What nv4500 is best to use

[Smkozma69]

Hello fellow jeepers, I have a question for you ... can anyone tell me which version of the nv4500 workeded best for them in their j truck? I have a new 360 and I’m going to get the stuff I need from advanced adapters. I’m looking for the easiest one with the fewest mods that will need done. I know they were in both dodge and Chevy. Thank you

[Stuka]

You will need a different bell housing regardless of which one you choose. The main difference between them is the first gear ratio. The Chevy had more of a 'granny' first gear. The Dodge one is more common though, so most likely easier to find.

[rocklaurence]

Like Stuka said--also the ones behind a diesel had a 5.xx:1 1st gear ratio while the gasers had 7.xx:1-6.5:1 ratio. I dont know if you've ever driven a SM465/NV 435 with the granny low but their 1st gear is worthless unless your pulling a heavy load or Rock Crawling. On an empty truck I never started in 1st gear but 2nd=3.5:1 ratio. IMO, the diesel with the 5:1 1st is usable on a gas motor for road and trail.

[SJTD]

I thought only the early Chevy had the low first and only for a few years then they all had the same. Don't remember the ratios. I had to hunt to get my early Chevy trans and that was over 20 years ago.

Idunno what ratio my '98 Cummins has but I rarely use first. I'll have to look it up.

Another thing, the Diesel input shafts are bigger.

[Smkozma69]

From what I have read advanced adapters is saying that something needs changed on a dodge nv4500.

[fsj454]

I used 1995 nv4500 all junk yard parts on my chevy powered Cherokee. Gear ratio. tire size .RPM at 65 mpg this must be calculated for the right cam for the engine . There is a lot of configuration and research to get you at peak performance and good MPGs. .

[JeepsAndGuns]

I thought only the early Chevy had the low first and only for a few years then they all had the same. Don't remember the ratios. I had to hunt to get my early Chevy trans and that was over 20 years ago.

Idunno what ratio my '98 Cummins has but I rarely use first. I'll have to look it up.

Another thing, the Diesel input shafts are bigger.

The first 2 years of the chevy versions have 6.34 first gears, they then changed to 5.61 like the dodge. All dodge were 5.61.
I think the most swap friendly would be a gas dodge version. That way you have the common 23 spline output shaft, and the more common and easier to adapt to input shaft. The diesel versions have a 29 spline output and a large input, making it harder to swap. All the dodges have a long input, making it easy to use a adapter plate between the trans and your old bellhousing. AA makes lots of adapter plates for the NV4500.

[SJTD]

That's them! Saved me some looking which I forgot about.

Some times I regret going with the lower first but It'll rarely get used and when it does the 6.34 will prolly be appreciated. Never planning on towing with it so the big jump to second won't matter.

Some day I'll get it finished and find out.

[JeepsAndGuns]

I actually prefer a lower 1st gear. Makes for great crawling or putting around without having to shift into 4 low. Another benefit of the early chevy, is 5th gear is a little taller. My opinion is it is a better trans. It has a lower first gear and a taller 5th gear.

[SJTD]

Didn't remember that about 5th if I ever knew. Hope my weenie 98 hp motor can pull it.

But that's why I haven't replaced the bad gears in the rear. I'll run around on the 4.09 front (I think, maybe the front's 4.10 and the rear was 4.09) until I see how it is then install the matching rear or change the front too.