Well today my NV4500 went. Snapped the mainshaft and busted the crap out of the tailshaft housing (cast iron housing). Will a NV4500 out of a 2001 fit a 1997? If so I am good to go. According to the parts store they use the same clutch.
Also last month I had to have the aluminum timing plate replaced because the person I bought the truck off of used rtv to seal the broken plate after the kdp came out.
That was $1350.

I think he welded the 5th gear nut on too.

Will see if I can get some pics.

 

Here are some pics.

 

yeah you can use the one out of the 01, it will work just fine the only difference is the top plate im pretty sure

 

damn dude, that looks like it really went bang.

 

Yep, everything is the same except the shift tower and gearshift.
At least now I can get a short throw kit later.

 

what the hell were you doing

 

Shifting from 3rd to 4th.
I think the IDIOT that welded the 5th gear nut on didn't help.

 

damn, that sucks i power shift all the time and speed shift also do boosted drops i hope mine dont do that

 

Well that sucks... I heard of a few popin' but this is serious BOOM!...