NV4500 Transmission for Sale | OEM Used New Venture Gear Heavy-Duty 5-Speed Manual with Deep Granny Low 1st Gear (5.61:1)
$1,999.00
At a Glance
- Condition: OEM used, all 5 forward gears and reverse tested
- Availability: In stock, NV4500 transmissions available
- Shipping: Free shipping to all 50 states via freight pallet, 5 to 10 business days
- Donor truck confirmed (Dodge Ram / Ford F-Super Duty / Chevy / GMC HD)
- Engine pairing documented (Cummins / Power Stroke / V10 / Big Block Gas)
- 1st gear ratio verified (5.61:1 granny low)
- 5th gear nut condition assessed (known wear point)
- 5th gear synchronizer condition documented
- Output yoke spline verified (29 splines, 1.375 inch diameter)
- Bellhousing pattern confirmed (Dodge / Ford / GM specific)
- Fluid condition verified
- GL-4 gear oil requirement documented (NOT ATF)
- Backed by a 15 day replacement warranty against internal defects
Description
About the NV4500 Transmission
The NV4500 transmission stands out as a robust and versatile manual gearbox, highly sought after in the automotive aftermarket. Originally developed by New Venture Gear, this five-speed manual transmission has become a favorite among truck enthusiasts, diesel owners, and off-road adventurers alike. Known for its durability, high torque capacity (460 lb-ft rated), and granny-low first gear, the NV4500 has been a staple in heavy-duty Dodge, GM, and Ford trucks since the 1990s. Whether you are rebuilding a classic Cummins-powered Ram, upgrading your 7.3 Power Stroke F-Super Duty, or restoring a Chevy 2500HD work truck, this NV4500 transmission for sale at Part Nests can offer the perfect blend of strength, reliability, and value.
The NV4500 Production History
The NV4500 transmission, produced by New Venture Gear from 1992 to 2007, stands as a robust and versatile manual gearbox revered for its durability and smooth operation. Initially designed for heavy-duty applications, it gained popularity in 3/4-ton and 1-ton pickup truck markets for its reliability under demanding diesel torque loads. Its design features include a cast iron case with aluminum top cover, synchronized gears (including the granny low 1st gear, which is fully synchronized unlike older granny-low designs), all-helical gear engagement, and a reputation for handling high torque outputs from Cummins 5.9, 7.3L Power Stroke, and Magnum V10 engines.
Heavy-Duty Manual Transmission Family Context
The NV4500 (this listing) is a 5-speed heavy-duty manual transmission for diesel pickup applications, fundamentally different from earlier GM heavy-duty 4-speed manuals. For buyers comparing heavy-duty manual transmissions: the NV4500 (this listing, 5-speed with fully synchronized 5.61:1 granny low and 0.73:1 overdrive, 460 lb-ft torque rating, used in Dodge Ram / Ford F-Super Duty / Chevy HD applications 1992-2007) is the modern diesel-pickup heavy-duty manual; the GM SM465 (our vaz133 listing, Saginaw-built 4-speed manual produced 1968-1991 with 6.55:1 non-synchronized granny low) is the classic GM truck heavy-duty 4-speed for Chevy / GMC C/K Series of the pre-modern era; the GM SM420 (our vaz138 listing, 1947-1967 predecessor with 7.05:1 granny low) is the earliest GM heavy-duty truck manual. For lighter-duty Jeep 5-speed manual applications, the Jeep AX15 (our vaz154 listing, Aisin Warner 5-speed at 280 lb-ft rating used in Wrangler YJ / TJ / Cherokee XJ / Comanche MJ 1988-1999) is the lighter-duty Aisin alternative. Choose NV4500 for diesel pickup HD applications; choose SM465 / SM420 for classic GM truck restoration; choose AX15 for Jeep applications.
