NV4500 Swap Q's
 

Hey All,

I have a 99' 1500 with the 5.9L v8 and 46re transmission. My tranny has been slipping for years but is finally starting to get a lot worse and I need to replace it. I've come across a great deal on an NV4500 that was off of a 5.9L v8 ram, I believe a 2500. What should I look out for when installing the new transmission? I know that there is a crossmember that could be getting in the way, and driveshaft lengths may change. Has anyone here done this before? I really appreciate any and all help.

I believe you'll need to re-flash your truck's computer for a manual tranny.

You will need a pilot bearing sleeve too.

Nv4500s only came in 2500 trucks. No 5.9 1500 came from the factory with a manual.


This has been done before do a search on this site.


You will neeed a longer drive shaft

Ok thanks. Is it hard to do a reflash on my computer? So I'll add a new pilot sleeve, drive shaft, and what else for the computer reset to the list?

it will run fine without a re flash. Just throw a bunch of codes about there being no trans lol.

could get junkyard manual pcm

sct flash???

dealer flash???

SO if I don't need to reflash my computer I am looking at the bell housing, tail housing, dust cover, release fork, top cover, shift lever and a used NV4500 off a 5.9L 2500 4x4 for $1,200 delivered to my door. Then add a clutch, pilot sleeve, driveshaft, and I'm lookin good?

You forgot where you forward alll that to my address ;)

Where you getting that price? Seems like a steal. reman trans alone go for that price. They in good condition?


Don't forget about pedals(manual pedals should bolt right in) supposedly the bosses/pins/holes/whatever are allll predilled you just gotta punch them out. And hyrdaulics. Slave cylinder and the like

hehe yeah just PM me where you want it delivered. So add in a master cylinder and slave cylinder and we're looking good. Well it seems as though I may be able to keep the total price under or at $2000. Any last minute things that I should know about? If I go through with it I'll be posting lots and lots of pics on the forum!

Along with what you've listed, you will need the bracket the pedals are attached to also. There wasn't room for the clutch master bolts with just swapping the pedals on mine. The holes for the clutch master are recessed on the fire wall, just need to drill them out.

For the electrical, the three pin connector right by the shift linkage on the 46re is all you'll need. The two outside wires are for the reverse lights, and the middle is neutral safety (97 ram 1500, forgot to see what year yours is if it makes a difference). On mine I just cut the plug off and wired in the plug for the back up lights then grounded the neutral safety, so I don't have to push the clutch in to start it. It will run fine, but as mentioned the check engine light will be on because of no automatic trans.

When you are ordering the pilot bearing be sure to tell them WITH THE SLEEVE. Otherwise you'll just have a little pilot bearing that doesn't fit (grrrr, cost me two days waiting for it).

There were no provisions for the trans hole in the floor, so you will have to figure out where its suppose to be then cut it. Be sure to leave some room around it, as it will twist some when you gas it or let off suddenly.

Hope some of this helps and good luck on one of the best upgrades for these trucks!

Yeah I was going to grab the pedal assembly off of an old 2500 at the junkyard i found. Am I going to need a new flywheel or not? Do you happen to know where to get that pilot bearing as well? I've been looking around can't seem to find it.