Okay everyone I've been posting lately about an 87 Dakota I have introduced into the collection. I have fixed the power supply issue and all that and am addressing smaller things as I go. One problem it has had since I got it is that it will not take 1st gear at all. Even if u get it into gear and when u let out on the clutch it will kick it right back out at u Everytime. What could cause this? Syncros or bearings or both? These trannys very reliable?(nv2500)

 

I would think it is a worn gear..... As far as reliable, how many miles are on it? Also, how does the oil look? and FWIW the NV2500 uses 10-30 weight MOTOR oil. If you look at dodge history, they used this transmission behind the 125 hp. LA style motor. When they went magnum, they went to the AX15. and of course when they offered a V8 with a manual trans, it was the NV3500. Its really hard to find reliable torque ratings on these transmissions.

I can tell you swapping out the NV2500 for a NV3500 was pretty straight forward. If you are interested in that, I can tell you a few things to watch for, espically buying another transmission. Trust me, all are not the same!!

 

Well truck has 150,000 on it. Oil in the tranny was dirty but okay otherwise except someone had ATF in it. I changed it to 10w 30. And as far as swapping I was trying to decide if these trannys are worth rebuilding or if I'd be happier to switch to an ax15 or nv3500. I really liked the ax15 I had in my 96 for how it shifted and honestly I pulled stuff with it that should have never been behind it and it did fine lol. 5th gear on this transmission is also about the same as 1st.