NV4500 swap is underway

[Bowtie_luvr]

Larry, your work is always clean and very detailed, I enjoy your builds.....

I have a question. I have a NV4500 in a crew cab 2wd(currently) cummins conversion. The NV was out of a c3500hd originally, the 15000gvw trucks with I-beam axles. I used an advanced adapters bellhousing to mate it to the cummins. It has a 35 spline bolt in yoke with dampener. I had originally planned to swap the main shaft to convert to 4x4, since I already have a circular np205. But now, with all the 5th gear fuss, and knowing 2wd 5th gear failure is almost unheard of on the GM 2wd transmission, I'm thinking of doing a divorced Dodge Np205. I should have plenty of room under the crew cab chassis for it. What do you think? Any thoughts on running the divorced transfer case?

['63GENIII]

Been running a divorced Dodge 205 in my single cab for a little over 2 years now with no issues. I've often thought about the 2wd transmissions not having any 5th gear problems as well. You're the first person that I can recall thats mentioned it. out loud at least.

[aotte1]

Planning to install an NV4500 in 64K10 with divorced transfer case and would like help with a couple of NV4500 questions.

I getting the NV from a rebuilding company and have the following options:
1). Aluminum or cast iron tail shaft; and
2). Screw or bolt on shifter lever ( does this choise effect the physical position of the shifter, e.g. It's height above transmission- any photos of the two types)

I will be a 2 wheel drive unit, with 5.61 first gear, and GM style front shaft and throw out bearing. Plan to use/modify a '64 style shift lever. Does the bolt on shifter lever, one sound easier?

Thanks,
Les

[aotte1]

A little more information, to help answer questions asked above. The engine will be a 406 SBC, with hopefull around 450 to 500 ft-lbs of torque and 425 to 450 H.P. Building engine now and no dyno info yet. Concentrating on max torque vs horse power.

The truck will be a road queen driver, with minimum loads, probable max of about 7,000 lbs if used for towing. No power shifting, as stock u-joints and drive shafts are really small.
Tires some where around 33 to 34s.
Thanks,
Les

[DirtyLarry]

Originally Posted by aotte1

Planning to install an NV4500 in 64K10 with divorced transfer case and would like help with a couple of NV4500 questions.

I getting the NV from a rebuilding company and have the following options:
1). Aluminum or cast iron tail shaft; and
2). Screw or bolt on shifter lever ( does this choise effect the physical position of the shifter, e.g. It's height above transmission- any photos of the two types)

I will be a 2 wheel drive unit, with 5.61 first gear, and GM style front shaft and throw out bearing. Plan to use/modify a '64 style shift lever. Does the bolt on shifter lever, one sound easier?

Thanks,
Les

Originally Posted by aotte1

A little more information, to help answer questions asked above. The engine will be a 406 SBC, with hopefull around 450 to 500 ft-lbs of torque and 425 to 450 H.P. Building engine now and no dyno info yet. Concentrating on max torque vs horse power.

The truck will be a road queen driver, with minimum loads, probable max of about 7,000 lbs if used for towing. No power shifting, as stock u-joints and drive shafts are really small.
Tires some where around 33 to 34s.
Thanks,
Les

Wow, those are pretty lofty numbers for a SBC….

1) If you’re running a divorced transfercase the rear cover material doesn’t really matter. Cast iron is the obvious choice if it isn't stupid expensive.
2) The 4 bolt shifter tower is my personal preference as it has cleaner easier shift gates IMOP. However, I don’t think that push and twist shift towers of the first Gen NV4500’s is compatible with the Gen 2 granny gear of 5:61 anyway. The rebuilder expert would know that more than anybody. With enough creativity either shifter tower could be modified to use the original ’64 shift lever. Not sure that is worth worrying about being the shift tower will be at least 6” closer to the seat than it was before anyway.

Good luck with your project. Sounds fun!

[aotte1]

Larry,

Thanks for your help, will confirm what I have, once I get the NV4500. Should be this week. Your help will make it more drivable!

Note: When talking to the rebuilding shop, they said the 5.61 first gear is not totally determined by the vehicle year, model of the truck also effects which first gear the NV4500 has. Will confirm this with them when I pick up the trans.

Thanks for sharing,
Les

[aotte1]

Larry,

The NV4500 will be for a full size truck, 1995 with a big block engine.

Planning to pick it up tomorrow.

Les