NV4500 shifter position vs. Factory 4 speed

[DBear]

Anyone know what the shifter position length difference between a 4x4 model NV4500 compared to a factory 4 speed in a '69-72 chevy/gmc 4x4 truck? Thanks in advance
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[DBear]

Trying to figure out if I will have to relocate my transmission shifter opening on the floor.....and if so, how much forward or back!
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[DirtyLarry]

The center of the NV4500 shifter tower sits about 5 inches further back than the SM465 so you will need to make a new hole in the turtle shell. I actually went to the boneyard and got an automatic turtle shell so I could start fresh instead of weld up one hole only to make another. That also means you have a hole in the carpet or rubber mat to address. I ditched the old carpet and got a new rubber floor mat.

Here are lots of pictures from my swap. Hopefully these help you.

[DBear]

Wow, those are some great pics from the link you posted for me! Very nice craftsmenship you had done on the project. How does that rig of yours function with the NV4500? Good on highway? How about pulling? Thanks again bud

[DirtyLarry]

Ahhhh, the NV4500 is great!
The NV4500 is no sports car transmission but it sure feels like one compared to the dump truck shifting SM465. My NV4500 is a later one with the crappy granny gear (5:61) opposed to the early NV4500s, SM465s and NP435s with the awesome 6:34 granny gear. For off-roading, especially descending steep grades, I really miss the deeper granny gear. Having overdrive is such a beautiful thing on the highway though! The NV4500 is a great match to the 8.1L. Better gear split for the power band and the engine has enough nut to pull mountain passes without pulling out of 5th even with the camper fully loaded for a weeks worth of supplies for playing in the Utah backcountry.

I just picked up a ’89 Suburban a few weeks ago with a SM465. Planning to toss a NV4500 in that rig too so we’ll see how well a NV4500 behaves behind a small block. I am sure there will be a lot more downshifting in that rig.

If you are doing the NV4500 for your 6.2L Suburban that should be a great match.

[DBear]

Well, I have a '69 burb 2wd 3/4, but I am gonna swap the body onto a 3/4 4x4 truck frame. I have a NV4500, and just found a NP208, pass drop to go behind it. It has a small block 350 in it, but I do believe I will add another 6.2 in it as well. I know nothing about manual trannys, so I have some research to do. The NV4500 came with the bellhousing still bolted on it, but not sure about it because I have heard people talking about mechanical and hydraulic clutches, internal slave cylinder, etc.....not sure about any of that stuff. Always have had auto trannys. Just not sure about all the workings of the manuals....

[DBear]

Originally Posted by DirtyLarry

Ahhhh, the NV4500 is great!
The NV4500 is no sports car transmission but it sure feels like one compared to the dump truck shifting SM465. My NV4500 is a later one with the crappy granny gear (5:61) opposed to the early NV4500s, SM465s and NP435s with the awesome 6:34 granny gear. For off-roading, especially descending steep grades, I really miss the deeper granny gear. Having overdrive is such a beautiful thing on the highway though! The NV4500 is a great match to the 8.1L. Better gear split for the power band and the engine has enough nut to pull mountain passes without pulling out of 5th even with the camper fully loaded for a weeks worth of supplies for playing in the Utah backcountry.

I just picked up a ’89 Suburban a few weeks ago with a SM465. Planning to toss a NV4500 in that rig too so we’ll see how well a NV4500 behaves behind a small block. I am sure there will be a lot more downshifting in that rig.

If you are doing the NV4500 for your 6.2L Suburban that should be a great match.

Just looked at the pics of your new '89 burb, and man that thing is real damn clean. Looks like it was well kept.