NV4500 will not go into 2nd

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Hilndr1701

Hilndr1701

10 Year
Joined
Apr 4, 2013
Threads
17
Messages
107
Location
Wyoming


Hey all you smart people out there, go easy on me because I’m very much a noob.
I just installed this early NV 4500 behind a Chevy 350 in my 68 Land Cruiser. I put in a hydraulic clutch master and slave, and it won’t go into second gear. It works just fine with low and first, third, overdrive and reverse. I’m using 1 gallon of RedLine MT – 85 oil.
I’m not sure what’s going on, I really don’t want to drop the transmission and transfer case again but if I have to I guess. I’m sort of wondering if the clutch throw out bearing is not engaging the clutch far enough?
Any ideas?

Thank you
 
You need to be sure the clutch disengages. Maybe put it in 2nd, push in the clutch and see if it rolls. Or try to start it, but be ready for it to lurch. Is it a stk 40 master amd slave? The gear lube is special, i think it needs to be some sort of full synthetic. I would guess because it goes in the other gears while running the clutch should be working.
 
I commented b4 watch your video. Can you pull the tranny hump, then the trans top and look inside. My NV4500 falls out of that gear if I pull or rest my hand on shifter ever so slightly. I usually call that gear 3rd. I believe the syncros are carbon fiber or something like that. That's why proper lube is necessary.
 
You could adjust the slave and master to provide a little more throw and see if that helps. I think I heard the syncro for second cause a grind - maybe its worn bad or the gear. Find a down grade in an out of the way place - roll down the grade with the engine off and shift gears you will be able hear more with the engine off. Maybe have someone else drive while you are leaning down more towards the gear box so you can hear even better.

Put it up on 4 jack stands. Put transfer case in neutral and try running the tranny threw the gears. Try in 2H, 4H and 4L see if there are any differences.

Do people start out in second normally? In the 4 speed on my 84 F150 I seldom use first
 
Seems like you're a quart low on fluid.

"
  • Capacity: 5 quarts
  • Fluid type: 75w85w GL-4 synthetic oil is a common recommendation.

"
 
charliemeyer007 said:
You could adjust the slave and master to provide a little more throw and see if that helps. I think I heard the syncro for second cause a grind - maybe its worn bad or the gear. Find a down grade in an out of the way place - roll down the grade with the engine off and shift gears you will be able hear more with the engine off. Maybe have someone else drive while you are leaning down more towards the gear box so you can hear even better.

Put it up on 4 jack stands. Put transfer case in neutral and try running the tranny threw the gears. Try in 2H, 4H and 4L see if there are any differences.

Do people start out in second normally? In the 4 speed on my 84 F150 I seldom use first
Click to expand...
I'm going to add some oil then try this. Thanks
 
pb4ugo said:
I commented b4 watch your video. Can you pull the tranny hump, then the trans top and look inside. My NV4500 falls out of that gear if I pull or rest my hand on shifter ever so slightly. I usually call that gear 3rd. I believe the syncros are carbon fiber or something like that. That's why proper lube is necessary.
Click to expand...
Unfortunately, the previous owner made it so I can't pull the hump. I'll try a couple of the suggestions posted then try and figure out a way to remove the hump. Thanks
 
pb4ugo said:
You need to be sure the clutch disengages. Maybe put it in 2nd, push in the clutch and see if it rolls. Or try to start it, but be ready for it to lurch. Is it a stk 40 master amd slave? The gear lube is special, i think it needs to be some sort of full synthetic. I would guess because it goes in the other gears while running the clutch should be working.
Click to expand...
I got a new Hydraulic throwout bearing because the area on the bellhousing was in the way of the front driveline. I will try this first and see if I can adjust the clutch pedal. Thanks

Screenshot 2025-11-28 at 7.11.24 AM.webp
 
Gotta40 said:
something is wrong with your trans. blocking ring jacked up or something. if it will go in all the other gears its not an external adjustment. I've built a bunch of nv4500's.
Click to expand...
That's a bummer. It goes in when the engine is off, and when I bought it ran through the gears thinking it was fine.
 
So I dove into the trans and replaced the third gear syncs. It now shifts into all gears but 4th grinds a bit. I'm guessing i'll need to do a complete rebuild in the future.
My new problem is now when I give it some gas it sounds and acts like the clutch is slipping. I don't think its the trans but maybe the new throwout bearing not releasing the clutch all the way?

Any ideas?
 
It's either poor adjustment or bad clutch. Everything else has a direct mechanical engagement. Gears dont slip. I adjust the clutch per the fsm.
 
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