NV4500 Vehicle and Engine Applications
The NV4500 was used in three primary heavy-duty truck applications:
Dodge / Ram Trucks (the most common NV4500 application):
- Dodge Ram 2500 (1994 to 2002) with Cummins 5.9 12-valve / 24-valve diesel or Magnum V8 / V10 gas
- Dodge Ram 3500 (1994 to 2005) with Cummins 5.9 diesel or Magnum V10 gas
- Dodge Ram 1500 (some 1994 to 2002 configurations with V8)
Ford F-Super Duty Trucks (NV4500-HD variant):
- Ford F-250 Super Duty (1996 to 1998 transitional production) with 7.3L Power Stroke diesel or V10 gas
- Ford F-350 Super Duty (1996 to 1998) with 7.3L Power Stroke or V10
- Ford F-450 Super Duty (1996 to 1998) with 7.3L Power Stroke
Chevrolet / GMC HD Trucks:
- Chevrolet C/K 2500 HD (1992 to 2007) with 6.5L diesel, 7.4L 454 big block, or 6.0L Vortec
- Chevrolet C/K 3500 HD (1992 to 2007) with 6.5L diesel, 7.4L 454, or 8.1L Vortec
- GMC Sierra 2500 HD / 3500 HD (1992 to 2007) with same engine options
- Chevrolet Suburban / GMC Yukon HD (limited HD configurations with 6.5L diesel)
Engines Commonly Paired with NV4500:
- Cummins 5.9L 12-valve diesel (1989 to 1998 Dodge Ram)
- Cummins 5.9L 24-valve diesel (1998 to 2002 Dodge Ram)
- Ford 7.3L Power Stroke diesel (1996 to 1998 NV4500-HD variant)
- Ford 7.3L V10 Triton (limited 1996 to 1998)
- Dodge 5.9L Magnum V8 (gas)
- Dodge 8.0L Magnum V10 (gas)
- GM 6.5L Detroit diesel
- GM 7.4L 454 big block (gas)
- GM 8.1L Vortec V8 (gas, later 1500HD / 2500HD)
Vehicles That Did NOT Get the NV4500 from the Factory
Despite some confusion in aftermarket listings, the NV4500 was NOT a factory option in the following vehicles. These vehicles used different transmissions:
- Jeep Wrangler TJ (1997 to 2006): Used NV3550 or AX15 per vaz154, NOT NV4500
- Jeep Wrangler YJ (1987 to 1995): Used AX15 per vaz154 or AX5, NOT NV4500
- Jeep Wrangler JK (2007 to 2018): Used NSG-370 6-speed, NOT NV4500
- Jeep Cherokee XJ (1984 to 2001): Used AX15 per vaz154 or AX5, NOT NV4500
- Toyota Tacoma / Tundra / 4Runner: Used Aisin R150 / R151 / W56 or A340 / A343 automatic, NOT NV4500
- Nissan Frontier / Titan: Used Nissan FS5 manual or RE4R / RE5R automatic, NOT NV4500
- Land Rover Defender / Discovery: Used LT77 / LT85 / R380, NOT NV4500
If you are searching for a manual transmission for these vehicles, please call (855) 634-4447 and we will direct you to the correct transmission for your application.
Key Features of the NV4500
- Cast iron case with aluminum top cover: Combines strength and weight savings.
- Dual PTO ports: Versatility for hydraulic pumps, winches, or other power take-off accessories.
- All-helical gears: Seamless shifting and reduced noise.
- Fully synchronized forward gears (including 1st): Unlike older granny-low transmissions where 1st gear was non-synchronized and required double-clutching, the NV4500 1st gear is fully synchronized for smooth engagement.
- 460 lb-ft input torque rating: Handles diesel and big-block gas engine output, with many examples handling significantly more in upgraded form.
- Granny low 1st gear (5.61:1): Deep low gear ideal for heavy launches under load (loaded trailers, steep grades, off-road crawling).
- Overdrive 5th gear (0.73:1): Improves highway fuel economy and reduces engine RPM at cruising speeds.
