Re: Transmission not the Problem/5 spds


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Posted by Charlie on April 28, 1998 at 23:17:45:

In Reply to: Re: Transmission not the Problem posted by David Paulus on April 28, 1998 at 22:16:00:

Without exaggeration, I believe I have spent as much time as anyone researching possible 5spd conversions for the M37/PW powertrain. A NV4500 has a case length of only 12.37" but has a LONG tailhousing, absolute shortest length ~6", which among other thing encloses 5th gear. Basically, the NV4500 is too long, plus it does not have a similar bolt pattern to older patterns. The only 5spds that can be reasonably adapted to a Dodge with stock engine length (either stock motor or Hercules conversion) are: NV540 (13"), Clark 280VO (15"), or Spicer 3053A (16.5"). Longer transmissions will work with V8s or 4cyl diesels if the motor is mounted as far forward as possible with respect to the radiator. My 2nd Hercules conversion is using a Chevy bellhousing and a Hercules to Chevy adapter which collectively save 3.5". The intermediate driveshaft can give up a maximum of 4-5", allowing a transmission length of ~17-18". To get maximum space flanges must be converted to yokes (I use Spicer 1350s) which saves 0.875" at each end. So with a 350 Chevy V8, or Perkins/Cummins/Isuzu/Hercules conversion, the NV4500 is marginal. The "best" transmission to find is the old NP 540 (ratios 6.06, 3.31, 1.81, 1.00, 0.82) but in overdrive configuration the are very rare (the scarce part is the input shaft). It's shorter and lighter than the others. It's still plenty strong enough, built at least as strong internally as its' cousin the NP435. If anyone has an overdrive NP540 with intact gears I'd be happy to buy it from them.
Charlie


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