5 speed 4x4 transmission

[Mr Clean]

What would be a 5 speed 4x4 transmission that would bolt to a 454?

 

[bucket]

What kind of driving will it be used for?

 

[AyWoSch Motors]

What would be a 5 speed 4x4 transmission that would bolt to a 454?

As far as relatively common to find, and easy to install with little to no modifications needed.... NV4500.

92 to 98 that i know of, but i think they came in the NBS and Cateyes too.Pre '95 had a granny low 1st, post '95 had a higher gear 1st. All were OD 5th.

NV3500 or HM290 would bolt up as well, but they have lighter built internals, not sure they'd survive.

 

[Mr Clean]

What kind of driving will it be used for?

I want to make the Extracab a stick. I would like to make the Extracab my tow pig, and drive it when I want.

 

[Mr Clean]

As far as relatively common to find, and easy to install with little to no modifications needed.... NV4500.

92 to 98 that i know of, but i think they came in the NBS and Cateyes too.Pre '95 had a granny low 1st, post '95 had a higher gear 1st. All were OD 5th.

NV3500 or HM290 would bolt up as well, but they have lighter built internals, not sure they'd survive.

Thanks Ayden, I was looking at a NV4500, just wasn't 4x4. Wasn't real sure if it would work. Do you know how hard it would be to convert a 2wd to a 4x4? I think the 73 Jimmy I got has a 205 transfer case, I really want to use that in my Extracab.

 

[AyWoSch Motors]

Thanks Ayden, I was looking at a NV4500, just wasn't 4x4. Wasn't real sure if it would work. Do you know how hard it would be to convert a 2wd to a 4x4? I think the 73 Jimmy I got has a 205 transfer case, I really want to use that in my Extracab.

They did come in 4x4 style, thats what mine and my back up trans are. Just a matter of finding one is the hard part Im sure.

As far as converting a 2wd one, you would need the 4x4 output shaft, and you'd need to take it all apart and rebuild it to swap the output shaft. You'd also need the aluminum 4x4 tail housing, which i know can be bought online.

 

[AyWoSch Motors]

Fun fact about the NV3500/HM290.
It has an identical case lenght and mount style as both a 4x4 700r4, and the later SM465 with the long 6 bolt round transfer case adpater. I took lot of measurements and itd be a near direct swap for both my 92 burb and my 86 k1500. Good to know for those who do not want to go with aftermarket crossmembers and get custom made driveshafts.

 

[SquareRoot]

I know a bit about 4500's. My suggestion, based on experience, is just buy a rebuilt one with a warranty. Ain't cheap but worth the $$ to avoid the headache. Any used one will likely need rebuilt. They require a few special tools that are also hard to find and costly. 99% of them will have destroyed syncro's because farmer Joe used regular gear oil in it. The GL-4 fluid is expensive. 5 quarts will run about $100. I use Redline but will be trying Amsoil next oil change. If you are converting from an automatic, the job is much more involved. Again, I'd suggest buying a conversion kit from AA. The bellhousing ain't cheap ($450 ish) but again worth the $$ to avoid the headache. Having said all that, I absolutely love my 4500! I have both versions and would take the later (94+) with the higher 1st gear every time. Rear gear ratio and tire size matters. 4:56 with 33-35 tires is a good all around combination. My only warning is expectations: T trans shifts like a dump truck. There won't be any high rpm speed shifting. The internals are heavy. It's extremely durable. You can shift it with one finger (but not fast). It's smooth as butter. Downside? It's noisy-very noisy. Old worn out ones are noisy and brand new ones are noisy.

 

[Hunter79764]

TR4050 is a new option, I think there's some threads on what is involved, but that would be an option if you wanted it. Otherwise, year, NV4500 for heavy duty use, NV3500 for lighter/half ton duty, and AR5 if you want more of a challenge adapting and a smoother shift, but TBD on torque behind a big block. It was the Colorado/Canyon 4x4 transmission.

 

[bucket]

TR4050 is a new option, I think there's some threads on what is involved, but that would be an option if you wanted it. Otherwise, year, NV4500 for heavy duty use, NV3500 for lighter/half ton duty, and AR5 if you want more of a challenge adapting and a smoother shift, but TBD on torque behind a big block. It was the Colorado/Canyon 4x4 transmission.

Since @Mr Clean mentioned towing and wanting to use the old 205 he already has, the TR4050 is likely a really good option.

 

[Fat 454]

@WranglerTJForum was posting on a planned TR-4050 install before Christmas. Not seen any updates for this year tho - he may comment on this ..

 

[Scruffy49]

Keep in mind that the newer 4500s have an internal slave cylinder.
They don’t have a bottom drain plug, lowest pto bolt, then pull the cover and pump, dip or wipe out the rest.
Refilling one is a f’n nightmare.

And the 2-3 and 3-2 shift has a huge rpm drop.

Sending the 4500 in my 99 K3500 dually to the melt yard. Replacing with an SM465 or NP435. You can’t tow in 5th anyway…

 

[WranglerTJForum]

@WranglerTJForum was posting on a planned TR-4050 install before Christmas. Not seen any updates for this year tho - he may comment on this ..

I'll post a new thread on it once it's done. I've been so busy redoing the interior on my K10 that I added the transmission swap to next on the list. My plan is to get it done over spring break!

 

[Scruffy49]

Keep in mind that the newer 4500s have an internal slave cylinder.
They don’t have a bottom drain plug, lowest pto bolt, then pull the cover and pump, dip or wipe out the rest.
Refilling one is a f’n nightmare.

And the 2-3 and 3-2 shift has a huge rpm drop.

Sending the 4500 in my 99 K3500 dually to the melt yard. Replacing with an SM465 or NP435. You can’t tow in 5th anyway…

RanchWelder, why the sad face? It’s a perfectly servicable 3/4t 5spd, or srw 1t. Just isn’t worth a damn in a c&c dually that weighs close to 8200# by itself, let alone hooked to a gooseneck full of steers. The synchros are way too touchy, even the updated ones meant for gear oil instead of high dollar hard to find Redline MT85.

I’d be better served with a heavy duty (C60 sourced) SM465, 10spd Eaton, etc… Even if it meant scrapping my BW4470 t-case in favor of a divorce mounted NP205 or Rockwell unit. My trucks have to earn their keep, efi and fragile transmissions cause down time…