freight train

Hi 2nd genners.
Yesterday the years of heavy loads had finally taken their toll and left me sitting along I-81 in central PA. I cant complain because I have beat on this truck by either sticking 7k lb forklifts in the truck bed, hauling tractors, trucks, and fork lifts on my 12Ton Eager Beaver that by itself weighs more than 6,800lbs for the last 9yrs.

My question is to fellow members who also work the crap out of their trucks and have had their NV4500 fail. Who then in turn had them rebuilt with upgrades that made them more built proof. I have read about the 5th gear fix but also read about a new heavy duty main shaft that is splined the entire 5th gear length. I was hopeful that others have had upgrades done, could recommend them as well as a reputable builder that is extremely knowledgeable in these NV4500's and stands behind their work. I just want to replace the NV4500 with a better built piece that will last behind the power I am putting out (about 270hp) and with the way I work the truck.

Thanks for any and all helpful info.
Robert

patdaly

There are no real mods that I am aware of to substantially increase the capacity.

Hate to say it, but the only thing I know of is either do a good solid rebuild, or put a medium duty trans in it.

freight train

Pat I have seen people get gears cryogenically done. I know they make a better main shaft and a couple different 5th gear fixes. I have received a quote from High Gear in CA but want to hear from members who has had different companies build them to get their opinions. I want to get something built to last longer than 9yrs like this one did.

freight train

Has anyone ever purchased a ATS NV4500?

SIXSLUG

Why don't you drop a NV5600 6 speed in it?

freight train

I have given it some thought Six. It's just it gets expensive buying all of the items to get it to work in a 1st gen as well as the 6spd itself. I have a ton of 1st gen parts but very little 2nd gen. Heck I have more 3rd gen stuff laying around from my 05 than I do for a 2nd gen. An NV5600 itself seems to be around $1k more in price than a NV4500. I do love the NV5600 in my 05. It shifts super smooth and is a pleasure to drive but the truck only has 70k miles on it. I have read that NV4500's have a better reputation for some reason. I am currently leaning towards two companies. ATS and High Gear. Being it let go Sat and with the holiday I cant get a hold of companies to get more info. I was hopeful fellow members could bend my ear with their past purchases. I cant believe i am not getting more peoples advice.

patdaly

No way on the 5600, parts are stupid and they do not hold up as well as the 4500.......

How much extra are they charging for the ATS or High Gear rebuilds?

freight train

Pat being it happened Sat and everyone was closed Sun. The only company I received a quote from was HG. After the core is sent back it will be in the $1900 range. Now thats not counting the cost of shipping the core. I have read not so good things about the ATS and with no information on their website and being they are in CA I might not even try them. I did find another company more local in PA called CPP Extreme that offers one. I havent had a chance to call them or anything yet. Seems like having the new shaft design to fix the 5th gear issue, coated gears, and the bigger input is the real upgrades. My truck isnt a high hp/tq truck at all. With the bigger injectors, 60mm compressor, 16cm housing, 5" exhaust, 5" ASA Modifieds intake I am not pushing the power limits with a NV4500. Its just that the truck only works. If its moving its hooked to my trailer and its hauling weight. Not a 3,500lb trailer with a 3,000lb car on it like most seem to think is towing weight. Heck my trailer empty weighs that let alone whatever I am putting on it. It was just a long day Sat. I was 145miles from home with another truck on my trailer. I had to have my mom drive up to get me while my dad stayed with the truck. Then drive 145miles home. Hook up my 05 to his trailer, put one of his trucks on the trailer. Then drive 145 miles back up to then hook up everything and then two it all 145miles home. The trans let go at 11am and it was 11pm by the time I got home. Traffic around Harrisburg was horrible with bumper to bumper traffic due to accidents and heavy rain. I just want to have built a bullit proof tranny that will handle the weight i pull with the truck.

patdaly

Ok, a good solid standard rebuild will go 1100-1200 so the extra really isn't all that much. The 1-3/8" input shaft will do exactly nothing for your application, but the cryo and coated gears done correctly will definitely add to their life. The output shaft is a crap shoot so far as I am concerned, mine had the latest shaft and nut combo and still dumped, the rock solid fix I found was the nut retainer that is splined to fit over the output shaft.

YMMV.

saggonwaggon91

Imo, the nv5600 swap would be your best bet for strength and reliability. After running moew than a few of them with loads better suited for a kenworth, I think you cant get much more stout without going to a clark.....

freight train

Pat if i were to get the 1 3/8" input will I still be able to use a factory 13" clutch? I have had nothing but great luck with the stock Sach 13" clutches that were stock in my truck. I only ask as it may be one of those things where it comes with the trans and not an option. If it doesnt allow me to utilize the stock clutch (i already have a new kit which why it matters) i will specifically request not to get it. Thanks for your input

freight train

Saggon its a lot more expensive to go NV5600 in a 1st gen. Plus I already have the swap kit to do a NV4500 in the truck now. If I had a good NV5600 I might try it. Again I love the one in my 05.

SIXSLUG

I would think an upgraded 4500 would be the ticket then. Is heat killing it? Do they have the coolers for the pto covers like on the 5600??

Just thinkin..

freight train

Six I am not sure, I have had to work everyday since it failed (yes even yesterday) so I havent gotten it out yet. I can tell you over the years its just gradually started making more noises. I remember 6 or 7yrs ago I hauled a 1967 Ford 5000 60' boom truck on my trailer from Front Royal VA to my dads place and specifically remember hearing the sound of bearing grind when I was taking off in 1st gear. After getting it home it never made that noise again. But it just started making noises here and there. Nothing continuous, just depending on what I was hauling. Heck I remember crossing the scales at my local scrap yard well over 29,000lbs total gross weight before. I guess I cant complain being it does get worked. It never leaked a drop and I overfilled it like I was supposed to when I installed it. Just been a good working rig.

patdaly

I don't believe Sachs offers that option, at least I have never seen it. I would probably ask the builder to leave it at 1-1/4", tell him you aren't doing boosted launches, you are towing mucho weight.