Is it normal for nv3500s to crack bellhousings? I had a 97 1500 4x4 318 that cracked two bellhousings, and I went to look at 95 this last weekend, basically the exact same truck, and the bellhousing is broke on this one as well

 

Doesn't seem like that should be normal to me..... and unfortunately, the bell housing is cast as part of the trans on those, is it not? Could try welding it.... but, aluminum welding isn't something everyone has the equipment for......

 

Never heard of it. Mine's fine after 264k and still going. Just have to be careful when R and R the case.

 

I had one break on my 98 ram with a 5.2. The nv3500 really isn't a strong trans. I had a buddy with a fab company weld it up with some extra braces and its been working fine.

 

Did you ever figure out why it kept cracking the bellhousing?
I have a 96 dodge 1500 4x4 with the 318 and it has also cracked 2 nv3500 bellhousings. I'm trying to get this figured out before I throw another transmission in and suffer the same end result.

 

I did not. I traded it for something else. As i have figured out things in life since then, there are a couple things I would recommend checking, if applicable. Make sure the rubber trans mount is in good shape, make sure the rear ujoints and driveshaft are good as well, vibration or balance issues can cause problems up the line. You should also check motor mounts, those are a common problem with gm trucks and can cause cracked bell housings in those instances. Good luck