4×4 Dodge Ram owners rejoice! You guys have a new option when it comes to manual transmissions for your Dodge Ram trucks. While the famed NV-4500 is a great transmission, capable of handling more torque than the factory 460 lb. ft. rating might suggest, it does have some downsides. First off is that the new TR-4050 is rated for 600 lb. ft., it also has a lower first gear than all but the rarest NV-4500 at 6.16:1, and above all else it shifts like a modern transmission. This does not shift like a granny low 4-speed.

This kit from American Powertrain is a direct replacement for an NV-4500 but if you don’t have one in your truck already you can use stock Ram parts to convert yours.

Cookeville, TN (August 27, 2024) – Off-roading will not be the same now that American Powertrain™, the nation’s leading Elite distributor of TREMEC^® transmissions, has rolled out a new ProFit HD 4WD kit for any 1993-2001 Dodge Ram factory 5-speed truck featuring a 600 lb/ft of torque capacity TR-4050 TREMEC transmission. This kit is a direct replacement transmission for the factory Dodge 5-speed NV3500. Equipped with an aggressive 6.16” Granny Gear 1^st gear and economical .76 5^th gear, it allows for low RPM cruising, higher torque capacity and a much-improved and fuel efficient highway driving experience.

The TREMEC TR-4050 is recognized for its high contact, constant mesh, and helical gears for maximum strength, advanced synchronizer technology, and a multiple rail internal shifter that promotes smoother and easier shifting. Its die-cast aluminum alloy housing saves weight while offering considerable rigidity and ensures long-lasting performance.

The kit includes an American Powertrain White Lightning shifter for the TR-4050, Mopar 4050 adapter bellhousing, new throw-out bearing, pilot bearing, reverse light harness, shifter knob, and all hardware and instructions. The kit reuses the factory hydraulic clutch system, crossmember and even the stock driveshafts, making the installation much easier. Currently this kit works with either the factory V8 318, 360 or it can also be configured to work with a GEN III Hemi swap.

Other important features include:

• Gear ratios: 6.16, 3.11, 1.71, 1, .76 od. rev 6.03
• 10-spline input shaft / 23-spline output
• A 6-bolt PTO mount location 6-bolt circle output flange.
• NV4500 bolt pattern
• Fully synchronized
• Needle bearings under gears reduce friction and noise output

Matt Graves, American Powertrain Marketing and Sales Director says, “This kit has been in the works and recently we were excited to have Stacey David (Gearz) at our shop to do some R&D for his Lil’ Red Wagon, his 1999 Dodge Ram shop truck. There will be more out on Gearz soon, but we began by doing a TR-4050 swap using our new kit. The goal is to introduce this kit first for 4WD and have it for 2WD soon.”

For more information about the 1993-2001 Dodge Ram ProFit 4WD 5-speed kit with the fuel-efficient TREMEC TR-4050, visit americanpowertrain.com, or view this video. To speak with one of American Powertrain’s highly qualified sales technicians, call 931-646-4836.