I have always had a manual on all of my 2nd gen cummins trucks, mainly due to the obvious reason's we all know with dodge transmissions, to include failure, reliability, strength, and PRICE (auto), especially when you add any power to it.

So now I am trying to do a crash course on auto transmission in 2nd gens cause I am clueless on everything/anything with them. Man this is making me feel so dumb...

Gonna be trying to learn about lockup, torque converter stall, billet this and billet that, what auto parts, auto computers or tuners?, etc...

I am so so so tempted to put a nv4500 in this build, just for the availability and strength! Please reference 24v 1500 Cummins Thread check it out in the cummins swap section)

1999 Ram 1500 Shortbed 2wd Cummins Inspiration Video of what I'm going for

But I think Ill regret it in the end since this will be a play truck obviously. (Keep in mind I plan to try and keep power around or below 600hp) Ill just be spinning the tires irregardless in this light truck... NO -

I have rebuilt my NV5600 before (for my truck in sig) but I think rebuilding an auto would be way out of my league even with my extensive mechanic background with JD.

So Ill list just a few questions/thoughts to start with for the well versed auto guys.

1- Should I still go for an auto over a simple nv4500?

2- Could I rebuild an auto? (this could expand into another big discussion via what parts/brand etc.)

3- Who/where would you choose to send a core to and have them rebuild it for you? $$Suncoast - ATS$ Transmission - ETC

Edited March 3Mar 3 by Stanley

As for the NV4500 series talk to @Doubletrouble he's actually rebuilt his own transmission for a 5 speed. 5 speeds are easy to rebuild according to DoubleTrouble.

When I had the relationship with Dynamic Transmissions he showed me that in a 12 hour day you can rebuild a transmission fairly easy. The only special tool is a press for unloading the spring tension in the overdrive basket. Everything else is standard hand tools.

As for rebuilders. Be careful, you don't hook up with a guy who only builds racing transmissions. A lot of people opt for low stall converters and shift kits that may be rather harsh. Consider the purpose of this truck and what it's going to be used for. Be very clear to anyone doing your rebuild that they understand what the purpose of this truck is. Like out here, low stall would be bad, as it would operate the engine at too low an RPM, climbing mountain roads with a max speed of 15 to 25 MPH. Why I like my manuals, they don't care till your hauling heavy, then you'll see the trans temp rise. Racing is one thing daily driver is another, where you don't want to be too late for a shift or too early. That was one part of the 46RE I didn't like: 4th gear typically dropped in and locked up way too early.

Ive heard the nv4500 are alot simpler/easier than the nv5600. The 56 the case has to be dropped onto the whole stack of everything and its a pain the line up!

Im mainly asking those questions in the sense I am going only going auto, aside from the first one which was should I stick to my guns and go auto or go the simple route of the 5spd. Lol

Personally I prefer the 5 speed NV4500 over an Auto. Even cheaper to rebuild a 5 speed than any 47RE. Just consider billet shafts for an 47RE.

4 hours ago, Mopar1973Man said:

Personally I prefer the 5 speed NV4500 over an Auto. Even cheaper to rebuild a 5 speed than any 47RE. Just consider billet shafts for an 47RE.

Even just for a fun play truck, grocery getter, type deal?

Im no stranger to rowing gears, small and big trucks. I have never driven a go-fast play truck with an auto though. The auto calls for me lol but the headache, price, and complexity keep leading me back to manual... Im just trying to justify which one, and its a booger.

Think about your purpose mostly. What is the plan for the truck and what will it be used for the most? Then build this truck for that purpose and enjoy the craft you made!

I totally understand why some like the automatics for the stomp and GO! Just one thing to keep in mind, automatics like to have a final ratio closer to 3.73 after tires to reduce the stress on the internal parts. So to make sure you figuring your tires in the part of the design too!

I might try and sell my whole NV5600 manual setup. That would prolly get most of the money for a built trans.

Anyone need a full NV5600, 6spd 4x4 swap??? With t-case?

Prolly sell axles/rolling frame too, D70 and D80, both disc brakes, 4.10's with detroit truetrak differential, mag hytec cover

Suspension?

Still learning transmissions... Still looking for a trans and came across this trans local to me. Its a 48RE though.???? Kinda high price just to rebuild to handle 650 ish hp, definitely not a core price lol...

Thoughts??

Remember the notation.

47RE

4 gears forward

7 on a 0 to 9 torque scale

R ear wheel drive

E lectronic Shift 4th Gear

48RE is the same mostly but the torque limit is higher. Plugs and connectors are most likely the hang up.

