NVG 3500 Transmission issue...4th only
#1
NVG 3500 Transmission issue...4th only
Hello all - brand new to the forum, I hope I have this in the correct location to prevent any moving/deleting of this post!
I just bought a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT V8 yesterday. Got it off craigslist, I knew it had transmission problems...busted driver side window...amongst other things... Here's the disclaimer... I've never....never... worked on a vehicle before... you could probably say the most in depth I've ever worked on a vehicle is swapping out a aftermarket radio for another... e.g. the dash kit and harness were already installed! Big whoop, I know... So please bare with me, I love to learn and I usually jump right in... sometimes without a parachute!
The problem I have is that the truck only seems to move in 4th gear... I found this in my research before posting...
I grabbed this from https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...is-charts.html
Anyways, I'm not sure if this would correctly diagnose my issue or not... does the "Noisy operation in fourth gear only" mean that the vehicle only drives in 4th, like my situation, or is it that 1-3,5,R work just fine, but 4th just seems to be special?
Also, I had a couple friends try to get it in gear and they also can only move in forth from a parked position... 1, 2, 3, 5, R do not seem to do anything... no noise... nothing... I guess there could be some noise, but it has been explained to me that "it's grabbing nothing."
I can provide any pictures/video necessary to try and diagnose the issue... The guy I bought it from said that the transmission most likely needs to be rebuilt/replaced... I'm game for that as well, I have zero fear... I just may not have the space to do it, I'll figure it out one way or another, I'd like to make it happen with y'alls help!
I appreciate everything in advance.
Scott
I just bought a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT V8 yesterday. Got it off craigslist, I knew it had transmission problems...busted driver side window...amongst other things... Here's the disclaimer... I've never....never... worked on a vehicle before... you could probably say the most in depth I've ever worked on a vehicle is swapping out a aftermarket radio for another... e.g. the dash kit and harness were already installed! Big whoop, I know... So please bare with me, I love to learn and I usually jump right in... sometimes without a parachute!
The problem I have is that the truck only seems to move in 4th gear... I found this in my research before posting...
"NOISY OPERATION IN FOURTH GEAR ONLY
1. Overdrive Clutch Discs, Plates or Snap Rings Damaged. 1. Remove unit and rebuild clutch pack.
2. Overdrive Piston or Planetary Thrust Bearing Damaged. 2. Remove and disassemble unit. Replace either thrust bearing if damaged.
3. Output Shaft Bearings Scored/Damaged. 3. Remove and disassemble unit. Replace either bearing if damaged.
4. Planetary Gears Worn/Chipped. 4. Remove and overhaul overdrive unit.
5. Overdrive Unit Overrunning Clutch Rollers Worn/Scored. 5. Remove and overhaul overdrive unit."
1. Overdrive Clutch Discs, Plates or Snap Rings Damaged. 1. Remove unit and rebuild clutch pack.
2. Overdrive Piston or Planetary Thrust Bearing Damaged. 2. Remove and disassemble unit. Replace either thrust bearing if damaged.
3. Output Shaft Bearings Scored/Damaged. 3. Remove and disassemble unit. Replace either bearing if damaged.
4. Planetary Gears Worn/Chipped. 4. Remove and overhaul overdrive unit.
5. Overdrive Unit Overrunning Clutch Rollers Worn/Scored. 5. Remove and overhaul overdrive unit."
Anyways, I'm not sure if this would correctly diagnose my issue or not... does the "Noisy operation in fourth gear only" mean that the vehicle only drives in 4th, like my situation, or is it that 1-3,5,R work just fine, but 4th just seems to be special?
Also, I had a couple friends try to get it in gear and they also can only move in forth from a parked position... 1, 2, 3, 5, R do not seem to do anything... no noise... nothing... I guess there could be some noise, but it has been explained to me that "it's grabbing nothing."
I can provide any pictures/video necessary to try and diagnose the issue... The guy I bought it from said that the transmission most likely needs to be rebuilt/replaced... I'm game for that as well, I have zero fear... I just may not have the space to do it, I'll figure it out one way or another, I'd like to make it happen with y'alls help!
I appreciate everything in advance.
Scott
#2
That troubleshooting list applies to automatic trannys, totally different animal.
4th gear is direct, it's a straight connection from the input to output so it does not use the countershaft, it's possible there's a problem relating to the countershaft or something wrong with the shift rail assembly or shift forks. Hard to say without splitting it open. These trannys are considered very difficult to rebuild and require special tools, may be better off getting a new/junkyard tranny.
4th gear is direct, it's a straight connection from the input to output so it does not use the countershaft, it's possible there's a problem relating to the countershaft or something wrong with the shift rail assembly or shift forks. Hard to say without splitting it open. These trannys are considered very difficult to rebuild and require special tools, may be better off getting a new/junkyard tranny.
#3
#4
#5
Hmm.. seems the concensus is that the transmission is unworthy! In anyone's opinion, would it be okay if I try to pull it and disassemble/reassemble the transmission and if...more like when... I fail, I can take it to a transmission shop or... would you all advise that I not potentially create more issues than I have already?
I bought the truck to learn... That's really the reasoning behind having it at all... anyone have suggestions for repair shops or even large chain shops that may be willing to have me help/watch what they do to learn?
Thanks for the replies Hahns5.2, mrfarrell, and mccart!
I bought the truck to learn... That's really the reasoning behind having it at all... anyone have suggestions for repair shops or even large chain shops that may be willing to have me help/watch what they do to learn?
Thanks for the replies Hahns5.2, mrfarrell, and mccart!
#6
#7
Splitting the tranny yourself is unlikely to damage it further, it will just make it harder for the next guy that comes along to rebuild it. Most people don't like working on half finished projects that others have started. If you're a noob mechanic, simply pulling and replacing the tranny yourself will be enough of a challenge IMO.
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#8
I picked up my nv4500 for $200 they had a stack of them on there shelf I asked about getting another nv3500 and they said they sell them like hot cakes every time they get a truck with one in it's the first thing to sell and I'd be looking at 850-1000$ for one depending on the mileage
#9
#10
I just looked on eBay and a new 3500 you can get for 749, 4500 the cheapest was 1000
I picked up my nv4500 for $200 they had a stack of them on there shelf I asked about getting another nv3500 and they said they sell them like hot cakes every time they get a truck with one in it's the first thing to sell and I'd be looking at 850-1000$ for one depending on the mileage