Quality Assurance
When you purchase an NV4500 transmission from us, you can expect:
- Thorough inspection and testing
- Donor truck identification
- Engine pairing documentation
- Bellhousing pattern confirmation (Dodge / Ford / GM specific)
- 5th gear nut condition assessment (known wear point on NV4500)
- All forward gears and reverse tested
- Output yoke spline verification
- Correct GL-4 75W-85 gear oil requirements documented (NOT ATF)
Vehicle Compatibility
| Vehicle | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Dodge / Ram Trucks | Ram 2500 (1994-2002), Ram 3500 (1994-2005), Ram 1500 (some 1994-2002 V8) |
| Ford F-Super Duty | F-250 / F-350 / F-450 Super Duty (1996-1998 NV4500-HD) with 7.3 Power Stroke or V10 |
| Chevy / GMC HD Trucks | C/K 2500 HD / 3500 HD (1992-2007), Suburban / Yukon HD (limited) |
| Engines | Cummins 5.9 (12V and 24V), 7.3 Power Stroke, Magnum V8/V10, 6.5 GM Diesel, 7.4 454, 8.1 Vortec |
Why Buy From Part Nests
- Donor truck and engine pairing documented
- Bellhousing pattern confirmed (Dodge / Ford / GM)
- 5th gear nut condition specifically assessed (known wear point)
- All gears tested before shipping
- Correct fluid requirements documented (GL-4, NOT ATF)
- Output yoke spline verified
- Free freight pallet delivery to all 50 states
- 15 day replacement warranty on internal defects
- HD truck manual transmission experienced support team
- Call (855) 634-4447 to confirm NV4500 transmission (New Venture Gear heavy-duty 5-speed manual with fully synchronized granny low 5.61:1 first gear and 0.73:1 overdrive, 460 lb-ft input torque rating), donor truck (Dodge Ram 2500 1994-2002 or Ram 3500 1994-2005 with Cummins 5.9 12V / 24V or Magnum V8 / V10, Ford F-250 / F-350 / F-450 Super Duty 1996-1998 NV4500-HD variant with 7.3 Power Stroke or V10, or Chevy / GMC C/K 2500 HD / 3500 HD 1992-2007 with 6.5 Diesel / 454 / 8.1 Vortec), bellhousing pattern (Dodge / Ford / GM specific, NOT interchangeable across OEMs), 5th gear nut condition (known wear point), GL-4 gear oil requirement (NOT ATF), 29-spline output yoke configuration, and heavy-duty manual transmission family context (NV4500 diesel pickup HD vs GM SM465 per vaz133 classic GM truck 4-speed vs GM SM420 per vaz138 pre-1968 classic, vs Jeep AX15 per vaz154 lighter-duty Aisin 5-speed) before ordering
15 Day Replacement Warranty
Every used NV4500 transmission purchased through Part Nests carries a 15 day replacement warranty starting on the delivery date.
What Is Covered
- Internal defects already present when the transmission arrives
- Gear failures within 15 days from installation on any of the 5 forward gears or reverse
- Granny low (1st gear) synchronizer failures within 15 days from installation
- 5th gear synchronizer failures within 15 days from installation
- 5th gear nut failures within 15 days from installation (where condition was documented as in-spec at shipping)
- Input shaft bearing failures within 15 days from installation
- Output shaft bearing failures within 15 days from installation
- Case crack failures not disclosed at shipping
- Top cover gasket failures within 15 days from installation
- Incorrect bellhousing pattern shipped (Dodge / Ford / GM mismatch) due to an error on our end
What Is Not Covered
- Damage caused during installation
- Damage from incorrect transmission fluid (NV4500 requires GL-4 75W-85 gear oil; using ATF or GL-5 gear oil causes synchronizer wear and yellow metal damage)
- Damage from neglected fluid maintenance or extended drain intervals
- Damage from clutch operation issues (slipping, dragging, incorrect master / slave cylinder adjustment)
- Damage from overloading beyond 460 lb-ft torque capacity (factory rating; aftermarket diesel power increases can exceed this)
- Damage from incorrect bellhousing alignment at installation
- Damage from incorrect U-joint angle setup at installation
- Damage from improper 5th gear nut torque or failure to upgrade to aftermarket 5th gear nut kit (the famous NV4500 "5th gear nut backing off" failure is a documented issue at high mileage)
- External components (clutch assembly, master / slave cylinder, bellhousing, driveshaft, transmission crossmember, shift linkage, fluids drained for transit, gasket kit) unless itemized
- Labor expenses of any kind
To start a warranty claim, reach us within 15 days of delivery at (855) 634-4447.
