I am working with a 94 ram, single cab long bed 2wd. It is a 12v with a nv4500 behind it. I took the transmission out to replace the clutch, and with the trans out I now see a broken spring in the top of the round shifter housing. I have removed the top half of the spring, but am having trouble removing the other half. It is a tapered spring, number 90 in a few diagrams of parts I have found. What is this spring's function, what was it doing to me being broken, and where / how can I get a new one? Dealer part? If I can get one, how do I put it in? TIA for any advice.

 

There is a spring in the NV like you describe that goes along with the 5th gear forks.
I've heard of them breaking but have never experienced replacing them personally.
When figuring out a shifting problem the folks at Standard Transmission of Texas told me about the spring so I'm sure they could help you and sell one.
Number is 800-783-8726

 

Nice guys down there, will call them over lunch. This spring is in the round section that holds the shifter though. Does that spring have something to do with 5th gear?

 

Could be but you'll get a better answer from the folks down in Texas.
The times I've called the secretary who answered the phone was able to answer my questions about the NV very accurately and to my satisfaction.
Can't imagine how much more knowledge you might run into if she transferred you to someone who actually works on these trannies.

 

Would that not be the spring for the retaining clip to hold the shifter into the tower?

 

I think that is exactly what it does. I sourced one from a relatively local rebuild/reman company that had one in a random box of spare parts. I also picked up a fresh rear seal with dust cover. I am wondering if the broken spring was part of what was causing so much noise to come from the shifter. All told, it took quite a bit more than the 5 hours South Bend claims to put in the clutch. That is what started the whole mess. Changed the clutch, surfaced the flywheel, fixed the broken spring, and changed all 3 u-joints. Also changed the worn looking spring clip that holds the clutch fork to the pivot ball, and changed the pivot also. The new throw-out bearing and pilot bearing that came with the clutch have me pretty confident in the drive-line for a while. After seeing the 234K mile factory u-joints come out with almost no wear, I decided that the carrier bearing could go back to the parts store. The next project is putting in new headlights, and replacing the rusty original fuel lines. Any suggestions for reliability upgrades while the fuel system is open? I have seen fuel pressure gauges/ low pressure lights recommended for these trucks. Thanks for the advice.