Been thinking about it for awhile any info on what to look for or what to be aware of when I do it would be helpful

 

i did it. I bought another truck with the getrag to swap from. no big deal really. why do you want to swap??

 

if you're going to go through the hassle of an auto to manual swap why not go straight to an nv4500? Unless of course it's just a matter of saving some coin, which is understandable.

 

either way in my opinion going from auto to manual is ALWAYS a good call and worth the effort everytime!

 

I tow a 5th wheel and I feel towing with a stick is better.

 

I would like to know the differance in swaping between the get and the nv4500

 

I think the NV4500 shifts nicer but they both have their little batch of issues.

Getrag is a good trans. But finding a donor 4x4 truck or ALL the necessary parts is nearly impossible because every other 4x4 automatic guy is looking for the same swap......

 

Best upgrade I did so far. The getrag doesn't like to be shifted fast but I tow pretty heavy and no complaints. I had a donor truck as well and did the swap in a little less than 12hr.

 

I'll take a $800 Getrag over a free NV4500 any day. Overfill the Getrag, and it will outlast the NV4500, plus oil is MUCH less expensive. The Getrag is stock, so there are no parts to swap in and out, no conversion adaptors to buy.....

Dont lug the Getrag, esp when towing.
Keep the oil level up.
Enjoy long life and dependability.

 

Oh really? How big is your 5er? I've never had any problems towing mine, even with the stock transmission, but it's a small 5th wheel... 5000 unloaded, 7500 max load.

 

Find someone who OWNS a NV4500 that can compare it to a G360. Judge for yourself the differance between the two. I think you'll find the 4500 with the 5th gear nut fixed, a better tranny. Just my .02

 

i goose neck empty is 7500 lbs, put 8 ton on that and see where your automatic is.

 

My 5er is 6800 unloaded, I want a more positive feel when I tow. I'm old and I'm done screwing around with autos for now!!!!!I have put time and money in the auto in there now but it's still mostly stock except the converter and valve body. I'm just waiting for the whole thing to drop out. I think the swap would be the best thing I could do to the old girl. Now to find a doner!!!!!!!!

 

Rifleman- I've driven some 2ndGen NV4500s, and am not impressed. They cost more, are finicky about what oil is put in them, and one has the issue of converting and fabbed, cobbled parts. The 2 or 3 I've driven didnt have near as positive a feel when going into and out of gear, either, but it could have been wear.

The only POSSIBLE advantage I can see is the NV4500 will tolerate faster shifting, but why is that such a big deal? Especially when towing, and you arent likely to be moving super fast anyway? It's a MANUAL tranny, shift it like a medium duty truck transmission, not a Mazda, and all will be well.

 

Greg, check your PM's when you get a chance.