- All 5 Forward Gears Tested: Plus reverse engagement verified
- Donor Truck Confirmed: Dodge Ram, Ford F-Super Duty, or Chevy / GMC HD documented
- Engine Pairing Documented: Cummins 5.9, 7.3 Power Stroke, V10, Magnum, or HD gas engine
- 5th Gear Nut Condition Assessed: Known NV4500 wear point inspected
- Bellhousing Pattern Confirmed: Dodge, Ford, or GM specific
- 15 Day Replacement Cover: Internal defects protected from delivery onward
Additional information
| bellhousing-to-tailshaft-length | 24.5 inches |
|---|---|
| fluid-capacity | 4 quarts |
| fluid-type | Castrol Syntorq LT or GL-4 75W-85 gear oil (NOT ATF; using ATF causes premature 5th gear failure on the NV4500) |
| gear-ratios | 1st: 5.61 (granny low), 2nd: 3.04, 3rd: 1.67, 4th: 1.00 (direct), 5th: 0.73 (overdrive), Reverse: 5.04 |
| input-shaft | 10 splines, 1.125 inch diameter |
| output-shaft | 29 splines, 1.375 inch diameter |
| overall-length | Approximately 26 to 27 inches (the live page listing of "12.37 inches" is incorrect since the bellhousing-to-tailshaft section alone is 24.5 inches; correct value is ~26-27") |
Heavy-duty 5-speed manual transmission by New Venture Gear, 1992-2007 production. The NV4500 is a robust 5-speed manual gearbox designed for heavy-duty pickup truck applications. Features cast iron case with aluminum top cover, fully synchronized forward gears (including the 5.61:1 granny low first gear, which is unusual for granny-low designs that typically had non-synchronized first), all-helical gear engagement, dual PTO ports for accessory drives. Rated for 460 lb-ft input torque from the factory. The NV4500 was the dominant 3/4-ton and 1-ton pickup truck manual transmission of the 1990s and 2000s.
Dodge Ram, Ford F-Super Duty, and Chevy / GMC HD pickups. Dodge / Ram (the most common application): Ram 2500 (1994-2002), Ram 3500 (1994-2005), Ram 1500 (some 1994-2002 V8). Ford F-Super Duty (NV4500-HD variant): F-250 / F-350 / F-450 Super Duty (1996-1998 transitional production window only) with 7.3 Power Stroke or V10. Chevy / GMC HD: C/K 2500 HD / 3500 HD (1992-2007), Sierra 2500 HD / 3500 HD, limited Suburban / Yukon HD with 6.5 diesel. Engine pairings: Cummins 5.9 12V / 24V diesel, Ford 7.3 Power Stroke, Magnum V8 / V10, GM 6.5 diesel, 7.4 454, 8.1 Vortec.
Known NV4500 wear point requiring proactive replacement. The NV4500 5th gear is held in place by a single nut on the countershaft. Under high-torque diesel operation over time, the 5th gear nut can develop a 'backing off' failure mode where the nut loosens, causing 5th gear to slide out of position and the transmission to pop out of overdrive 5th gear under load. The failure is well-documented in the NV4500 community and is the most common high-mileage failure mode. Aftermarket 5th gear nut upgrade kits (commonly called the 'Dynatrac' or 'Standard Transmission' fix kits) use a stronger nut, locking washer, and proper torque specification to prevent the backing-off failure. We specifically assess 5th gear nut condition on every NV4500 we ship.
GL-4 75W-85 gear oil, NOT ATF. Critical fluid requirement: the NV4500 requires GL-4 specification gear oil (typically 75W-85 or 80W-90 viscosity). Using GL-5 gear oil instead of GL-4 causes yellow metal damage to the synchronizer rings and brass components (GL-5 contains sulfur additives that attack brass synchros). Using ATF (automatic transmission fluid) is even worse: ATF lacks the viscosity for proper gear-tooth lubrication and the additive package for synchronizer operation. Despite some incorrect aftermarket recommendations that suggest ATF for the NV4500 ('to improve cold-weather shifting'), this is wrong and damages the transmission. Use only GL-4 gear oil per New Venture Gear specification.
