guys around here are getting $2000-3000 for a running 2nd engine, but i would keep it for a swap engine..... just me tho

 

i get 1500 for a non intercooled VE pump round here

 

well look at it like this if you can afford to buy the other truck i would, but i would also let the rag in your truck. i know too many guys with nv4500's that dont run near as good as i do that have put trannys in there trucks. one of my friends with a 24v is on his 3rd nv4500

 

the worst part about the nv4500 i know of from personal experience and driving is the gap between 3rd and 4th. it is absolutely horrible when towing up hills

 

i don't like how they shift at all, seems to go into gear much harder then our rags.

 

This is true i really dont like the 3 and 4 gap on my 98. It was the first thing i noticed when i bought it. I have never been inside a getrag but i do alot of mechanicing. How hard would it be for me to rebuild the rag myself?

 

i have a 1990 2wd went through the 360 last year cuz 5th gear went out,now i am faced with 2nd gear going out. so now i am installing a nv4500(high-impact) so soon i should have a 5 speed that can take the way i drive.

 

When off-warranty 1989-'93 Dodge trucks with blown Getrags started coming in our shop in 1996, it was obvious a simple rebuild wasn't going to be the solution. These trucks came with a 7 year-70,000 mile warranty which must have caused Dodge a fortune in transmission warranty claims because nearly 75% of these trucks we have seen had one to four transmissions replaced under warranty. With that kind of track record, you know the factory part just isn't up to the job. In addition, many of the parts required were not available and those that were had a gold-plated price tag.

Our inspection of failed Getrags revealed that excessive heat and insufficient lubrication were causing the transmissions to literally self destruct from bearing failure. At that point, I started doing research on the Getrag design and service procedures, looking for possible ways to modify it for better lubrication and cooler operation. My research showed the basic problem of premature failure with the gearbox was probably a combination of premature pilot bearing failure, use, bearing preload, basic design, type of lubricant and the power of the Turbo Diesel. We considered installing an external oil cooler and using synthetic lubricant. Our conclusion: while an oil cooler might prolong transmission life, we would still see bearing failures due to the modest size of the preloaded bearings; the use of a single tapered roller bearing on the front of the main shaft to handle radial, lateral and thrust loads; and drivers who would power up hills with heavy loads in fifth gear.

The only contributing factor to Getrag failures that is easy to remedy is the clutch pilot bushing. Why Dodge used a pilot bushing in the first place is a mystery, but a simple flywheel modification that any competent machine shop can perform permits the installation of a heavy duty, sealed ball pilot bearing.

I got this off quad4x4.com.

I have purchased a few 4500 parts and upgrades from them over the years of reliable service my 4500 has given me. They've got a lot of good swap info on their site, and it's worth a look. In my experience the getrag is a leaky boat that will slowly but surely sink on you. I would never chance towing thousands of miles with one. The 4500 does have it's down falls, gap between 2nd, and 3rd, high dollar gear oil changes, aluminum t-case adapter that will crack towing over 10K. I believe you can get a bellhousing from advanced adapters, but I have no idea what the price would be. I bought my tranny and kit from Standard Transmission & Gear they might have a few things to help you out as well.
Hope this info points you in the right direction.

 

They do have an adapter kit and everyone is right about rough shifting and between 3rd and 4th it goes from screaming to bogging down but 400 plus ft lbs of torque eat that right up...... and most newer or re manufactured nv4500's have the 5th gear retainer nut up grade already installed...go with what ever the price is right I don't think you'll loose any sleep over your decision .... then again I wouldn't go against anything RSWORDS says that guy is usually right on>>>and besides its winter what better time to be laying under your truck smashing up your knuckles ..thats what its all about ....good luck

 

i have had my truck on the road for just a few days,getrag to nv4500 swap...i love it so tight! just like it was made for it, i had to shorten the drive shaft apx 6 in, had it rolling down the road in two days,i ran 93 mph