Help! Noob here..

Ok guys, first off this is my first post on this forum and yes....I am a noob. So hello to you all. I looked for a "General Information" section but didn't see one. I have several issues I'd like to inquire about. I recently purchased a 1994 Chevy K1500 extended cab 4x4 (my first older Chevy that wasn't an S10. I also have a 2014 Silverado LT). I am assuming it is a Cheyenne due to the lack of power windows and locks. It has a 5.7 TBI engine and an NV4500 transmission (granny low 4 speed). The rear end is a 14 bolt and I am assuming it is from the 3/4 ton lineup. It is in decent shape but needs some work. Several body panels and definitely some interior upgrades. I want to restore this truck to its glory days and it will definitely be a work in progress.
Now that the background is out of the way, I have some questions. The clutch is a PITA and the tranny has a high pitched whine in third gear. I would like to know about regearing it to remove the granny low and add Overdrive (for highway driving). While I am in there I can check on the whining issue. Is the clutch normally so stiff? I have driven deuce and a halves with easier clutches than this thing. According to the previous owner the clutch and pressure plate were recently replaced by a reputable shop. The clutch master cylinder was also replaced but it appears to be from a 96+ model because of design changes. The drawings I have found for a 94 appear to be different from what I actually have. Another idea is to scrap the NV4500 and stick a built 700R4 under there. Any suggestions you guys have would be great.

I would say do not swap to a 700r4. That clutch shouldnt be that hard to work.

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your truck probably has the f44 package. the stiff clutch is probably just a throwout bearing. have you checked the fluid in the transmission?

Yeah Shaft I checked the level right after I bought it. It could probably use changing though. Thanks for the info....I will look into it. Have any of you guys ever rebuilt the NV4500? From what I have read so far it isn't too complex. I may attempt to tackle it myself. After all, what good is a project truck if I pay someone to fix all the problems?

Greg Lowrey said:

Yeah Shaft I checked the level right after I bought it. It could probably use changing though. Thanks for the info....I will look into it. Have any of you guys ever rebuilt the NV4500? From what I have read so far it isn't too complex. I may attempt to tackle it myself. After all, what good is a project truck if I pay someone to fix all the problems?

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88gmctruck has rebuilt his a few times. Im not sure who else has. I know there is a few specialty tools that you need to rebuild them, also if you decide to change the fluid first, they take a special type of fluid because of the synchros. I cant recall the name of it but i think you can only get it from gm dealearships.

Thanks man. It's good to know that someone has done it. I looked into the fluid and it is fairly expensive as tranny fluids go. But whatever it takes to do the job right.

You said the granny low four speed, that’s an SM465. If it’s in a 1994 truck, it was swapped there. It’s about the same as an early NV4500, but missing the 0.73 OD 5th gear.


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It is the granny low 4 speed. The truck was previously owned by a lead mechanic at a local shop. A swap is very possible. When I get back home to the truck I can check the markings on the tranny to verify. I do know it has the 14 bolt rear end from the 3/4 ton trucks.

SM465 had either a mechanical or hydraulic clutch release. The later SM465 had an external hydraulic slave cylinder that transferred into the early NV4500. In 96, it changed to an internal slave cylinder, basically a hydraulically actuated throw out bearing.


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