Manual Trannys

No, I'm not talking about mexican dudes who dress up like girls...settle down, Phil.

I'm thinking about dropping a 5 or 6 speed in my truck. I was looking at the NV4500's and NV5600's, specifically for Dodge Cummins applications when I discovered that the NV4500 was available in the 92+ GM trucks.

My question is this: Was the NV4500 available in the 73-87 trucks? If not, would a 92+ bell housing for a 92+ 454/NV4500 bolt up to a 73-87 454? I'm assuming it will. I don't think the bell housing bolt patterns changed from year to year...but I could be wrong.

Secondly, would a NV5600 (6 speed) bolt up to a NV4500 (5 speed)bell housing?

There's a ton of medium duty specific wrecking yards out here in Fontana that I could score parts from.

From what I understand, this is all there is to a 73-87 hydro clutch assembly.



I have the clutch/brake pedal assembly from my '79 already. Looks like I need the master cylinder, slave cylinder, fork and the linkage and I should be good to go. I can get the pilot and throwout bearings from NAPA or something like that.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Should be a good swap, I was looking at dong one. I think it was going to be a pretty easy swap. Space I think is the biggest concern. What are the gear ratios of those? what do you want to accomplish with the swap?

Well, I like the durability of the manual vs. the auto. If I ever swap in a Cummins, I'll already have a trans that can hold up to it. Also, I like the fact that the NV4500/5600 has an overdrive. That should help on the MPG's. Additionally, the manual lets you work your engine a little more efficiently than an auto, which also helps on mileage.

Plus, it's cool when you mash in the clutch and rev your engine. Very "hot rod".

Besides, real trucks have 3 pedals.

I'm told the hydraulic clutch was only available for '85 and up. I'm still going to pull mine. I might be able to modify it to make it work. If not, I'll do a little soul searching at the local pick and pull.

Campy, I swapped in a NV4500 in TowNasty. I used a clutch pedal assembly out of a 88-98 bodystyle as well as the clutch master. I did a 96later tranny so the slave cylinder was inside the tranny and I used to applicatble clutch master assembly. I LOVED IT! Wish I would have done it in the first place.

I think you can use a hydraulic throwout bearing. I think there is one that would fit.

I thought you did. I was kinda hoping you'd chime in.

So was it a pretty straightforward deal? Did the 88-98 pedal assembly bolt right up, or what? Did you run it with the 454, or after you swapped in the small block?

I did it after the swap. I did the Vortec 350 and 4L80E to begin with. The 88-98 pedal assembly bots to the firewall where the clutch master comes through. Drill the bill hole for the clutch master and 2 small bolt holes to bolt it up. I also put a small weld where it met the under dash bracing. After that, just bolt up the flywheel and clutch, slide her in, and plumb the clutch line. Im not sure if the length of the tranny is the same as the 400 or not, and the NV4500 is a good bit taller. You may not have issues but I did since mine was stock floored.

if you use the dodge nv4500 make sure you get one with the updated 5th gear.

???

Chase-I'll be in touch.