Some additional info for anyone interested in this potential swap.
When I was initially working out the plans for my 98 5.2 Sport drivetrain
upgrades, I was considering a swap to the NV4500. I have since decided on a
worked 727 to handle the expected power output of my S/C 408 which will be
used mainly at the dragstrip. But while the NV4500 was still a candidate
for the project I spent some time on the phone with several of the guys at
Blumenthal, both of whom were very knowledgeable/helpful, The std NV3500 is
rated for 350 ft/lbs, the NV4500 for 450 ft/lbs, etc. The NV4500 can be
beefed up, and accessorized in several ways if you care to have them build
you a unit. The input shafts can be upgraded to the V10 or the Cummins
diesel part, both larger/heavier duty, but this will require a different
clutch so that they fit the input shaft. Also several gera ratio sets are
available, so you may be able to get a set that better suits you. Also note
that the NV4500 is about 100 lbs heavier. The NV3500 slave cylinder will
work, I was not able to positively determine if the shifters will use the
same hole, but was able to determine that the NV3500 & Nv4500 use the same
shift boots/holes on the Ram, so they will probably not require modification
in that area.
Hope this helps anyone who may be interested in the swap over.
TonyC
-----Original Message-----
From: jdharmon@earthlink.net <jdharmon@earthlink.net>
To: Dakota Mailing List <dakota-truck@buffnet.net>
Date: Tuesday, January 01, 2002 1:45 PM
Subject: DML: 5 Speed Trans swap
>After attempting this with a NV3500, I would be very careful. The
>NV3500 can not handle more than 300 foot lbs. torque max. It will bind
>up badly and you will never get it right.
>
>The NV4500 would be a good choice for this application. It bolts right
>up to the V8 and V6 engines, very tall first gear, 5.91, but the
>overdrive is still excellent. The best choice would be a 6 speed. This
>gives you the low end romp while still having the top end mileage and
>driveability. Make sure whatever transmission you use, that it can
>handle up to twice the horsepower and torque that you are putting out.
>
>The 5 speed V8 computer will work fine (I have a 5 speed 97 PCM also
>available) as will the engine harness. The ABS/speedo sensor situation
>will have to be worked out since the newer Daks use the ABS wheel
>sensors for speedo calculation while the 97 used the actual gear in the
>extension housing.
>
>You might want to try Blumenthals Heavy Duty in Oklahoma
>(http://www.blumenthalmfg.com). They charge around $1400 for a NV4500
>complete plus flywheel, clutch disc and pressure plate. You will also
>have to ream out the rear of the crank to fit the pilot bearing in it.
>Plus some time on the transmission tunnel with a ball peen hammer to
>allow fit of the trans and fab up custom trans mounts.
>
>Otherwise, it should work. just don't try the NV3500 5 speed. It
>cannot handle the power. Good luck
>
>Jim Harmon
>DACUDA
>
>
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