Differences of NV4500's

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

The Arctic Fox

I'm Awesome
Joined
Dec 27, 2012
Messages
1,030
Reaction score
51
Location
Gtown, IL
I'm looking at putting a nv4500 into my '89 K1500. I just need a little more info than I know. I am looking for a donor truck so I can change out all the auto components to manual components. like pedals, ecm, gauge possibly, and etc.

Is there any model year like 88-94 that will bolt right up to my engine and wiring? Or will i have to rewire?

I'm assuming 1995 would work if I completely rewire the harness. I guess along with 1996-2000? Any help is appreciated so I'm not going into this swap blind.
 

someotherguy

I'm Awesome
Joined
Sep 28, 2013
Messages
9,799
Reaction score
14,162
Location
Houston TX
Not sure why you're worried about rewiring. Your '89 K1500 is going to have a 700R4 (4L60) so the only wiring you have already is for the torque converter lockup. You have an ECM not a PCM so it's not doing any transmission control like a 1993-up with the 4L60E.

The only wiring the manual trans has is for the reverse lights. :D

For GM, 1992-1994 NV4500's have the old style external slave cylinder with fork type release bearing setup, and a lower 1st/reverse gear set (6.34:1)

I think 1995 may be a one-off year (as many GM truck 1995 pieces are) with the newer gearset but may still run the old slave cylinder setup. My memory is a little foggy on this.

1996-up for sure is the new setup with 5.61:1 1st/reverse (Dodge style) and has the integrated slave cylinder/release bearing setup that slides right over the shaft and bolts to the front bearing retainer.

Be sure you can fully inspect any NV4500 before you buy it. They're tough as nails but do suffer from a couple problems; the synchros from 1st-2nd often go bad and once it gets operated with those pieces floating around inside it usually ends up needing a full rebuild. People also use the wrong fluid in them because the correct fluid is only available at GM and Dodge dealers; it's re-labeled Castrol Syntorq LT and must be used to protect the carbon-fiber synchros. If it's been run with the wrong fluid...oh well. It'll need a rebuild. Rebuild will set you back a grand easy if not more, might as well do the clutch kit while you're in there and don't forget the pilot bearing/bushing for your crank. Also, the original carbon-fiber synchros that made the NV4500 shift somewhat smoother than a typical heavy truck transmission, are no longer available new, so you're gonna get regular bronze/brass(?) aftermarket pieces that won't shift as smooth. Don't be tempted to run different fluid at that point though; I'd still stick with the Syntorq which will set you back about $100 for the 4 quarts needed. GM part # 12346190 you can find it cheapest on Amazon.

Richard
 

The Arctic Fox

I'm Awesome
Joined
Dec 27, 2012
Messages
1,030
Reaction score
51
Location
Gtown, IL
This is why I'm asking I'm goin into this pretty blind. :gr_grin:

So the synthetic fluid needed isn't the ACdelco brand or would that work too?

What would I have to worry about if I get a tranny from something 93 and newer?
 
Last edited:

J Thomas

Newbie
Joined
Sep 10, 2016
Messages
42
Reaction score
0
Location
Middle Tennessee
If you take nothing from the previous post, remember one thing: 12346190. He is absolutely correct. I have an NV4500 in my 92 and it needed the fluid changed and topped off. After researching and reading up, AC Delco 12346190 came up almost every single time. I was having an issue between 2nd and 3rd. Not anymore. I was about 2 quarts low and could hear a faint whine, not anymore. I ordered mine off Amazon and save about $12 a quart as opposed to going to a dealer. Best thing I could have done. The gears almost fall in place, no more whine and its like shifting in butter. Trust me, its an absolute must.
 

someotherguy

I'm Awesome
Joined
Sep 28, 2013
Messages
9,799
Reaction score
14,162
Location
Houston TX
This is why I'm asking I'm goin into this pretty blind. :gr_grin:

So the synthetic fluid needed isn't the ACdelco brand or would that work too?

What would I have to worry about if I get a tranny from something 93 and newer?
The synthetic fluid recommended IS an AC Delco branded fluid. GM part # 12346190. Dodge dealers sell it too under another part #. Both are the same fluid in the bottle - Castrol Syntorq LT, which for the most part cannot be bought under that brand name as it was private-labeled to GM and Mopar.

I'm not sure what you're asking with the 1993-newer question.

Richard
 

Chewy1576

I'm Awesome
Joined
Jan 14, 2013
Messages
950
Reaction score
302
Location
Ogden, UT
I have been running the Amsoil GL4 fluid in my NV4500 for a few months now. A few days ago, it decided to start leaking out of both ends. Related? Maybe...
 

The Arctic Fox

I'm Awesome
Joined
Dec 27, 2012
Messages
1,030
Reaction score
51
Location
Gtown, IL
Pretty much what I'm getting at is any nv4500 will work from any year, It will bolt right up and is usable?

I have been running the Amsoil GL4 fluid in my NV4500 for a few months now. A few days ago, it decided to start leaking out of both ends. Related? Maybe...

From the sounds of it yeah. That sucks :nono:
 

Chewy1576

I'm Awesome
Joined
Jan 14, 2013
Messages
950
Reaction score
302
Location
Ogden, UT
Be careful with the transmission crossmember. I'm not sure about dimensions but you may have to relocate it and drill new holes in the frame.

I'm sure that 200k miles on it isn't much good either. $1000 for an refurbished, upgraded unit and $300 R&R and I will be back in business.

http://nv4500transmission.com/




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

The Arctic Fox

I'm Awesome
Joined
Dec 27, 2012
Messages
1,030
Reaction score
51
Location
Gtown, IL
Be careful with the transmission crossmember. I'm not sure about dimensions but you may have to relocate it and drill new holes in the frame.

I'm sure that 200k miles on it isn't much good either. $1000 for an refurbished, upgraded unit and $300 R&R and I will be back in business.

http://nv4500transmission.com/

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Have you bought from this website before?
 
Top