Since the NV4500 transmission from New Venture Gear Corporation debuted in 1992, many standard-duty and heavy-duty versions have been used. Knowing the difference between the NV4500 models is important whether you plan to replace your current transmission or do a conversion. This guide to Dodge and GM transmission identification looks at how to determine what transmission you have and the important properties of each, including NV4500 ratios, spline counts, pilot tip diameters and retainer designs. If you encounter difficulties, contact us at sales@advanceadapters.com to speak with an expert.
NV4500 Identification
The NV4500 transmission identification tag is attached to the shifter top cover. It provides the transmission model number, build date and part number. Be sure not to remove the I.D. tag during the conversion. The information on this tag is essential for ordering the correct replacement parts. Since we use various transmission configurations for the different types of transfer cases and bellhousing adapters, be sure to examine the application for your conversion before finalizing the purchase of an NV4500.
Dodge
GM
GM 4WD NV4500 (1992-94)
During the first two years of the NV4500, Chevy offered this five-speed with the following GM NV4500 gear ratios:
- First gear - 6.34:1
- Second gear - 3.44:1
- Third gear - 1.71:1
- Fourth gear - 1:1
- Overdrive - 27%
Furthermore, it was the first year that Chevy changed the bellhousing-to-transmission bolt pattern. This transmission is ideal when converting your vehicle, providing an ultra-low first gear. However, GM only produced this ratio during these years. The major complaints of this five-speed were stiff shifting and noise in third gear.
You can identify this transmission by using the identification charts in this manual. Due to the interchangeability of other NV4500 components, we also recommend verifying the following information. Starting at the front, this GM transmission should have an input shaft pilot tip diameter of 0.59 inches. The spline of the input is 1-1/8-inch diameter 10-spline and protrudes approximately 6-5/8 inches from the face of the transmission. This input shaft cannot be interchanged with any other NV4500 input shafts other than transmissions with the same first gear ratio unless you also change the counter drive gear. The front bearing retainer index is 5.125 inches with a snout diameter of 1.373 inches and a front bolt pattern as shown. The shifter stud on the top cover is a male-threaded connection. The rear of this transmission has an aluminum adapter housing that measures 8-1/8 inches long and the output shaft is 32 spline. Most transfer case adapters for this transmission will require replacing the tail housing and shortening the output shaft.
This transmission cannot be used with a Ford engine.
GM 4WD NV4500 (1995)
This transmission is identical to the 1992-94 transmission in design but has a different set of gear ratios. The noise and shifting problems from the previous transmission were corrected.
- First gear - 5.61:1
- Second gear - 3.04:1
- Third gear - 1.67:1
- Fourth gear - 1:1
- Overdrive - 27%
You can identify this transmission by using the identification charts in this manual. Due to the interchangeability of other NV4500 components, we also recommend that you verify the following information. Starting at the front, this GM transmission should have an input shaft pilot tip diameter of 0.59 inches. The spline of the input is 1-1/8-inch diameter 10-spline and protrudes approximately 6-5/8 inches from the face of the transmission. This input shaft can be interchanged with other NV4500 input shafts that have a 5.61 first-gear ratio. The front bearing retainer index is 5.125 inches with a snout diameter of 1.373 inches and a front bolt pattern as above. The shifter stud on the top cover is a male-threaded connection. The rear of this transmission has an aluminum adapter housing that measures 8-1/8 inches long and the output shaft is 32 spline. Most transfer case adapters for this transmission will require replacing the tail housing and shortening the output shaft.
GM 4WD NV4500 (1996 and Newer)
This transmission has the same gear ratio as the 1995 version (first 5.61:1, second 3.04:1, third 1.67:1, fourth 1:1 and a 27% overdrive). Chevy once again changed the bellhousing-to-transmission bolt pattern and went to a larger bellhousing index diameter. The new bolt pattern and index are the same as the Dodge NV4500 Standard Duty. These transmissions use a GM internal release bearing.
You can identify this transmission by using the identification charts in this manual. Due to the interchangeability of other NV4500 components, we also recommend that you verify the following information. Starting at the front, this GM transmission should have an input shaft pilot tip diameter of 0.59 inches. The spline of the input is 1-1/8-inch diameter 10-spline and protrudes approximately 6-5/8 inches from the face of the transmission. This input shaft can be interchanged with other NV4500 input shafts using this 5.61 first-gear ratio. The front bearing retainer index is 5.6 inches. This transmission uses an aluminum front retainer without a release-bearing snout. The stock GM bellhousing used an internal release bearing that was mounted to the front of this transmission. Most bellhousing adapters for this transmission will either require replacing the retainer or, in some applications, an adapter retainer bolted to the front of the stock GM aluminum retainer. The shifter stud on the top cover is a male-threaded connection. The rear of this transmission has an aluminum adapter housing that measures 8-1/8 inches long and the output shaft is 32 spline. Most transfer case adapters for this transmission will require replacing the tail housing and shortening the output shaft.
