NP445 Transmission for Sale | OEM Used New Process Gear 4-Speed Manual Transmission with Fully Synchronized Forward Gears
$800.00
At a Glance
- Condition: OEM used, all 4 forward gears and reverse tested
- Availability: In stock, NP445 transmissions available
- Shipping: Free shipping to all 50 states via freight pallet, 5 to 10 business days
- Donor truck confirmed (Dodge D100 / D200 / D300 / W-Series / Ramcharger)
- Engine pairing documented (small block / big block / slant six Mopar)
- Output yoke spline verified (35 splines, 1.375 inch)
- Bellhousing pattern confirmed (Dodge-specific)
- Top cover gasket condition assessed
- Case integrity inspected (no cracks)
- Input shaft bearing condition assessed
- No core charge required
- Backed by a 15 day replacement warranty against internal defects
Description
About the NP445 Transmission
Unlock the true potential of your vintage Dodge truck with the rare NP445 transmission. Renowned for its rugged durability and synchronized 4-speed performance, this manual transmission is the perfect upgrade for classic Mopar truck enthusiasts. Ideal for restoration projects or as a replacement for worn-out gearboxes in your Dodge D100, D200, D300, W-Series Power Wagon, or early Ramcharger, this NP445 transmission for sale at Part Nests promises to enhance your truck capabilities while maintaining period-correct authenticity.
NP445 Transmission: A Closer Look
The NP445 transmission, a rare gem in vintage Dodge truck inventory, is the perfect powerhouse for your classic Mopar pickup or 4×4. Known for its robust construction, this four-speed manual transmission was built by New Process Gear in the 1960s and 1970s, renowned for durability and reliability in commercial and consumer truck applications. With a cast-iron case and fully synchronized gears (uncommon for the era when many 4-speeds used non-synchronized granny low first gears), this NP445 transmission for sale ensures smooth shifting and long-lasting performance. Ideal for daily driving, light off-road adventures, and moderate towing tasks, the NP445 versatility makes it a sought-after upgrade for classic Dodge truck enthusiasts.
The Historical Significance of the NP445 Transmission
The NP445 transmission played a crucial role in Dodge truck lineup during a transformative period in American automotive history (the 1960s and 1970s when Dodge was a major force in the medium-duty truck market with the D-Series and W-Series Power Wagon). Its robust design and versatility made it a favorite among farmers, ranchers, construction workers, and off-road enthusiasts who needed a dependable manual transmission that could handle small block and big block Mopar V8 torque without the complexity of newer overdrive transmissions. Today, the NP445 transmission is a prized component for restorers looking to maintain the authenticity of their vintage Dodge trucks while replacing failed or worn factory transmissions.
Classic Heavy-Duty 4-Speed Manual Transmission Family Context
The NP445 (this listing) is the Dodge / Mopar classic 4-speed manual produced by New Process Gear. For buyers comparing classic American heavy-duty 4-speed manual transmissions across OEMs and eras: the NP445 (this listing, Dodge-specific bellhousing pattern with 35-spline output and 300 lb-ft rating, fully synchronized including 1st gear, used in vintage Dodge D-Series / W-Series Power Wagon / early Ramcharger 1960s-1970s) is the Mopar truck 4-speed; the GM SM465 (our vaz133 listing, GM Saginaw-built heavy-duty 4-speed produced 1968-1991 with 6.55:1 non-synchronized granny low) is the GM classic truck 4-speed; the GM SM420 (our vaz138 listing, SM465 predecessor 1947-1967 with deeper 7.05:1 granny low) is the earliest GM heavy-duty truck manual. For close-ratio muscle car 4-speed manuals (different application entirely), the M22 Rock Crusher (our vaz168 listing, GM Muncie close-ratio 4-speed with 30-degree gear angle and 500 lb-ft rating, used in big-block Chevelle / Camaro / Corvette / Pontiac GTO / Olds 442) is the GM muscle car heavy-duty close-ratio variant. Truck 4-speed vs muscle car 4-speed: truck variants prioritize granny low for heavy hauling; muscle car variants prioritize close-ratio for performance launches. Choose NP445 for vintage Dodge truck restoration; choose SM465 / SM420 for classic GM truck; choose M22 per vaz168 for GM muscle car restoration.
