5600 to 4500 Swap Concerns

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FosterW

How Now Brown Cow
Joined
Oct 28, 2008
Messages
460
Hey All,

My NV5600 is slowly but surely on its way out in more ways then one:bang
So..
I have thought about rebuilding it myself since I have access to tools and a shop, but figured it would be cheaper and quicker to buy a reman unit. I just don't want to run into these same problems associated with 5600's down the road again.
Which bring me to the thought of swapping in a NV4500 from a '98+ truck. I'm sure its been done before but didn't see anything when searching on here.
So I have a few questions for everyone with some experience.

  • What are the gear ratios of the '98+ NV4500?

  • With fully splined mainshaft, 3rd and 5th addressed and 1 3/8 input, will this transmission be more durable and longer lasting than a 5600?

  • Will different length driveshafts be needed?

  • Will a different crossmember be needed?

This is all I can think of now. Let me know if you know of anything else I might run into. This is just a feeler thread by the way to see how feasible this swap is. Thank you in advance:thankyou2:
 
FosterW said:
Hey All,

My NV5600 is slowly but surely on its way out in more ways then one:bang
So..
I have thought about rebuilding it myself since I have access to tools and a shop, but figured it would be cheaper and quicker to buy a reman unit. I just don't want to run into these same problems associated with 5600's down the road again.
Which bring me to the thought of swapping in a NV4500 from a '98+ truck. I'm sure its been done before but didn't see anything when searching on here.
So I have a few questions for everyone with some experience.

  • What are the gear ratios of the '98+ NV4500?

  • With fully splined mainshaft, 3rd and 5th addressed and 1 3/8 input, will this transmission be more durable and longer lasting than a 5600?

  • Will different length driveshafts be needed?

  • Will a different crossmember be needed?

This is all I can think of now. Let me know if you know of anything else I might run into. This is just a feeler thread by the way to see how feasible this swap is. Thank you in advance:thankyou2:
Click to expand...

I would stay with the nv5600 if I were you. The nv4500 isn't any better. My brother just had his nv5600 rebuilt for total bill of $1000 in/out. The guy does great work & comes with warranty. If you want his number, pm me.
 
This is a very "arguable" subject. Guys swear by either one. My experience and as well as most of my buddies experience is the 4500s can't touch the 5600's performance. $.02
 
i am in the same boat i talked to a few people about rebuilding mine swaping in a nv4500 or a g56 they said stick with the nv5600 im not sure if i can tackle it myself but if have acess to the tools and the manual to do one and a rebuild kit is like $560 but i think i might just have midwest transmission rebuild it since a friend is a dealer for them so i know i dont mess it up
 
Thanks for the replies guys! I might be sticking with my 5600 as Cummins724 might have found me a very good deal on a re-built unit.
 
I know I will need different length driveshafts and a crossmember from a 5spd truck, but

Would I be able to re-use my stock clutch if I swap in a 4500?
Also, does the clutch linkage, and clutch hydraulics match up when swaping in a 4500?

I also found the gear ratios for the 4500 too so I don't need that info. anymore.
 
FosterW said:
I know I will need different length driveshafts and a crossmember from a 5spd truck, but

Would I be able to re-use my stock clutch if I swap in a 4500?
Also, does the clutch linkage, and clutch hydraulics match up when swaping in a 4500?

I also found the gear ratios for the 4500 too so I don't need that info. anymore.
Click to expand...

Clutch depends on input size. If they are the same, then you can use the same clutch.

Hydraulics should not be an issue.
 
well after 8/99, 5600's had 1 3/8"x10 spline inputs, and the bigger clutch set, so as long as I put the 1 3/8" input in the 4500 then I should be good. If thats what you're saying?
 
FosterW said:
well after 8/99, 5600's had 1 3/8"x10 spline inputs, and the bigger clutch set, so as long as I put the 1 3/8" input in the 4500 then I should be good. If thats what you're saying?
Click to expand...

Yeah. I couldn't remember what was the last year they put the small inputs in the 5600.
 
So I'm basically looking for a complete transmission, and driveshafts then.
That is, if I don't fond a good deal on rebuilding my 5600..
Anyone else have any input?
 
enyone know if im swaping a nv4500 out for a nv5600 if the engine adaptor plate will still work or is the starter hole diffrent?
 
oldblue said:
enyone know if im swaping a nv4500 out for a nv5600 if the engine adaptor plate will still work or is the starter hole diffrent?
Click to expand...

The hole should be the same, but there is a spacer plate that is required for one trans and not for the other. Sorry I don't have more specifics.
 
Thanks for the reply I think i have one of those spacers laying a round from a clutch job that idid and thay sent one with the new clutch.
 
IMO if you do any kind of towing the 5600 if better than the 4500. but the debate over 5600 verus the 4500 if still on going, and g56 is one to thrown in the loop of the argument of which tranny is better.
 
Was just cruising Enterprise Engine's website yesterday they show a NV5600 rebuild kit for $500-600. I would stick with the NV5600 since its already in there because if you do any heavy towing you would HATE the large gap between 3rd & 4th on the 4500. Used to drive me nuts in my 1st 12V until I got a 3K GSK in it.
 
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