GM 2WD NV4500 (1993 and Newer)
These transmissions have the same front bolt pattern dimensions and gear ratios as the corresponding year 4WD NV4500 version. However, they have a shorter tail housing and a fixed output yoke. These tail housings did not use a standard mechanical speedometer drive but were instead equipped with an electronic speedometer setup. Connection to this speedometer must be considered when converting.
We have found these transmissions best suited for full-size Ford trucks with an independent transfer case. The speedometer on this application will remain in the stock transfer case, and the short NV4500 tail housing allows room for the short driveline between the transmission and the transfer case. To fit this transmission to a Ford bellhousing, a new Dodge input shaft is required. Note: The Dodge input shaft will not work in the GM NV4500 transmissions with the 6.34:1 1st gear ratio.
GM NV4500 (Commercial Truck Style)
Specialty aftermarket NV4500s manufactured for commercial truck applications (such as UPS trucks) may also be found in various salvage yards. The front portion of the transmission is comparable with all the various GM NV4500 transmissions. However, the tail housing and transmission output shaft will need to be changed. These units can sometimes be purchased at considerable savings since the output yoke is not compatible with 4WD and conventional light-duty truck applications.
Dodge Standard Duty 4WD NV4500 (1992-98)
These transmissions have the same front bolt pattern and bearing retainer index as the 1996 to current Chevy NV4500 transmission. The gear ratios of all the Dodge version NV4500s remained the same, which is as follows:
- First gear - 5.61:1
- Second gear - 3.04:1
- Third gear - 1.67:1
- Fourth gear - 1:1
- Overdrive - 27%
These transmissions use a 7.5-inch input shaft which allows an adapter plate to be used between a stock bellhousing and the NV4500 transmission.
You can identify this transmission by using the identification charts in this manual. Due to the interchangeability of other NV4500 components, we recommend that you also verify the following information. Starting at the front, this Dodge transmission should have an input shaft pilot tip diameter of 0.75 inches. The spline of the input is 1-1/8-inch diameter 10-spline and protrudes approximately 7.5 inches from the face of the transmission. (Some early Dodge NV4500s had a 1-inch, 19-spline input shaft.) This input shaft can be interchanged with other NV4500 input shafts with the 5.61 first gear ratio. The front bearing retainer index is 5.6 inches with a snout diameter of 1.43 inches for the release bearing. Most bellhousing adapters for this transmission will either retain this stock retainer as it is or may require some machining on it. The shifter stud on the top cover is a male square connection. The rear of this transmission has an aluminum adapter housing which measures 6.25 inches long and the output shaft is 23 spline. Our transfer case adapters for this transmission will sometimes replace this stock tail housing - or, as in many cases, this stock housing can be retained by using an adapter plate.
Dodge Standard Duty 4WD NV4500 (1999-2000)
These transmissions are identical to the 1993-98 Dodge transmission except for the transmission shift stud. Dodge changed the square style shift handle receiver to a metric 14mm threaded stud.
Dodge Standard Duty 4WD NV4500 (2001 and Newer)
These transmissions are identical to the 1999-2000 Dodge transmissions except for one thing: the output shaft for 2001 and newer models was changed to 29 spline.
Dodge Standard Duty 2WD NV4500 (1992-98)
These transmissions have the same front bolt pattern and bearing retainer index as the Dodge 4WD NV4500 transmission. The gear ratios of the Dodge 2WD version are the same as the Dodge 4WD version (first gear 5.61:1, second 3.04:1, third 1.67:1, fourth 1:1 and a 27% overdrive). These transmissions use a 7.5-inch long input shaft which allows the use of an adapter plate between a stock bellhousing and the NV4500 transmission.
You can identify this transmission by using the identification charts in this manual. The tail housing of this transmission is 13 inches long and uses a slip yoke with 30 splines. This transmission works great for most 2WD installations since it uses a mechanical speedometer drive. On 1998 Standard Duty 2WD transmissions, the speedometer pickup was moved from the tail housing back to the rear axle. If you obtain one of these transmissions, you will be required to change the tail housing and output shaft to components from an earlier Dodge 2WD if you wish to have a working speedometer.