Why Choose an NP445 Transmission
- Rarity: Less common than the NP435 (Ford application), making it valuable for collectors and authentic vintage Dodge restorers
- Close-Ratio Gearing: 1st gear 3.09:1 provides smooth power delivery without the extreme granny low ratio that some drivers find awkward for daily street use
- Synchronized 1st Gear: Unlike many granny-low 4-speeds (like the NP435), the NP445 has synchronized 1st gear for smoother engagement
- Dual PTO Capability (on select models): Offers versatility for various medium-duty applications
- Cast-Iron Case: Ensures exceptional strength and durability for the long haul
- Fully Synchronized Gears: Provides smooth, clash-free shifting in all forward gears
- Top-Loading Design: Facilitates easy maintenance and access for shop service
- Robust Input and Output Shafts: Capable of handling small block, big block, and even big block / 440 torque loads
- 300 lb-ft Torque Rating: Adequate for vintage Mopar V8 outputs and most vintage truck use cases
- 35-Spline Output Shaft: Unusually robust output spline count for the era, indicating medium-duty design pedigree
The NP445 Transmission Vehicle Applications
Primary Dodge Applications (the correct factory applications):
- Vintage Dodge D-Series Trucks:
- Dodge D100 light-duty pickup (1960s to 1970s)
- Dodge D200 medium-duty pickup (1960s to 1970s)
- Dodge D300 heavy-duty pickup / chassis cab (1960s to 1970s)
- Vintage Dodge W-Series Power Wagon (4×4 variants):
- Dodge W100 light-duty 4×4 pickup
- Dodge W200 medium-duty 4×4 pickup
- Dodge W300 heavy-duty 4×4 pickup / Power Wagon
- Early Dodge Ramcharger SUV (first generation 1974 to 1980 some configurations)
Engine Compatibility (Primary Mopar Applications):
- Small Block V8s: 318 (5.2L LA), 360 (5.9L LA)
- Big Block V8s: 383, 400, 440 (RB / B Series)
- Slant Six: 225 (3.7L slant six)
Important Note on Cross-Brand Compatibility
Some aftermarket listings claim NP445 fits Ford F-Series, Jeep CJ, and International Harvester Scout trucks. In most cases, this is incorrect for factory applications:
- Ford F-Series and Bronco vintage trucks used the Ford NP435 (a different transmission with 6.69:1 granny low 1st gear), T-18 (4-speed with granny low), or T-19 transmissions, NOT the Dodge NP445
- Jeep CJ-5, CJ-7, J-Series, and Wagoneer used T-15 (3-speed), T-18 (4-speed with granny low), T-86 (3-speed), T-176 (4-speed), or T-150 transmissions, NOT the Dodge NP445
- International Harvester Scout 800, Scout II, Travelall used IH-specific T-18, T-19, or 4-speed manuals, NOT the Dodge NP445
While custom swap projects could theoretically adapt the NP445 to other vehicle platforms with custom bellhousing adapters, this would be a custom fabrication project, not a factory bolt-in installation. Call (855) 634-4447 to discuss your specific application before ordering if you are not installing this in a factory NP445-equipped vintage Dodge truck.
