89' nv3500 to nv4500 swap

[gcochran223]

i have a 89 c2500 350 with the nv3500. i have been reading about how they are not worth a rebuild if alot power is added to them over stock and have been tossing around the idea of swapping in a nv4500 out of a one ton 2wd chevy. does anyone know if the clutch components are the same and compatible?

[roundhouse]

some company is making a direct replacement for the 3500 3550 
RSG   i think is the name,,, I believe its a beefed up AX15  trans.

the 3550s are good transmissions, but they parts are getting hard to find.
I think the company that made the trans and parts is belly up.

[Captkaos]

The NV4500 is alot stronger trans.  If you have been driving on a old trans I recommend getting a new clutch setup.  It won't be the same setup from what I know.

[Mario]

The NV4500 has a 1-1/8" 10 spline input shaft.  You can use the factory bell housing for a Chevy NV4500, if you're going to use the hydraulic slave cylinder on the passenger side.  I can't see why you couldn't use your same friction disk or pressure plate if the spline count and size matched.  Also, you'd have to use the clutch fork and throw out bearing for the NV4500.  I went from a SM 465 to the NV4500, and I used the same clutch components except for the clutch fork.

[gcochran223]

yeah its got 135000 miles on it and its already showing some wear. the previous put a new clutch in it. it does fine with the stock 190 hp 350 but i figure once i do the tbi rebuild with some updates and mods it will really get a beat down. the one positive to the 4500 would be having the granny low in it. with that 3500 it has the high first gear in it and for towing trailers and needing some pure torque that granny would be nice. plus just the reputation of the nv4500 being a more stout trans. i been pricing around in my area and there are some certified used ones going for about $400-$500. so ill prolly go that route with the new clutch etc etc. im just not familiar with inner workings of a manual when it comes to slave cylinders and how everything works. i always just had someone replace them or the clutch. thanks for the input fellas

[Dan75k20]

95 and back nv 4500s have an external slave

[gcochran223]

sound like i need a 94-95 nv4500 according to this article http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/nv4500.htm

[Dan75k20]

Also the external slave is much easier to change you don't have to pull the transmission to change or fix it

[gcochran223]

Good point on the slave.i pulled the car trailer to a buddy's today and that nv3500 just doesn't like the work lol. Thanks for the responses

[roundhouse]

I didn't know the 3550 was in a Chevy pickup

Seen em in dodges and wranglers

Might be Interested
In swapping one in my K10

I swapped a
3550 in my 74 bronco

My K10 has the 465 granny gear     
We don't do any towing.  It's gonna be a daily driver. And the 465 sucks for a DD