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OEM right from the Chrysler dealer
From what I gather and have experience, the SM465 is buttery to shift compared to my NV (and that seems to be the general consensus online, that the NV really isnt that smooth of a shifter).
The locker in my truck with the TH400 was pretty much not an issue. With the manual it is awful. Also every once and a while the locker will either partially engage or something and it will let out a bang/slip that literally feels/sounds like a u joint just vaporized. Not good.
I've tried all sorts of shifting styles, basically every other vehicle in my life is a manual. ZF5, ZF6, BW Super T10, Mack 9 speed, tractors, etc. They all shift smoother than the NV. You are right about the play and difference truck to truck. I think with the auto there isnt a problem because there is never any driveline slack as with a manual.
Stock truck - Unknown, but the truck drives fine and doesnt make any noises. I could check it if you think that would make that much of a difference. I've changed the fluid before and it was clean.
There is certainly some crazy stuff happening back there. And the NV is also not in a place it was really meant to be. I could be wrong but I'm pretty sure that a GMT400 truck couldnt be ordered with such a "rough" combo on the trans.
The SM is without question a stronger transmission and better shifter than the NV. Longer throw yes, no overdrive, but better for HD use. I mean our 1947 dodge 2.5 ton with the synchro trans out of a 1951 Dodge shifts better than the NV, in fact it has some of the smoothest shifts I've ever felt. Youre talking old school big brass synchros vs modern small carbon fiber/fiber synchros. Tech is cool, but nothing beats out heavy metal. The NV was purpose built for an application in a computer controlled time, the SM was a development upon the previous 80 years of truck transmission history (SM420, T19, etc) That is my .02
I've sure had my shares of SM420s, SM465s and T18s. I've heard a lot of folks describe the shifting of an SM465 and buttery was never a word used. I have an NV4500 in the garage and I can say with certainty that between my NV and every SM I've ever owned, in or out of the truck, no SM shifted as smooth as that 4500. Maybe once in the truck it will get ugly but not on the shop floor.
Hahaha! Maybe buttery isnt the word but I probably just prefer the shifting of other transmissions such as the SM. The NV4500 install was mostly done for OD, otherwise I would have done an SM. Would have been cheaper too.
Are you double clutching?
I have tried both double clutching and normal clutching. It can/can not make a difference. It is very up in the air. And I've tested clutch disengagement - lifted rear axle off the ground and in gear the wheels dont spin until the clutch is let out the normal amount. You can even put the Tcase in neutral and rev it in gear and quickly shift it and there is no problem. Only when moving and when the situation is right/wrong does it not shift well.
Thanks for the very cool story! Sounds like a sweet setup indeed... I'd definitely look into doing that on a truck that already had an SM465.
Supposedly 19k miles on it. Interesting thought. I might convert the axle to open (regardless, itll give it better manners) and then if the NV really needs a rebuild I'll have to cross that bridge. Otherwise, I'm gonna give it He** until that time, I dont drive the truck that much.
Good to know...
Definitely not bad, but then I have to also get the Ranger which looks to be $1500ish. I'm going to have to balance rebuilding the NV myself vs paying vs SM, etc.