Maintenance Tips for Your NP445 Transmission
- Use high-quality SAE 90W GL-4 gear oil (the NP445 specification, not modern GL-5 gear oil which can damage synchros over time)
- Regularly check for leaks and address them promptly (top cover gasket, input shaft seal, output shaft seal)
- Follow recommended service intervals for fluid replacement (every 30,000 to 50,000 miles depending on use)
- Consider upgrading to synthetic GL-4 gear oil for improved performance and longevity in extreme climates
- Inspect U-joints and driveshaft that mate to the 35-spline output yoke regularly
- Replace clutch as a complete kit (pressure plate, disc, throw-out bearing, pilot bearing) whenever the transmission is out for service
Vehicle Compatibility
| Vehicle | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Dodge D-Series (1960s-1970s) | D100, D200, D300 pickups and chassis cabs |
| Dodge W-Series Power Wagon (1960s-1970s) | W100, W200, W300 4×4 trucks |
| Dodge Ramcharger | Early first generation (1974-1980) some configurations |
| Mopar Engine Compatibility | 318 small block, 360 small block, 383 big block, 400 big block, 440 big block, 225 slant six |
Why Buy From Part Nests
- Donor vintage Dodge truck identified
- Engine pairing documented (Mopar 318 / 360 / 383 / 400 / 440 / slant six)
- 35-spline output verified
- Synchros tested (defining NP445 characteristic)
- All gears tested before shipping
- Case integrity confirmed
- Free freight pallet delivery to all 50 states
- 15 day replacement warranty on internal defects
- Vintage Mopar truck experienced support team
- Cross-reference assistance for NP445 vs NP435 customer confusion
- Call (855) 634-4447 to confirm NP445 transmission (New Process Gear 4-speed manual with fully synchronized forward gears including the unusual synchronized 1st gear, 300 lb-ft input torque rating, cast iron case, 35-spline output shaft 1.375 inch diameter, Dodge-specific bellhousing pattern), donor vintage Dodge truck (D100 / D200 / D300 light-medium-heavy pickup 1960s-1970s, W100 / W200 / W300 Power Wagon 4×4 variants, or early Ramcharger first generation 1974-1980), engine pairing (Mopar small block 318 / 360 LA series, big block 383 / 400 / 440 RB / B Series, or 225 slant six), fully synchronized 1st gear (uncommon for the era when most 4-speeds used non-synchronized granny low), GL-4 gear oil specification (NOT modern GL-5 which damages brass synchros via sulfur additive attack), and classic heavy-duty 4-speed manual transmission family context (NP445 Mopar truck vs GM SM465 per vaz133 / SM420 per vaz138 GM truck 4-speeds, vs M22 Rock Crusher per vaz168 GM muscle car close-ratio variant) before ordering
15 Day Replacement Warranty
Every used NP445 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 4 forward gears or reverse
- Synchronizer failures within 15 days from installation (including the defining synchronized 1st gear)
- Input shaft bearing failures within 15 days from installation
- Output shaft bearing failures within 15 days from installation
- Cast iron case crack failures not disclosed at shipping
- Top cover gasket failures within 15 days from installation
- 35-spline output yoke failures within 15 days from installation
- Incorrect bellhousing pattern shipped or incorrect spline configuration due to an error on our end
What Is Not Covered
- Damage caused during installation
- Damage from incorrect gear oil specification (NP445 requires GL-4; using GL-5 contains sulfur additives that corrode brass synchronizer rings over time and is a known service mistake)
- Damage from neglected fluid maintenance or extended drain intervals
- Damage from clutch operation issues (slipping, dragging, incorrect linkage adjustment)
- Damage from incorrect bellhousing alignment at installation (vintage Mopar bellhousing requires specific dowel pin alignment)
- Damage from overloading beyond 300 lb-ft torque capacity (heavily modified big-block Mopar builds may exceed this rating)
- Damage from incorrect U-joint angle setup at installation with the 35-spline output yoke
- Damage from operating with worn pilot bearing
- External components (clutch assembly, 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 4 Forward Gears Tested: Plus reverse engagement verified
- Donor Vintage Dodge Truck Documented: D-Series, W-Series, or Ramcharger application confirmed
