New Venture 4500 (NV4500) Transmissions
The New Venture Gear Corporation was developed when GM's Muncie Transmission Division and Chrysler's New Process Corporation joined forces to manufacture a full product line of manual transmissions. The New Venture 4500 transmission, or NV4500, was the highlight of this new venture. Featuring a granny low first gear coupled with a fifth gear overdrive, the stout NV4500 transmission is truly the best of both worlds.
First introduced in 1992 and manufactured through 2007, the NV4500 is a constant mesh helical geared, heavy-duty five-speed manual transmission. All forward gears are fully synchronized. The initial Dodge NV4500 version offered a synchronized reverse. The transmission case is cast iron with an aluminum top cover. The case measures 12.375 inches and features dual PTO ports. The shifter handle typically allows for better accessibility over older granny four-speeds as it is located further rearward at 9.5 inches from the face of the transmission.
The NV4500 was the primary transmission used in GM 2500 and 3500 heavy-duty trucks, including the Chevrolet C/K and its successor the Silverado. On the Dodge side, it's use was limited to 3500 trucks and eight-lug three-quarter-ton pickups.
GM vs. Dodge NV4500
There are several key differences between the Chevy NV4500 and the models used on Dodge/Chrysler vehicles. These include variations in the NV4500 gear ratios, spline numbers and bolt patterns. Here's an overview of how to tell these transmission models apart. Our NV4500 Transmission Identification page has more information.
The GM NV4500
The 1992 and 1994 GM versions have a lower first gear of 6.34 and can be identified by a smaller front bolt pattern with a top-to-bottom measurement of 4.685 inches. After 1995, the first gear and front bolt pattern reverted to the Dodge 5.61 first gear and the taller top-to-bottom 6.043-inch bolt hole configuration. The synchronized reverse was also added and the front bearing retainer was enlarged from a 5.125 to 5.6-inch diameter. As a general rule, a GM NV4500 4WD transmission will always have a 32-spline rear output shaft with an 8.125-inch rear tail housing. The 10-spline input shaft is 6.625 inches long with a 1.125-inch spline diameter and a 0.59-inch pilot tip. We have also seen a rare 1995 GM NV4500 which can be classified as a hybrid. The transmission has the lower 6.34 with the newer bolt pattern.
The Dodge NV4500
Dodge 4WD NV4500 transmissions have always maintained the same gear ratios and bolt patterns throughout production; however, variations occur between diesel (and V10) versus gas models. Diesel NV4500 4WD transmissions always have a 29-spine rear output shaft with a 6.25-inch rear tail housing. The 10-spline input shaft is 7.5 inches with a 1.25-inch spline diameter and a 0.75-inch pilot tip. The front bearing retainer index is 5.6" with a snout diameter of 1.75".
Dodge gas 4WD NV4500s were introduced with a 23-spline rear output shaft and a 6.25-inch tail housing. The 10-spline input shaft is 7.5 inches with a 1.125-inch spline diameter and a 0.75-inch pilot tip (we have seen very rare one-inch, 19-spline inputs in 1993 trucks). The front retainer is 5.6 inches with a 1.43-inch snout. In 2001, Dodge discontinued the 23-spline output shaft on the gas version NV4500, and all Dodge transmissions were standardized to 29 splines.
Converting to an NV4500 Transmission
For most conversion applications, we like the Dodge gas version transmission with a GM input shaft. This allows the shortest transmission length for most applications. The GM input shaft from a 6.34:1 early transmission will not fit the Dodge transmissions. We offer a variety of accessories to install the NV4500 in various Ford, Jeep and Toyota vehicles; you can also mate the NV4500 to other GM and Dodge engines beyond the original OEM offerings.
See below for basic specifications of the NV4500 or browse our full NV4500 documentation to learn more about output shafts, retainers, shifters and other necessary parts. If you have specific questions related to your project, contact Advance Adapters to speak to a drivetrain specialist.
