those MPG numbers, though.

 

Quinnbrian, I mean no disrespect but 8000lbs is what my Eager Beaver wieghs empty. I have never seen a truck empty ever come close to what your getting as far as mpg. Please share your secrets. I am building a Cummins RC with 3.07 axles in hopes of getting great mpg but even that isnt going to touch what your getting. My dad has a getrag from nothern PA with a factory tranny and clutch that has 168K on it. The tranny still fills pretty good for those miles. I pruchased a donor truck for my swap that has 551k on a broken odometer. Surprisingly the tranny feels tight and not sloppy. I am pretty comfortable in using it as it is but have no doubts its been gone through being it has probably close to 600k on the truck. Its a 1990 w250 that is very rusty. Thank NY state for the amount of rust.

 

I have a buddy with an nv4500 in his 92 4x4. It had it in there when he bought it and from what he told me it has the 1st gen adpater plate still, not the thicker 2nd gen plate or some other adapter plate. He said it was the older style or something and the shifter or shift tower was different, not exactly sure on it. He said it takes a 1st gen starter though still.

 

my getrag has about 400,000 on it with no rebuild. syncros are still good. It pulled a horse trailer most of it's life. pulled my dad's 10,000lb F-350 on a 35ft gooseneck without a problem. in OD. Nothing wrong with the gutbag if you know how to shift.

 

Funny, but the NV4500 is the only transmission ever made that'll lose it's 5th gear when a little torque hits it.
Even the "Super Main Shaft Fix" is experiencing failures on daily driver type vehicles.
So much for a "great" transmission.

Oh, that's right, they have the ultimate in aftermarket support, like all "great" GM-related "ideas" do and ALL GM ideas are superior and without reprisal.

I have a total of 6 SCRAP NV4500s that will be hitting the scrapper very soon, once I take a couple of (maybe) good bolts out of them.

It seems that even 160HP VE Cummins engines and a couple tons of cars eat them alive?

Mark.

 

It has to do with vibrations more then likely that cause, not so much the torque, the right vibration will cause almost anything to come apart, I would say that when it was design they didn't account for the virbration that is caused or never planed to back it behind a diesel.