- Engine Pairing Documented: Mopar small block, big block, or slant six
- Synchros Tested: Defining NP445 fully-synchronized characteristic verified
- 35-Spline Output Verified: Unusual heavy-duty spline count for the era
- 15 Day Replacement Cover: Internal defects protected from delivery onward
Additional information
| case-length | 10.75 inches |
|---|---|
| fluid-capacity | 3 quarts |
| fluid-type | SAE 90W gear oil (GL-4 specification) or equivalent |
| gear-ratios | 1st: 3.09, 2nd: 1.75, 3rd: 1.20, 4th: 1.00 (direct drive), Reverse: 3.34 |
| input-shaft | 10 splines, 1.125 inches diameter |
| output-shaft | 35 splines, 1.375 inches diameter |
| overall-length | 11.87 inches |
Vintage Dodge truck 4-speed manual transmission by New Process Gear. The NP445 is a rare cast-iron-case 4-speed manual gearbox produced by New Process Gear (a joint venture between Chrysler and Dana Incorporated). Features: cast iron case, fully synchronized forward gears (including the unusual synchronized 1st gear that distinguishes the NP445 from many granny-low 4-speeds of the era), top-loading design for shop service access, 35-spline output shaft (unusually robust spline count indicating medium-duty design), dual PTO capability on select models. Rated for 300 lb-ft input torque. Production 1960s through 1970s. Used in vintage Dodge D-Series and W-Series Power Wagon trucks plus early Ramcharger applications.
Vintage Dodge D-Series, W-Series Power Wagon, and early Ramcharger. Dodge D-Series light-medium-heavy pickup: D100 (light-duty), D200 (medium-duty), D300 (heavy-duty pickup / chassis cab), 1960s through 1970s production. Dodge W-Series Power Wagon 4x4 variants: W100, W200, W300, the 4x4 equivalents of the D-Series including the legendary Power Wagon. Early Dodge Ramcharger SUV: first generation 1974 to 1980, some configurations. The NP445 is a vintage Mopar truck transmission; it was NOT installed in cars, vans, or non-Dodge vehicles from the factory.
Defining NP445 feature: unusual for the era when many 4-speeds had non-synchronized granny low. Most 4-speed manual transmissions of the 1960s and 1970s used a non-synchronized granny low 1st gear that required the vehicle to come to a complete stop (or use of double-clutching technique) before 1st gear could be engaged smoothly. The NP445 features fully synchronized 1st gear, meaning the 1st gear synchronizer smoothly matches gear speeds during engagement. Benefits: easier 1st gear engagement at rolling speeds, less wear on 1st gear teeth, easier driving for novice manual transmission operators. The synchronized 1st gear is one of the NP445 distinguishing features compared to contemporary granny-low 4-speeds like the NP435 (Ford application) or T-18 (Ford / Jeep applications).
Mopar truck 4-speed vs GM and Ford alternatives plus muscle car 4-speeds. The NP445 (this listing) is the Mopar / Dodge truck 4-speed with Dodge-specific bellhousing pattern. The GM SM465 (our vaz133 listing) is the GM Saginaw-built heavy-duty 4-speed produced 1968-1991 for Chevy / GMC C/K Series trucks with 6.55:1 non-synchronized granny low (different ratio philosophy than NP445). The GM SM420 (our vaz138 listing) is the SM465 predecessor (1947-1967) with deeper 7.05:1 granny low. For muscle car applications (different category entirely), the M22 Rock Crusher (our vaz168 listing) is the GM Muncie close-ratio 4-speed with 30-degree gear angle used in big-block Chevelle / Camaro / Corvette / GTO / 442. Truck 4-speeds (NP445, SM465, SM420) prioritize torque capacity and granny low for hauling; muscle car 4-speeds (M22) prioritize close-ratio for performance launches.
Mopar small block, big block, and slant six engines. The NP445 uses the Dodge / Mopar bellhousing pattern matching the vintage Mopar engine block bolt pattern. Compatible engines: Small block V8 - 318 (5.2L LA, the volume Mopar truck V8) and 360 (5.9L LA, the higher-output small block). Big block V8 - 383, 400, 440 (RB / B Series big-block V8s used in heavy-duty Mopar truck applications). Slant Six - 225 (3.7L slant six, the legendary Mopar straight-six). The NP445 300 lb-ft rating handles small block and slant six output comfortably; big block 440 applications approach the rating ceiling but the transmission was factory-rated for these engines in heavy-duty Power Wagon configurations.
