NV stands for New Venture Gear. In essence, it is a Magna Powertrain division that was a partnership between New Process Gear and GM Hydramatic. Today, this division is no longer in existence.
The division produced a variety of transmissions and transfer cases for truck applications. Moreover, they also produced a few FWD transmissions.
The identification of these truck transmissions may be tough. This is due to no relevant markings for decoding models or ID tags in many cases. This is why you need to go through the construction and take measurements.
Now, how do you know if your transmission is from New Venture Gear? The answer is that they only produced 5 and 6 speeds. Thus, if it’s a four-speed, it’s definitely not a New Venture Gear.
Keep scrolling as we tell you the real story of NV3500 vs. NV4500. Here, we’ll let you know all the information about both so that you may recognize each with confidence!
Nv3500 vs. nv4500: Comparative Analysis
Scroll down to learn more about the NV3500 and NV4500. And, how are they different in characteristics.
What is NV3500?
Commonly known as NV3500, the New Venture Gear 3500 is a 5-speed overdrive manual transmission. New Venture Gear manufactured this transmission. Dodge and GM used it in compact and full-size light trucks.
In 1998, the NV3500 transmission was launched by the name of HM290. GM trucks had VN3500 installation. Eventually, NV3500 re-designated as the 5LM60 with two different designs.
The NV3500 complimented both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive vehicles. Today, you may find the current NV3500 in full-size Dodge Dakota V8 Ram trucks from 1994 or later, S10 trucks from 1990 or later, and GM trucks from 1988 or later. In essence, the NV3500 is a five-speed manual transmission.
NV3500 Engineering And Transmission Features
The use of helical-type, constant-mesh gears reduced the noise. A slight offset between two shift gates and a reverse synchronizer prevented the shift from reversing during the forward movement. This uses a nine-degree cone angle and can clash if there’s an attempt of a shift to reverse about 5 m/h.
A single rail in the NV3500 controlled the three shift-fork assemblies. Besides, the shift forks controlled the shift of two different gears. The NV3500 avails three synchronizer assemblies from the output shaft assembly: 1-2, 3-4, and 5-reverse.
Constant-mesh transmissions used three different selectable snap rings that end-play clearances and adjusted gear. All the gears constantly mesh with each other in these transmissions, but none transmitted torque until the engagement of the synchronizer.
The clutch assembly consists of a mechanical clutch system and hydraulic actuation system.
The use of a front case, aluminum-casting clutch housing reduced more weight. Besides, the vented clutch housing decreased heat and elevated clutch life.
The shift lever extension of the Dodge Ram had a square bore snapping over the transmission shift lever while pressing.
The shift lever extension of Dakota was round with a threaded bore screwed on the shift lever. Between the extension and the shift lever, a rubber isolator kept vibrating.
NV3500 Features
- Weight: 110 pounds, dry
- Rated for 310 ft lb of torque
- Shift the tower-mounted shift lever
- Two-piece aluminum housing with no access plates
- Fully synchronized forward and reverse gears
- The distance between the centerline of the main shaft and the countershaft is 85 mm
- Single shift rail
What is Nv4500?
Commonly known as NV4500, the New Venture Gear 4500 is a 5-speed manual transmission. New Venture Gear manufactured this transmission. Chrysler products and General Motors used it in trucks between 1991 and 2007.
NV4500 Engineering And Transmission Features
Chrysler’s New Process Corporation and GM’s Muncie Transmission Division joined hands together to develop a full product line of manual transmissions. This way, The New Venture Gear Corporation came into existence.
The NV4500 is an important highlight of the venture. It features a granny low first gear with a fifth gear overdrive.
In essence, the NV4500 is a constant mesh heavy-duty, helical geared five-speed transmission. Synchronization is ensured in all forward gears. However, a synchronized reverse was offered by the initial Dodge version.
The shifter top cover has the NV4500 transmission attached to it. The tag shows the build date and transmission model number. The details on the tag are important to order the right replacement parts.
The NV4500 transmission is still among the most versatile and popular transmissions for converting into your 2 or 4 Wheel Drive. This venture offered complete transmissions, rebuild parts, and a full line of engine adapters for the NV4500.
The transmission case is casted iron with an aluminum top cover that featured dual PTO ports and measured 12.375 inch.
The shifter handle offers better accessibility over older granny four-speed.
Dodge 4wd NV4500 transmission has maintained the same gear ratio and bolt pattern throughout production. However, variations occur between gas versus diesel models.
NV4500 Lubrication
The NV4500 transmission may use around one gallon of synthetic oil. You may find availability of the oil at your local GM authorized dealer, or your local Dodge authorized dealer. This synthetic oil has different properties that do not break down.
The transmissions also involve synchronizer rings made from fibrous material. The wrong fluid may cause the unit to develop a sticky shift. If you use the wrong fluid, you’ll need rebuild the transmission.
NV4500 Features
- Max Engine Torque: 460
- Transmission Weight: 195Lbs
- Reverse Gear Ratio: 5.04
- Case Material: Cast Iron
- Bellhousing Length: 6.50 GM
- Stock Adapter Length: 8.125 GM and 6.25 Dodge
- Case Length: 12.375
- Forward Speeds: 5
Nv3500 vs. nv4500: Quick Comparison
NV 3500 has a two-piece aluminum case with a top-mounted tower shifter and integrated bell housing. It is a light-duty, five-speed manual transmission.
The NV3500 has a two-piece case that must be “split” in order to perform repairs on the internal components and does not have any other access point to the inside of the transmission. The front section of the transmission case contains an integrated bell housing. At approximately 110 lbs, the NV3500 is relatively lightweight.
A more robust version of the transmission, the NV3500-HD, was used exclusively in the Dodge Dakota midsize pickup from 1994 to 2004 model years; it features a slightly higher input torque rating.
On the other hand, NV4500 is a versatile five-speed manual conversion and upgrade transmission in SUVs and light trucks from Dodge, General Motors, Jeep, Ford, and Toyota. Commercially produced adapters are available for mating the transmission with different engines.
There were a lot of amendments during the production of the transmission. However, the following are the two main variations:
NV4500HD: Dodge light-duty trucks with the Cummins Turbo Diesel and the V10 Magnum gas engine used it.
NV4500LD: GM gas and diesel applications and Dodge V8 gas applications used it.
The Last Thoughts
Conclusively, a division of Magna Powertrain, New Venture Gear, is an automobile and light truck transmission company.
The Muncie plant under New Venture Gear produced the NV3500, NV3500, and NV4500 light truck transmissions.
Though learning the distinction between NV3500 and NV4500 may not be very clear-cut, the takeaway of this article is that trying to explain the comparative analysis of NV3500 and NV4500.
Indeed, it is a simple topic to get lost in. However, there is a lot of conflicting information available without the back up of evidence. We hope this article has left you feeling more enlightened than confused.
