On the old ones, there were springs and gates and detent springs/***** in there, so you have some vague notion of what gears you were grinding.... You would have to have a look at your trans, and see how the shifter actually mounts/works..... If it's a simple top-loader, might be able to peak in there, and the problem becomes obvious...... Might be interesting to change the fluid, and see what interesting stuff is floating around in there...... also make sure it has the correct fluid in it.....

 

Climbed under there... Little Silver tag clearly has this
4500
2408129
22 02

Then stamped in the cast iron...

nf 1
33903

not much luck googling that stuff....

until I found a nv4500 wiki...Chrysler Corporation Dodge Truck division used the NV4500 as NVG4500 in "Standard" and "Heavy Duty" applications.[3]
Standard Duty 1992.5–2005 order code DDP:

• 2003–2005 5.7 hemi offered with 2500/3500 only
• 2001–UP 4wd 29 spline output

ok finally making some progress... nv4500 standard even though truck says heavy duty on the tailgate... maybe some badge engineering from previous owner ?

 

Yep, the 4500 was considered the "heavy duty" trans in the 2500 and 3500 trucks. Half tons got the NV3500, but, only behind the 5.2 liter. There were no 5.9 manual half-ton trucks. (up until 2001 at any rate.) I think some diesels got the NV5600?? But, can't swear to that.

Should give you a MUCH better idea of what you are dealing with though. Did you find anything on the Fifth gear nut self-destruction?

 

yup i read about the 5th gear issue... unsure if thats what im seeing... it will go into 5th but the click is not solid like 2,3,4 and it takes a little searching...

unsure if a new tranny fixes the 1st gear popping out as well or if that is a shifter tower issue ?

This most precise info I found so far on what tranny it is....

https://www.advanceadapters.com/prod...transmissions/

Dodge 4WD Gas 1-1/8" 10 Spline 29 Spline 26-0029R

When the time comes i will have somebody do the work, i don't have that kinda time , but i want to now what the issue is so i can have them fix it it, 1st time...

Then of course i wonder will a 6 speed fit without much hassle ? lol

 

Not sure if there is a bellhousing available for the NV5600 that will bolt to your motor..... but, I would not be at all surprised is someone didn't make an adapter.

 

Had had a Yoda do the same thing in 88