Dodge Standard Duty 2WD NV4500 (1999 and Newer)
These transmissions are identical to the 1993-98 2WD Dodge transmission except for the transmission shift stud. Dodge changed the square style shift handle receiver to a metric 14mm threaded stud. On these Standard Duty 2WD transmissions, the speedometer pickup was moved from the tail housing back to the rear axle. If you obtain one of these transmissions, you will be required to change the tail housing and output shaft to components from an earlier Dodge 2WD if you wish to have a working speedometer.
Dodge 4WD Heavy-Duty NV4500 (1992-98)
This transmission is normally used up to the Cummins Diesel. This transmission is best suited for Dodge 4WD Getrag five-speed replacements and Toyota Land Cruisers retaining the stock six-cylinder engine. We do not advise using this transmission for other applications unless you are prepared to change the heavy-duty front input and retainer.
You can identify this transmission by using the identification charts in this manual. Due to the interchangeability of other NV4500 components, we recommend that you also verify the following information. Starting at the front, this Dodge transmission should have an input shaft pilot tip diameter of 0.75 inches. The spline of the input is 1.25-inch diameter 10-spline and protrudes approximately 7.5 inches from the face of the transmission. This input shaft can be interchanged with other NV4500 input shafts with the 5.61 first gear ratio. The front bearing retainer index is 5.6 inches and has a snout diameter of 1.75 inches for the release bearing. The shifter stud on the top cover is a male square connection. The rear of this transmission has an aluminum adapter housing which measures approximately 6.25 inches long and the output shaft is 29 spline.
Dodge 4WD Heavy-Duty NV4500 (1999 and Newer)
These transmissions are identical to the 1993-98 Dodge Heavy-Duty transmission except for the transmission shift stud. Dodge changed the square style shift handle receiver to a metric 14mm threaded stud.
Dodge 2WD Heavy-Duty NV4500 (1992-98)
These transmissions have the same front bolt pattern and bearing retainer index as the Dodge 4WD Heavy-Duty NV4500 transmission. This transmission should only be used for the Cummins Diesel Getrag replacement. Identification of this transmission can be obtained by using the identification charts in this manual. The tail housing of this transmission is 13 inches long and uses a slip yoke (part #716087) with 31 splines. If you obtain a 1998 Dodge Heavy-Duty transmission, you will be required to change the tail housing and output shaft to components from an earlier Heavy-Duty Dodge 2WD if you wish to have a working speedometer.
Dodge 2WD Heavy-Duty NV4500 (1999 and Newer)
These transmissions are identical to the 1993-98 Dodge Heavy-Duty transmission except for the transmission shift stud. Dodge changed the square style shift handle receiver to a metric 14mm threaded stud. On these heavy-duty 2WD transmissions, the speedometer pickup was moved from the tail housing back to the rear axle. If you obtain one of these heavy-duty transmissions, you will be required to change the tail housing and output shaft to components from an earlier Heavy-Duty Dodge 2WD if you wish to have a working speedometer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the gear ratios of an NV4500?
This depends on the transmission you purchase. The 1992-94 GM transmission had the following NV4500 gear ratio set:
- First gear - 6.34:1
- Second gear - 3.44:1
- Third gear - 1.71:1
- Fourth gear - 1:1
- Overdrive - 27%
All other GM NV4500 transmissions along with the Dodge NV4500s used these gear ratios:
- First gear - 5.61:1
- Second gear - 3.04:1
- Third gear - 1.67:1
- Fourth gear - 1:1
- Overdrive - 27%
What is the difference between NV4500LD and NV4500?
The LD in NV4500LD stands for "light duty". This is the standard version of the transmission that was mainly used in GM light-duty vehicles and Dodge vehicles with V8 engines. The NV4500 - also called the NV4500HD, or "heavy duty" - was designed for use in Dodge trucks that had a V10 Magnum gas engine or a Cummins Turbo Diesel. Among other changes, the 10-spline input shaft was increased from 1-1/8 to 1.25 inches, which helped support up to 460 lb.-ft. of torque.
Does the NV4500 have a granny gear?
Yes. Depending on the variant, the NV4500 has a first-gear ratio of 6.34:1 or 5.61:1; both are nearly double the corresponding second gear. This maximizes torque delivery to the wheels to help the vehicle take off when going up steep hills, navigating off-road terrain or towing.