Transmission change

HoJoPo wrote:
Gear vendors overdrives are pricey, over $3000 without installation, and only work in 2WD. Also, I'm not sure that the GV overdrive is compatible with the NP 205 transfer case in your truck. And you'd need new driveshaft.

The problem is going to be matching the spline count and mounting flange on the transfer case. Advance adapters probably has the one you'll need in stock. You'll need to look for a manual transmisison 3/4 ton or 1 ton Dodge V8 powered 4x4 truck from 1994 to 2002, which should have the V8 version of the NV4500 5 speed.

You cannot use the transfer case out of the donor truck, it will be driver's side drop, your truck is passenger side drop (front drive shaft). You could mate a late 80's / 1990-93 NV241 transfer case to the NV4500 (like the transfer case in my 1990 Ramcharger).

Personally, I'd go with the NV4500 and adapter, keeping the 205 transfer case... as a cast iron gear drive case, it's fairly bulletproof. You'd probably still be able to keep your current driveshafts, depending on the difference in length with adapter between the NV4500 and the four speed that's currently in your truck.

From Gear Vendors site..

"GEAR VENDORS makes specific adaptation kits for each model of transfer case. This is far more costly than other manufacturers who will have you move your transfer case because GM/Dodge/Ford all use the same patterns between the transfer case and transmission (thus one kit fits all). Simple for them but a host of engineering problems for you and the truck. By making specific extension housings to each model/brand transfer case GEAR VENDORS is able to have a better product with great engineering benefit to the final installation. Fact is, when you are in 4X4 there is very little desire to use GearSplitting and overdrive unless you are racing (and we do make the in-between kit for that purpose), it's 2wd where the benefits of overdrive and additional gears are most needed. All our kits bolt directly to the rear of the transfer case and are electronically locked out during 4X4 operation.

No additional crossmembers and you retain the factory ground clearance instead of moving the transfer case rearward which puts it at or nearer the middle of the wheelbase where ground clearance is most critical. No lengthening of the front driveshaft which can create too long a shaft for today's highway speeds and engineering concerns of joint cancellation and driveshaft critical speeds. You get all the benefits of the GearSplitting performance and overdrive economy listed in the 2wd section (see your appropriate transmission under GM/Dodge/Ford 2wd) and the best auxiliary transmission you can buy. Call us at the factory for any questions on the product or installation or to arrange for installation at your local authorized dealer or preferred mechanic."

Gear Vendors can be pricy but if you add up the costs of a "donor" transmission which if used would most likely need rebuilt, That would put you somewhere around $2K-$K right off the top. Then add in additional parts like adapters and such.

Gear Vendors does more than overdrive, it basically allows you to SPLIT GEARS. A 3 speed becomes a 6 speed, a 4 speed becomes an 8 speed.

My Dad has one, has in excess of 200K miles on it, works flawless.