7 minutes ago, Mopar1973Man said:

Plugs and connectors are most likely the hang up.

Probably not my best choice then. Ok so ill stick with the 47RE for simplicty - done.

Been reading on FMVB vs regular, seems like Id like it but not super street friendly and cost more lol

Need to readup on lockup switches, OD switch, and everything else that deals with these autos. The time is getting close to start tear down for the 1/2 ton cummins swap...!

Also need advice from everyone on which vendor to choose for an new trans.

Revmax

ATS- heard not so good

Randy's

Suncoast

???

Even though the fallout but i would say try Dynamic Transmissions out of Washington. He actually is really good builder. Even custom valve body set ups.

1 hour ago, Mopar1973Man said:

Dynamic Transmissions out of Washington. He actually is really good builder

Agree.

• John

Just browsed their site, looks to me that they only offer the 48RE and 68RFE transmissions.

39 minutes ago, Stanley said:

Just browsed their site, looks to me that they only offer the 48RE and 68RFE transmissions.

Well he was a rebuilder for the site years ago. I was hoping but I guess not.

Well, any second choices?

Im gonna be really flying by the seat of my pants on this auto stuff. I am solely counting on yall for guidance on this build.... no pressure

Hmmm... I know in the documents section of downloads, there is a copy of the transmission service manual. My problem I've only been working on manuals most of my life, rare to see automatics, and even then, most are still working properly.

Ill jump in here after just recently buying a nv4500 truck but after putting almost 300k on my 02 with 47re ive had for 20 years

My 47re was refreshed ounce by a mechanic. That lasted till the cheap tourqe convertor they used failed.

At this point i decided to try my hand at a build myself. Orderd all seals bushings gpz fibers set kole steels cant remember evering. I spent about 2200 in parts. Threw virtually all the upgraded internals a good convertor this time.

Long story short. My new to me nv4500 truck is like driving a old farm tractor in rush hour traffic. Everyone honking get out of the way.

My 47 is quick tuff and reliable fun to drive ,i will not ever do manual swap on 2nd gen that has a 47 trans. In my opion they are much more fun hold more power more convient and comfortable. Offcourse with the right stuff in them.

Then the nv4500 5th gear nut comes off. I think mikes has come of 5 or 8 times. Kidding. It was only 3 times

Thats my take.

Im reading your stuff.

I played with the convertor lock up switches for a few years cause all the cool guys had switches i now find them completly unnessary

A full manual valve body would be cool for dedicated off road rig or maybe pull truck or something.

I do recomend buying a valve body set up to your needs. This will be night and day from stock just that alo will make your truck feel like it has more power build more boost and get better mpg paired with good clut hes and internals you will not be dissapointed.

However you could run into issues with shop or your self being able install and set up transmission correctly. Its not rocket science but does take some know how and time yo get it right

You will love a tight crisp driving 47re youve made a good choice.

13 hours ago, Evan said:

Then the nv4500 5th gear nut comes off. I think mikes has come of 5 or 8 times. Kidding. It was only 3 times

Never actually. Never had 5th gear nut issue. I broke mainshafts twice and destroyed 5th gear and 3rd gear. Never 5th gear nut.

I thought you didn't even do the work on your transmission.

Fall out comment shhhhh lets not go there.

I think 48re has a tv drive motor instead of cable.

Power Driven diesel in utah is great source for 47 48 information. Ive spent time on tge phone with him..

Ounce i started making phone calls i gained far more information than what is on forumns.

Dynamic and i also probly spent an hour on tge phone. Hes great guy full of information years of it.

A source that popped out of nowhere was transgo. I did a full valve body reprogram this goes far beyon a basic shift kit. I was in over my head.

Called transgo literally in tears. He walked me through it step by step dug in his years of 47re notes to talk about what he and his customers found to work. Talked about my expectations how i use the truck what tourge convertor the stall. Transmission internals so much help was given to me by transgo.

These people are valuable beyond what words can explain and the are not posting on forumns or face book.

Mike also falls under this value umbrella his forumn though a huge pain the *** has been collecting information as mike learns and grows as a cummins nut as well many others who contribute they're years of knowledge gained on these great trucks we love.

Getting off the internet and making phone calls was an incredible eye opener for me. They in my mind are virtually gods and are willing to share everything they learned.

Also for what its worth the 47 can hold far more power than the nv4500 or g56. If your building a truck with real power you just dont use a manual