Rebuilt NV4500 Transmission for Sale
If you need an OEM NV4500 4X4 transmission for a restoration, repair or conversion project, Advance Adapters can supply it. This is a Chevy NV4500 transmission with a 32-spline rear output shaft and a 10-spline front input shaft. The model sold here is what GM used from 1996 to 2003, meaning it has a 5.61 first gear and 5.04 synchronized reverse gear. Visit our NV4500 documentation page for information about the NV4500 gear ratios, weight, bell housing length and more. This page also has more about the differences between the GM and Dodge NV4500 transmission models.
The NV4500 GM transmission does not come with the top shifter housing, backup light switch or vent. If you need these components, order kit #45-0002. When ordering, you can also select whether you need a top shifter and shifter handle using the drop-down menus. This is a rebuilt unit with some new parts; we do not have a core charge.
Make your next transmission an NV4500 for heavy-duty off-road and towing applications. Note the transmission must be shipped via truck freight. We offer all the hardware and accessories you need for your NV4500 transmission 4x4 installation, including vehicle-specific adapters, crossmembers, retainers, seals and shift knobs. Contact Advance Adapters at 800-350-2223 if you have questions or need assistance with your order.
New Venture 4500 Transmissions
First introduced in 1992, the New Venture 4500 (NV4500) is a constant mesh helical geared, heavy-duty five-speed transmission. All forward gears are fully synchronized. The initial Dodge 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 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-inch 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 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.
Dodge 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 inches with a snout diameter of 1.75 inches.
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 manual transmission, and all Dodge transmissions were standardized to 29-spline.
Transmission Lubrication
The NV4500 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 will 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, you will more than likely have to have your transmission rebuilt.
Do not substitute any other lubricant as internal damage will occur. Note: Castrol Syntech is not the same as Castrol Syntorq.
Backup Switch
All NV4500s are equipped with an electronic reverse backup switch. If your vehicle has a backup indicator light, it can easily be adapted to the new NV4500 switch.
Click here for more NV4500 information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, NV3500 or NV4500?
This depends on what you're using the vehicle for. Both are five-speed manual transmissions with a fifth-gear overdrive, but the NV3500 does not have the high first "granny gear" like the NV4500, and the NV4500 gear ratios are higher across the board. Furthermore, the NV3500 has a torque rating of 300 lb.-ft. on the medium-duty version and 340 lb.-ft on the NV3500-HD (used on the Dodge Dakota). The NV4500 is rated for 460 lb.-ft. of torque and can often handle more. As such, the NV3500 should be used in light- and mid-duty vehicles for more everyday applications. The NV4500 is better in heavy-duty vehicles used for off-roading and towing.
Is a Chevy NV4500 the same as a Dodge NV4500?
There are several differences between the Chevy and Dodge versions. The 1992-94 Chevrolet NV4500 had different gear ratios and was known for having some noise and shifting issues. While every Chevy NV4500 2WD and 4WD had a 1-1/8-inch front input shaft, Dodge also offered a heavy-duty NV4500 4WD with a 1.25-inch front shaft for larger engines. Also, the GM NV4500 always had a 32-spline output while the Dodge transmission outputs were 23-spline (1992-2000) or 29-spline (2001-07). You can read more about the Chevy and Dodge NV4500 transmissions in our Tech Vault Knowledge Base.
