Ram 5 speeds... whats the difference?

Hey guys, Im building a 46 Dodge truck. I want to run a 5 speed from a 90's Ram truck behind a EFI Magnum 360. I can buy two complete trucks right now for about $800 each. Here is the question.

One is a 94, 5.2L 2WD short bed reg. cab.
One is a 96, originally 3.9L, WD, short bed, reg. cab, now with an LA 360.

Which transmission is better? Are they the same? From what I understand 96 and up is a stronger transmission. But what is different from 94 to 96? And what is different from a 3.9L or a 5.2?

Thanks fellas.

Laine.

There is an AX-15, NV3550, and an NV4500 from that era, the 4500 is the strongest and coveted by the offroad community. Tim

Find the 4500 if you can. I had a 3500 in a 4X4 '99 Ram and it was a total piece of junk.

My cousin did a 360 swap in a 3.9 shorty, the 3500 is held together with 2 tie straps at the moment. Still, it hauls azz. Try and find a 4500, I've heard some 318 trucks were made with 4500s, probably 4x4s but I've never personally seen one. Good luck!

Unless its a 4x4 or you are doing a ton of heavy towing I don't agree with the above calls for the 4500 over the 3500. The 4500 has a granny first, so unless you are towing or off roading its really only a 3 speed + overdrive. The NV3500 has a 4:1 first so its still pretty deep, but is actually useable on the street. The 3500 also shifts nicer and is actually pretty sporty with the hurst shifter setup.

In a 2wd application, especially a fairly light vehicle like a 46 dodge, the 3500 will be plenty strong with a street 360 unless you are planning big slicks and drag launches. That said, if youare planning big slicks and drag launches you really really wouldn't want the 4500 either!

So I guess what I'm trying to say is, tell us more about the project and what your goals are and it will be easier to recommend a trans.

-Jon

Project is a 46 Dodge truck. 2wd, boxed frame, IFS, 8 3/4" rear, "street rod" type build. Power will be either a EFI 360 magnum or a LA 360. Nothing crazy, just a nice driver with a bit of oomph under the hood.

I'd love a Richmond or similar 5 or 6 speed, but, Army pay isnt quite good enough for that. So, NV 3500 it is. Just trying to find out the differences between them before I purchase. I will buy an entire vehicle just to make it easy to swap out.

Laine.

Some info on the NV3500. Looks like the NV3500HD would fit your project needs.
http://www.dodgeram.org/tech/transmission/nv3500_spec.htm

I have the NV3500 in my 99 1500 CC with 260,000 miles on it and have never had any problems with it.

So my assumption is there is really no difference between a 94 5.2 version and a 96 3.9 version.

I'm gonna say no as well, cept if the box is from a 4x4 then I'd check part numbers just to be sure. Is there anything on the cases to determine one from the other? Spline count? PN?

The 4500 is way bigger. Tim