Questions on the nv4500
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Teching In
Joined: Feb 2022
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Questions on the nv4500 Hey, so a little background. I’ve got a 91 Jeep xj that I’m ton swapping. Well later down the road I wanna liven up the drivetrain with either an ls or a vortec4200(ameribarrra). I’ve been trying to find a good transmission that can handle some descent power (high 500s low 600s) and not break it every month and have been kinda struggling. Ive considered the sm465 but ended up ruling that out due to dash clearances. Well, I recently discovered the nv4500. I thought that trans only came behind diesels but I recently learned Chevy put them behind some ls’s. It would be perfect for either engine swap I decide on later. I’m having an issue though. So I wanna retain the Jeep np231 tcase and I’ve read it can be done with a dodge tailhousing. I’m assuming the dodge and Chevy nv4500s r basically identical other then some spline counts, ratios, and tcase mounts, but I can’t find any info for the tailhousings. Will the dodge tailhousing fit on the Chevy version? I’m only going this route as long as I can confirm it’s compatibility. I’d like to do this to avoid any major costs on adapters as AA has 1 for around 600 I think. I know im gonna have to change the input shaft on the np231 regardless. As much as I’m set on the np231 I am somewhat open to other tcase options. I need to read a little bit more on the np231c because I THINK it can just bolt straight to the 4500, but I need to confirm that first. I’m open to any ideas or info, thanks!
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Joined: Oct 2016
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From: PDX-OR-USA
The NV4500's are almost out of production support, they are super heavy, notchy shifting and have actually kinda poor ratios for a 4x4 with a V8,,,
The NP241 with a Extreme short SYE Part #16-1207 I was able to LS my YJ with a 4l65 and the NP241. THat being said there are a lot of rigs out there with them.
I almost went with the Silverstate,, https://shiftsst.com/tremec-transmissions#TR4050 before I went Auto..
Its about the same strength as a NV4500 but better ratios and shifts better.. Its one of the recommended trans for the Jeep Cummins swap as well.
The 241 and 231 have the same front flange. As I understand it the TR4050 direct mounts to both, there is no adapter.
The NP241 with a Extreme short SYE Part #16-1207 I was able to LS my YJ with a 4l65 and the NP241. THat being said there are a lot of rigs out there with them.
I almost went with the Silverstate,, https://shiftsst.com/tremec-transmissions#TR4050 before I went Auto..
Its about the same strength as a NV4500 but better ratios and shifts better.. Its one of the recommended trans for the Jeep Cummins swap as well.
The 241 and 231 have the same front flange. As I understand it the TR4050 direct mounts to both, there is no adapter.
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On my 98 Wrangler LS6/4L60E swap I used parts from Novak out of UT. It's been 13-14 years and its been bullet proof.
I used Novak's trans output trans shaft adapter. The 4L60E has to be completely torn down to install. I used the Novak 4L60E to 241 TC adapter. I was lucky enough to find a low mileage 241R out of a Rubicon. I doubt a 231 would live behind 500-600 HP even with a wide chain/SYE kit.
You might be able to adapt a GM 241TC but I think most of those are electronically shifted. I could be wrong.
Give Novak a call and see what they think is the best combo for your HP levels.
Not to be a Debby downer but the stock 30/35 front and rear axles aren't going stand up to 500-600 HP.
I used Novak's trans output trans shaft adapter. The 4L60E has to be completely torn down to install. I used the Novak 4L60E to 241 TC adapter. I was lucky enough to find a low mileage 241R out of a Rubicon. I doubt a 231 would live behind 500-600 HP even with a wide chain/SYE kit.
You might be able to adapt a GM 241TC but I think most of those are electronically shifted. I could be wrong.
Give Novak a call and see what they think is the best combo for your HP levels.
Not to be a Debby downer but the stock 30/35 front and rear axles aren't going stand up to 500-600 HP.
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Joined: Oct 2016
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From: PDX-OR-USA
241's are not commonly electrically shifted they have a lever... (Pre - 2008 anyway...) Same as a 231, but reverse pattern.
FWIW,, the wide chain kit in a 231 is the standard chain out of a NP 241, 241 have 6 planetary gears in the low
range shell, which is how they update a 231 to hold more power.
JB has more 241 stuff than Novak, that's why I listed them.. If you use a GM trans, adapter and tcase you don't need the novak adapter. (that's how I assembled mine. all stock GM pieces. ) The 241R and 241 c are very different.. the R needs the novak treatment as it doesn't cross parts over with GM 241C(TC),,, I like Novak, I used their motor mounts they fit awesome!
I have a L33/4l65/NP241C Driver drop in my YJ. No special hard parts but the JB super short slip yoke eliminator..
My 2.5 4cyl destroyed my Dana 35 three times, 1 True Trac, 1 Early Arb, 1 axle,, so +1 on the Just don't do it... It WILL fail. With hubs and a cromoly axle set and a ARB my Dana 30 has lasted 200K HARD miles and still tight.
FWIW,, the wide chain kit in a 231 is the standard chain out of a NP 241, 241 have 6 planetary gears in the low
range shell, which is how they update a 231 to hold more power.
JB has more 241 stuff than Novak, that's why I listed them.. If you use a GM trans, adapter and tcase you don't need the novak adapter. (that's how I assembled mine. all stock GM pieces. ) The 241R and 241 c are very different.. the R needs the novak treatment as it doesn't cross parts over with GM 241C(TC),,, I like Novak, I used their motor mounts they fit awesome!
I have a L33/4l65/NP241C Driver drop in my YJ. No special hard parts but the JB super short slip yoke eliminator..
My 2.5 4cyl destroyed my Dana 35 three times, 1 True Trac, 1 Early Arb, 1 axle,, so +1 on the Just don't do it... It WILL fail. With hubs and a cromoly axle set and a ARB my Dana 30 has lasted 200K HARD miles and still tight.
