Re: [A/S] Dodge diesel with standard transmition.

["Jim Dunmyer" <jdunmyer@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Randy,
 Dodge has used 2 different 5-speed manual transmissions behind the Cummins.
I'm not positive exactly when they made the change, but I think it was in
1994, when they started using the NV4500. Prior to that they used a Getrag
transmission that was junk, from what I've been told. The Getrag has a
needle bearing that isn't up to the job, and the best "fix" is to replace it
with the newer transmission. This site shows replacement kits that include
either a new or rebuilt NV4500 trans and associated parts. They charge
$2600.00 for the new one, only $1500.00 for the rebuilt (plus freight and
core charge).

See:http://www.drivetrain.com/newventure.html

I will not claim to be an expert on Dodge transmissions, but when I was
looking to buy a used Dodge truck, I asked around in a couple of forums that
are frequented by some folks with extensive experience. More than one person
advised me to stay far away from a Dodge with the Getrag transmission. Even
the newer one had a problem with a nut that would loosen up, causing you to
loose 5th gear. Dunno if that one's fixed or not, but I would assume so.

Jim has a pre-'94 Dodge truck, so MAY have the Getrag. If so, he may well
have trouble again. If it were mine, I'd install Amsoil synthetic lube as a
first move. The next thing I'd probably consider is trading it for a newer
Dodge. In any event, I think he got taken on the rebuild price, considering
that you can get a brand-new transmission for $2600.00. There would be some
additional labor involved in replacing it, as it's not a 100% bolt-in
operation, you have to shorten the driveshaft and change the pilot bearing,
plus move the stick shift hole a few inches.

From their Web page:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Heavy Duty Transmissions

Reprinted from Gears Magazine March 1998 by

Brain Johnston VP, Rockland Standard Gear, Inc.

The Gertag 360

This 5 -speed, cast-iron transmission appears in Dodge trucks with the 5.9
diesel engine, from 1989 through 1993. This design suffered from being under
"spec'd" for the motor it was mounted to, and has the dubious distinction of
being the most expensive unit to repair of its ear. An overhaul kit sell for
$750, a cluster gear for $1,100, and list price for a new unit is $3,875.
Most owner of these vehicles opt for installing an NV4500 in its place after
fighting durability problems. This unit features helical gearing, with all
forward speeds synchronized and in constant mesh.

The NV4500

This is a 5 speed, cast-iron case, top-loading transmission, used by GM and
Dodge in their heavy duty pickups. It's a serious truck transmission that
uses some innovative designs. The NV4500 is found behind gas and diesel
engines, and is produced in tow and four wheel drive configurations. Using
helical gearing with all speed gears in constant mesh and all speeds
synchronized, this transmission will handle 450 ft-lbs of torque, and
vehicles with a combined gross weight of 19,000 pounds. The 4500 uses a dual
cone synchronizer for first and second gears, similar to the familiar, world
class T5 design. The 1-2 synchronizer also has a set of spring loaded
flyweights in the synchro hub that govern shift speeds, to prevent
over-revving the motor on a 2-1 downshift. The 4500 weighs in at 195 pounds
dry, and has a lube capacity of 8.5 pints.

The 4500 is a serious truck transmission with a simple, easy to work on
design. New Venture has the capability of adding a sixth speed to this
design. The ability to have gas and diesel engines geared low enough for
serious pulling power and having one or two overdrive gears for fuel
efficient cruising is a necessity for today serious truck owners.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------