NV4500 swap info

[Dutch Rutter]

There are quite a few threads with great info on how to do this. I figured I would post up my findings as I will be changing my 700r4 out for a NV4500 eventually, and this might help someone else.

A company online https://high-impact.net/ offers custom NV4500 swap kits. Since even a used and ratty trans in my area is hard to find and if you do find one people want $1500 for the thing. I asked about their "kit". If I we're to swap one in between my SBC and NP208 they promptly came back with a quote just shy of $3300.00 but it includes everything I would need except for the pedal assembly and fluid. When I do get around to doing this, I feel this will be my best route.

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[Frankenchevy]

That’s right about what I’d be looking at if I got a GV for my th400 and rebuilt drive shaft. Definitely looks like a viable alternative.

The cutting my make my stomach turn though.

 

[DoubleDingo]

That’s right about what I’d be looking at if I got a GV for my th400 and rebuilt drive shaft. Definitely looks like a viable alternative.

The cutting my make my stomach turn though.

The GV would be a much easier swap though.

 

[Dutch Rutter]

Both true. I haven't looked into a GV too much. and just like everything else is pretty situational with what trans and TC you have and are changing from.

From everything I've read in my case its a fairly simple swap and will keep my NP208 right where its at so I wont have to worry about speedo stuff, or drivelines. But will (most un-nerving part about it) definitely have to make a cut into my firewall. My trans tunnel is one that unbolts and already has the hole for the SM465 but I will need to cut a hole farther back for the NV4500. Then somehow make the TC shift lever usable and probably modify the plastic cover or get a different type all together.

I've also compared the gear ratios between the 700r4 and the NV4500 and they are pretty close to the same, except for the L gear of course.

 

[DoubleDingo]

For you already having OD, the advantage of going NV4500 is better durability. The cut in the trans tunnel should be easy. Cut it in a way that allows the existing hole to be used by turning it around 180* and screwing it back in if that's possible.

I have a Ranger Gear Splitter for my SM420/Dana 60(3.54) when I finally decide to make Crusty a non-factory setup. Period correct and a factory option, yes, but not as it came from the factory or dealership. With the D60 being 3.54, the OD wouldn't be needed for highway travel, it would make the final drive 2.58, much too high of a gear for a 3/4 ton truck. But, 3rd-OD would be 4.42 which is a good gear for pulling or descending hills, and also having the option to split any gear I want to is a cool option to have.

 

[Dutch Rutter]

I'll definately have to try that. I figure the hardest part of the work I'd have to do is mount the clutch pedal and master cylinder. After that as long as everything plays nice it should go smoothly.

If I did have a factory manual I would do a gear splitter. And love the idea of that plus a double on the t-case. But as it is the only downside I have and am wanting to solve is heat and durability. Just driving around town nicely unloaded on a 90º day this newly rebuilt 700r4 hits 190º-210º I really could only imagine how hot it would get if i actually tried using it like I want to. Pulling my small trailer with quads and bikes up hill, on slow gravel roads. While also having OD for daily highway use.

 

[Dutch Rutter]

I am curious about the steering column. Since I'm trying to do this in a way that looks nice and somewhat like it should be there. I'd like to not have the gear selector on the column. Is that possible to remove or would I need to buy a different column?

 

[Frankenchevy]

the main downside for the GV on th400 is you still don't have a lockup TC. That's why I like the nv4500 or 4l80e perhaps. the more I think about the GV with my existing ratios, the less sense it makes in my head. I can already do 70mph at barely over 2500 rpm, which is about where my engine likes to be, vacuum and torque wise.

 

[DoubleDingo]

I am curious about the steering column. Since I'm trying to do this in a way that looks nice and somewhat like it should be there. I'd like to not have the gear selector on the column. Is that possible to remove or would I need to buy a different column?

You'd have to find a truck that had a SM465 trans and snag the column from it. Same truck to get the pedals from I believe. Or get creative and "massage" the auto-column to look like a manual column.

 

[DoubleDingo]

the main downside for the GV on th400 is you still don't have a lockup TC. That's why I like the nv4500 or 4l80e perhaps. the more I think about the GV with my existing ratios, the less sense it makes in my head. I can already do 70mph at barely over 2500 rpm, which is about where my engine likes to be, vacuum and torque wise.

That's a great rpm to be cruising at, and you're getting really good mileage with your new setup. I'll trade you trucks, mine is a 4.10 truck, then you could justify a GV or 4l80 swap

 

[Big Chip]

I was listening to C10talk the other day and there is a kit to use a Nissan manual transmission as a replacement for the NV4500. Apparently the cost for used ones is very inexpensive and the kit to convert is about $1300. I'm not sure how the whole deal works with a transfer case though.

https://www.lojkits.com/

This is the episode with LOJ Conversions:

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[4WDKC]

I was listening to C10talk the other day and there is a kit to use a Nissan manual transmission as a replacement for the NV4500. Apparently the cost for used ones is very inexpensive and the kit to convert is about $1300. I'm not sure how the whole deal works with a transfer case though.

https://www.lojkits.com/

This is the episode with LOJ Conversions:

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sounds like the cd009 transmision, I was looking at that as an option for my vette but by the time you buy the trans, the $1500 adapter plate its the same cost as a a t56.

 

[Big Chip]

sounds like the cd009 transmision, I was looking at that as an option for my vette but by the time you buy the trans, the $1500 adapter plate its the same cost as a a t56.

Not sure about that but the adapter kit maker claimed brand new transmissions are $1700 and used are about $150. They’re running 600+ hp through them and there’s one for 800+ hp. Apparently one of them has better ratios for off-roading. I know nothing of them besides what I heard in the interview though.

 

[SDJunkMan]

I may have found a deal on a NV4500 out of a 96 Chevy 4x4. I want to replace my SM465 so no colum or pedal issues. Which bellhousing do I use, the SM 465 or the one on the NV4500? It looks like I have to drill new mounting holes if I use the SM465 but I am guessing that the original clutch linkage will work?

 

[GRK82]

The bellhousing from the 465 won't fit the NV4500; the bolt pattern won't work. I just went through this. Currently, I have the bellhousing that was on the NV4500 (it was from a 94 Chevy 1-ton). One potential problem: The master/slave arrangement from the 94 is on the passenger side. I adapted the master/slave off the 94 and it looks like it will work. One problem that I may have by using the 94 bellhousing: The headers I have may interfere with the passenger side master/slave. If this is the case, I'll have to spend about $450 and get the adapter bellhousing from Advance Adapters.

I'll update you as I proceed with getting the motor/headers installed.