LemonDodge

So i lost 5th gear last night on parleys canyon so I'm pullin a shade tree mechanic tonight i got the upgraded nut from the dealership but i'm wondering if i'll need any special tools and what should i be looking for when i drop it for any additional damage cause 5th was louder than any other gear

cedardiesel

Nothing to special needed besides a airhammer and red loctite. You will need a 12-point 10mm socket or wrench for the tranny tailhousing bolts.

dieselfreak21

I assume 2wd? If not you will need something to support the tranny once the transfer case is pulled off. There is a tourqe spec on the nut as well. Not sure what it is. Check the shaft for end play. If there is any it will just happen again the next time you tow. Also look at the smooth part of the shaft just behind the teeth. If you see little marks where the teeth from the inside of the 5th grear have been wearing into it it, it will break again soon. If you drove it very far in 5th gear after it popped you have likely screwed up the gear and maybe the counter shaft gear. The upgraded factory nut is a joke and will not solve problem if the other 2 issues are present. They're solution for an upgrade is bigger set screws and locktite. I lost mine a month ago with 160k on the truck. Took it to shop for a quick fix, with the upgraded nut, used the locktite, set screw and welded it. Broke 250 miles later. If your shafte doesn't have any end play and the teeth haven't worn into the race to bad, look up quad 4x4 on the web (they are in Montania) and get their upgraded nut kit. Their kit will solve the problem until a rebuild is needed with is around 200-250k if stock power and light towing, less if you have more power or tow heavy. Mine ended up needing a rebuild not so much because of the bearing wear but the shaft was shot so have it freshed up since it has to be torn apart for the new shaft.

infidel

Only way to go if you only want to do it once> http://quad4x4.com/NV4500%205th%20Ge...0Solutions.htm

moparguy

Bill,

Thanks for the link. I'd never heard of the Torque King fix. Both our trucks have had the Standard Trans full mainshaft upgrade with no problems (app.200k of trailer pulling use with the full splined shafts). Sure wish this had been available a few years ago because it appears to be a better solution.

nuttynotty

Hi Guy's
So how common is the 5th gear failure on the NV4500 ? can i expect to fail any time soon ?

moparguy

It happens. Happens more often if you lug along in 5th (rpm below 1750) especially when pulling a trailer. My trans in the 95 was still fine at 150k when I decided (while it was out to upgrade the clutch) I'd have Standard Transmission install their fully splined mainshaft and replace any worn parts. I really think I would not have had any issues. However I'd been aware of the potential problem since the truck hit around the 15k mark and had used 4th anytime it needed to work below 55 mph. I did the upgrade as PM only, the peace of mind made the $600 (or so) price tag worth it. I did/do not want to deal with a preventable issue a thousand miles from home.

Lots of folks have problems starting as early as 50k. It's kind of like the timing case dowel pin, a known "potential" problem.

nuttynotty

So when 5th gear go out, are u left hi and dry by the side of the road, or can you limp home on 4th ?

patdaly

Been driving mine for 10,000 miles, need to get to it one of these days........

nuttynotty

Cheers
These guys have a kit to fix the 5th gear without dropping the tranny.
short on $$$ as are we all right now, But glad it wont leave me hi and dry when 5th go south, will wait till I have either the $$$ or till 5th go out


here's the link. kits $630.00
http://quad4x4.com/NV4500%20Rebuild%20Kits.htm