Transmission Lubrication
The NV4500 manual transmission uses approximately one gallon of synthetic oil. This oil is available at your local Dodge authorized dealer under Part No. 4874459 (quart) or your local GM authorized dealer under Part No. 12346190 (quart). Unlike regular petroleum oil which breaks down when it gets too hot, this synthetic oil has different properties so it does not break down. The transmissions are also equipped with synchronizer rings made of fibrous material. The wrong fluid will cause the unit to develop "sticky" shifting. If the wrong fluid is used, more than likely you will have to have your transmission rebuilt. We offer the necessary oil under Part No. 715690A (Redline NV4500 oil).
Do not substitute any other lubricant as internal damage will occur. Note: Castrol Syntech is not the same as Castrol Syntorq.
Torque Specifications
- Top Shift Cover Bolt: 200 inch-pounds
- Adapter Housing: 40 foot-pounds
- Front Drive Gear Retainer: 265 inch-pounds
- Main Shaft Nut 4WD: 275 foot-pounds
- P.T.O. Cover Bolts: 30 foot-pounds
- Reverse Inhibitor Bracket: 95 inch-pounds
- Counter Shaft Brg. Ret. Plate: 200 inch-pounds
- Main Shaft Brg. Ret. Plate: 200 inch-pounds
Gasketing Specifications
To install the new adapter housing, top cover and bearing retainer, we recommend using Loctite 518 Gasket Eliminator. This sealant seems to work best.
Speedometer
Most 4WD installations provide a speedometer drive gear on the back side of the transfer case. On 2WD transmission swaps, Dodge transmissions are the most desirable due to the mechanical speedometer drive. The later versions (1998 and newer transmissions) do not have any speedometer provisions. The GM 2WD NV4500 transmissions use an electronic speed sensor. These transmissions will not allow you to retain a cable speedometer drive.
Backup Switch
All NV4500s are equipped with an electronic reverse backup switch. If your vehicle comes with some type of backup indicator light, it can easily be adapted to the new NV4500 switch.
NV4500 Rebuild Kit
If you find your own NV4500 but need to freshen it up with new bearings, seals and synchronizers, we offer 715691 Early Dodge, 715691-C Chevy, and 715691-D 1996 and later. These kits supply you with replacement parts for the normal wear items of the NV4500.
NV4500 Misc Parts: We stock a few additional parts for the NV4500's
Part No. 716087 - Yoke-1410 Dodge HD NV4500 2WD Output
Part No. 716101 - Chevy/NV4500 Trans Rubber Mount
Part No. 45-0020 - Middle (fiber-lined) first/second friction synchro ring. This is one of the three rings that make up the synchro.
More NV500 Transmission Specifications:
Forward Speeds: 5
Dates Produced: 1992-2005
Manufacturer: New Venture Gear
Case Length: 12.375 inches
Stock Adapter Length: 6.25 inches (Dodge) or 8.125 inches (GM)
Bell housing Length: 6.5 inches (GM NV4500 bell housing)
Overall Length: Varies due to the adapters
Case Material: Cast Iron
Input Shaft Spline: 1.125-inch (10 spline) or 1.25-inch (10 spline diesel)
Input Shaft Stick-out Length: 6.625 inches (GM) or 7.5 inches (Dodge)
Pilot Diameter: 0.59 inches (GM) or 0.75 inches (Dodge)
Pilot Length:. 1 inch
Output Shaft Spline: 4WD Model 23, 29 or 32
1st Gear Ratio: 5.61 (or 6.34 GM 1992-94)
2nd Gear Ratio: 3.04 (or 3.44 GM 1992-94)
3rd Gear Ratio: 1.67 (or 1.71 GM 1992-94)
4th Gear Ratio: 1.00
5th Gear Ratio: 0.73
GM Reverse Gear Ratio: 6.24 GM 1992-94, 5.04 for 1995 on
Dodge Reverse Gear Ratio: 5.61 Dodge 1992-96, 5.04 for 1997 on
Transmission Weight: 195 lb.
Max Engine Torque: 460 lb.-ft.
Fluid Type: Castrol Syntorq or Amsoil MTF
Power Take-off Capable: Yes
Gross Vehicle Weight Rated: 15,000 lb.
Input to Cluster Center Distance: 4.291 inches