I’ll start out by saying the Tremec TR4050 was factory fit for 2500/3500 2nd Gens sold in South America, so for the sake of this discussion we’ll say it’s the same as the NV4500… technically it’s 1/2” longer, but it’s a direct bolt up.

I did a deep dive in the IPB (illuminated parts breakdown) and checked out part numbers for all the relevant components for transmissions installed in 1500 and 2500 2nd Gens.

And this is what I found based on the notes in the IPB:

The NV4500 bell housing fits all V8 Magnum engines and all manual transmissions (that have separate bell housing).

The clutch pressure plate fits all V8 Magnum engines.

The clutch disc is different (1” diameter I believe).

The clutch cylinder assembly fits all V8’s and all manual transmissions.

The engine mounts are the same for all V8 Magnum engines.

For 4x4’s the cross member and transmission mount are the same for manual transmissions behind all V8’s.

1500 and 2500 use the same cab, so the opening in the transmission tunnel is in the same location.

I’ve seen pictures of an NV3500 next to an NV4500 showing length differences and the shift tower being a little further forward on the NV4500.
I’ve also read that some have had to trim the opening in the transmission tunnel to gain clearance but I think that was in a Dakota.
It doesn’t make sense to me that with all the components that are the same in both installations (1500/NV3500 and 2500/NV4500) that you would have to cut the floor.

Please add your thoughts and experiences on this subject.

 

Further reading I found two cases of NV4500’s being fitted to 5.2L 1500 RAM’s (NV3500) with nothing more than a new clutch… everything else was bolt up and go.

 

Just curious - how is the crank sensor triggered with the manual transmission/clutch setup?

 

Ring on the back side of the flywheel, with the windows in it. I think the manual trans sensor is a bit shorter than the auto trans sensor.

 

I take it that the ring on the backside of the flywheel isn't removable and is a permanent part of the flywheel? Lastly, is that flywheel available for a 5.9 engine?

 

Don't know if it is physically part of the flywheel, or a separate piece..... but, yeah, you can still buy 'em. Make sure you get one for the magnum engine though....

 

I’ll be using a 5.2 flywheel and a 5.9 clutch disc and pressure plate… the pressure plate is the same on all V8 Magnums.

I think I’m getting pretty confident about the bolt up compatibility of the transmission to engine and transfer case, but still uncertain about total length and the driveshafts.

 

I believe you’re correct… the manual sensor is different.

 

Erm, no. The 5.9 is externally balanced, 5.2 is internal. A 5.2 flywheel on a 5.9 will make for a short life for the 5.9. It isn't balanced properly.

 

Just as well I have a 5.2 in my truck