Hey everyone, I've got a 1984 dodge d100 with a 318 and a automatic 727. The transmission is going bad and next summer I'm putting a NV4500 in it. However, I don't know what bell housing I need. Anyone have the answer to this? Thanks.
NV4500 swap.
- Thread starter JSmith
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You're going to need an adapter for a regular 318 bellhousing.
Professor Fate
Push the button, Max...
If memory serves, the NV4500 wasn't available until 1989 or so- by then they had gone to hydraulic clutch linkage, as opposed to your '84 using a mechanical clutch linkage.
Since you are converting from an automatic, you'll need to adapt the later hydraulic linkage and components to your '84, and then use the '89 and later NV4500 bell for a smallblock.
Be aware that the Dodge NV4500 came in at least 2 versions- one for the smallblock and one for the Cummins. There are differences to the input shaft that make them not interchangeable without swapping the shafts and associated hardware.
Since you are converting from an automatic, you'll need to adapt the later hydraulic linkage and components to your '84, and then use the '89 and later NV4500 bell for a smallblock.
Be aware that the Dodge NV4500 came in at least 2 versions- one for the smallblock and one for the Cummins. There are differences to the input shaft that make them not interchangeable without swapping the shafts and associated hardware.
Do you know how difficult those are to find? Good LUCK!
67Dart273
Well-Known Member
I believe this is pretty much correct and I "think" the easiest way would be to drum up an equally rare late model SB bell that was out of the truck that the 4500 came out of. "Good luck with that"
I believe part of the reason they are rare is that the 1/2 tons got the smaller 3500
Correct! Which is why I recommended the adapter.
Professor Fate
Push the button, Max...
Amen- I've been trying for a couple of years to find one to swap into my '66 Sweptline. And when I do find one, it's ridiculous $$. Considering a Getrag instead; people seem to be swapping them out for the NVs, so they're considerably cheaper. But, there's a reason that they're swapping them out...
All good information. I'll probably just get the adapter. I use the truck as a daily driver and would rather have it working than have simplicity. I don't have the room ( or money) to have a designated "project" car, so I'm making small modifications as I have the money. 
Contact Gill Welding in Tennessee. They can make you one. They made my slant 6 to T5 adapter.All good information. I'll probably just get the adapter. I use the truck as a daily driver and would rather have it working than have simplicity. I don't have the room ( or money) to have a designated "project" car, so I'm making small modifications as I have the money.
67Dart273
Well-Known Member
Does anyone have a realistic comparison/ idea in mind of just how good or bad the NV3500 is, AKA either in Dakota or 1/2 T? Are they say, way weaker than an 833? About the same? What do you think, compared to the old NP 4 speed 435 used for years?
Something to keep in mind, I believe the NV4500 was behind some 4.7 V-8 in later half tons. The bell pattern on the 4.7 and 5.7 is same as old small block. LA and Magnum. Use the 318 truck flywheel with the 4.7 clutch assembly.
Professor Fate
Push the button, Max...
Don't be too quick to buy an adapter- you're swapping from an automatic and you don't even have a bellhousing of any kind yet. Once you start accumulating parts, you may get lucky and score the correct bellhousing... who knows. They'll be in the 3/4 ton and up trucks; flatbed/stakebeds and 1t. dumps are good sources, manual trannys are a little more common in workhorse trucks than in civvy pickups.All good information. I'll probably just get the adapter. I use the truck as a daily driver and would rather have it working than have simplicity. I don't have the room ( or money) to have a designated "project" car, so I'm making small modifications as I have the money.
67Dart273
Well-Known Member
Only thing I've seen in 1/2 tons is the 3500
Professor Fate
Push the button, Max...
They also got the NV2500 and AX15 in some years- I've always thought those were Dakota-only, but I found a 2500 in one half ton and pulled a spare AX15 for my Dakota out of another... it seems like in some years they used whatever they could get the cheapest or was the most available (that almost sounds vaguely AMCish, doesn't it?).
I did mis speak. Looks like they used the 3500 up until around 05.
RegularJay
Well-Known Member
I have a gas NV4500 & small block bellhousing if you want a picture of what you're looking for - mines a 4wd version but the bell is the same
C130 Chief
Mechanical Genius
Novak Adapters has quite an extensive knowledge base regarding common transmissions, transfer cases and engines on their site. It's biased towards 4WD vehicles, but 2WD is pretty much the same but simpler. Novak Conversions :: Manual
446acuda
Well-Known Member
For reference, here are some pictures of a NV4500 out of a '92 2WD half ton with a 318 Magnum. It has a 21-spline input (not a typo, 21 and not 23)
EDIT actually the input is 1" - 19-spline.
EDIT actually the input is 1" - 19-spline.
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greymouser7
Vagrant Vagabond “Veni Vidi Vici”
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My friend swapped a manual transmission into his automatic-from the factory Mopar using 'Lokar' components with a cable, tubes, and reservoir for the hydraulic clutch portions of his conversion-I believe he used a stock clutch pedal though.
That would be great. I plan on a 4wd conversion, but that's down the road.
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