Title: 4500 5th gear nut problem

Weak Link: 5th gear nut

Models affected: 94 up dodge trucks with 4500 5speed tranmission 2 and 4 wheel drive

What happens: Over a period of time the 5th gear nut backs off the output shaft.  Because the output shaft that 5th gear rides on is only partially splined, the gear rocks against the nut.  That loosens the nut, allows the gear to slide, and you lose 5th gear totally.

Sturdy fix: Remove tailhousing, reinstall the 5th gear and retighten the nut, using a new aftermarket nut with locking setscrews, or using the old nut tackwelded in 3 spots to prevent reoccurance.

Strongest fix: Remove transmission and replace output shaft with fully splined 5th gear area and use new gear and nut.

Contact: Standard Transmission Parts
http://www.standardtransmission.com/

High-Impact Transmission and Gear
http://www.high-impact.net