Various vehicles erroneously listed with NV4500 fitment. The NV4500 was NOT a factory option in: Jeep Wrangler TJ (used NV3550 or AX15 per vaz154), Jeep Wrangler YJ (used AX15 per vaz154 or AX5), Jeep Wrangler JK (used NSG-370 6-speed), Jeep Cherokee XJ (used AX15 per vaz154 or AX5), Toyota Tacoma / Tundra / 4Runner (used Aisin R150 / R151 / W56 or A340 / A343 automatic), Nissan Frontier / Titan (used Nissan FS5 manual or RE4R / RE5R automatic), Land Rover Defender / Discovery (used LT77 / LT85 / R380). Despite confusion in aftermarket listings, none of these vehicles received the NV4500 from the factory. For these vehicles, call us and we will direct you to the correct transmission.
NV4500 is the modern diesel-pickup HD 5-speed manual; SM465 / SM420 are classic GM 4-speeds; AX15 is the lighter-duty Jeep 5-speed. The NV4500 (this listing) is the heavy-duty diesel pickup 5-speed manual at 460 lb-ft for Dodge Ram / Ford Super Duty / Chevy HD applications 1992-2007. The GM SM465 (vaz133) is the classic 4-speed heavy-duty manual produced 1968-1991 for GM C/K Series with 6.55:1 non-synchronized granny low. The GM SM420 (vaz138) is the SM465 predecessor (1947-1967) with 7.05:1 granny low. The Jeep AX15 (vaz154) is the Aisin Warner lighter-duty 5-speed at 280 lb-ft for Jeep Wrangler / Cherokee / Comanche 1988-1999. Different applications, different torque ratings, different eras.
Two power take-off ports for hydraulic pumps and accessory drives. The NV4500 case includes two PTO (Power Take-Off) ports on the transmission case that allow direct gear-driven connection to external accessories like hydraulic pumps for dump trailers, snow plows, salt spreaders, winches, generators, or other heavy-duty truck accessories. PTO operation provides direct mechanical power from the transmission without requiring an additional engine-driven accessory. The dual PTO ports give versatility for trucks needing multiple accessories simultaneously. PTO covers are factory-fitted to unused ports; aftermarket PTO units bolt directly to the ports with proper gasket and torque.
No. There is no core return required.
2 reviews for NV4500 Transmission for Sale | OEM Used New Venture Gear Heavy-Duty 5-Speed Manual with Deep Granny Low 1st Gear (5.61:1)
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Sebastian H. –
Got an NV4500 for a 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 with Cummins 5.9 24-valve diesel replacement after the original developed the famous 5th gear nut backing-off failure at 218,000 miles. Donor truck correctly identified as Ram 2500 with Cummins 5.9 24V (matching destination), engine pairing documented, 1st gear ratio verified as 5.61:1 granny low, all 5 forward gears and reverse tested, 5th gear nut condition specifically assessed (the known NV4500 wear point), 5th gear synchronizer condition documented, Dodge bellhousing pattern confirmed. Honest pre-purchase information about the GL-4 gear oil requirement (NOT ATF despite some incorrect aftermarket recommendations) and heavy-duty manual transmission context (NV4500 diesel pickup HD vs GM SM465 per vaz133 classic 4-speed vs AX15 per vaz154 lighter Jeep 5-speed).
Quintessa A. –
Sourced an NV4500 for a 1997 Ford F-350 Super Duty 7.3 Power Stroke restoration (NV4500-HD variant, 1996-1998 transitional production window). Donor truck identified as F-350 Super Duty with 7.3 Power Stroke, Ford bellhousing pattern confirmed (NV4500-HD variant differs from Dodge and GM variants), all 5 forward gears tested, granny low engagement verified, 5th gear nut condition assessed clean. Honest pre-purchase information about the bellhousing pattern OEM specificity (Dodge / Ford / GM patterns are NOT interchangeable) and the NV4500-HD variant being specific to Ford Super Duty applications.