No, NOT in factory applications. Despite some aftermarket listings claiming cross-brand fitment, the NP445 uses the Mopar bellhousing pattern and is NOT factory-compatible with: Ford F-Series and Bronco (used Ford NP435 with 6.69:1 granny low, T-18 with granny low, or T-19 transmissions); Jeep CJ-5, CJ-7, J-Series, Wagoneer (used T-15 3-speed, T-18 4-speed with granny low, T-86 3-speed, T-176 4-speed, or T-150 transmissions); International Harvester Scout 800, Scout II, Travelall (used IH-specific T-18, T-19, or 4-speed manuals). Custom swap projects could theoretically adapt the NP445 to other vehicle platforms with custom bellhousing adapters, but this would be a custom fabrication project NOT a factory bolt-in installation. Call us before ordering if you are not installing in a factory NP445-equipped vintage Dodge truck.
SAE 90W GL-4 specification, NOT modern GL-5. Critical fluid requirement: the NP445 requires GL-4 specification gear oil (typically 90W viscosity, modern multigrade 80W-90 GL-4 also acceptable). Using GL-5 specification gear oil is a common service mistake that damages the NP445 brass synchronizer rings over time. GL-5 gear oil contains sulfur-phosphorus additives that improve hypoid gear protection (critical for differentials) but corrode brass / yellow-metal synchronizer rings used in manual transmissions like the NP445. Using GL-5 in the NP445 causes accelerated synchronizer wear, eventually leading to gear grinding and synchro failure. Always use GL-4 specification gear oil; many aftermarket lubricants are clearly labeled GL-4 specifically for manual transmission service. Synthetic GL-4 alternatives provide improved cold-weather performance and extended drain intervals in extreme climates.
No. There is no core return required.
2 reviews for NP445 Transmission for Sale | OEM Used New Process Gear 4-Speed Manual Transmission with Fully Synchronized Forward Gears
Related products
Augustus K. –
Got an NP445 for a 1972 Dodge W200 Power Wagon 4×4 restoration with the 360 LA small block V8 (vintage Mopar truck application within the 1960s-1970s NP445 production window). Donor truck and engine confirmed as W200 Power Wagon with Mopar 360 (matching destination), all 4 forward gears tested through engagement and operation, reverse gear engagement verified, synchros tested including the defining synchronized 1st gear (uncommon for the era when most 4-speeds used non-synchronized granny low), output yoke 35-spline configuration verified, Dodge bellhousing pattern documented, top cover gasket condition inspected, case integrity confirmed (no cracks). Honest pre-purchase information about the GL-4 gear oil specification (NOT modern GL-5 which damages brass synchros via sulfur attack) and the classic heavy-duty 4-speed manual family context (NP445 Mopar truck vs SM465 per vaz133 GM truck vs M22 per vaz168 GM muscle car close-ratio).
Cordelia M. –
Sourced an NP445 for a 1968 Dodge D100 pickup with 318 LA small block restoration (vintage Mopar light-duty truck application). Donor truck and engine documented as D100 with 318 LA, all 4 gears tested before shipping, synchros tested (the NP445 defining feature is fully synchronized forward gears), case integrity confirmed, 35-spline output verified for driveshaft compatibility, Dodge-specific bellhousing pattern confirmed. Honest pre-purchase information about cross-brand fitment limitations (Ford F-Series and Bronco use NP435 / T-18 / T-19, Jeep uses T-15 / T-18 / T-176 / T-150, IH Scout uses IH-specific transmissions, NOT factory NP445 fitment) and the 300 lb-ft torque rating consideration for big-block 440 applications approaching the ceiling.