Description
About This Transmission
The NV3500, originally designated the Getrag 290 in some early light trucks, is the 5 speed manual transmission that powered an entire generation of GM and Dodge half-ton and mid-size trucks. Built by New Venture Gear (the GM-Chrysler joint venture that also produced transfer cases and other transmissions), the NV3500 used an aluminum case, fully synchronized forward gears, and a moderate torque rating that suited it to V6 and small-displacement V8 applications. From 1988 through 2007, depending on application, the NV3500 was the standard manual offering in the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, S-10, Sonoma, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Ram 1500, and Jeep Wrangler TJ.
The aluminum case keeps overall weight down, and the synchronized 5-speed gear set delivers smooth, intuitive shifting in both daily-driver and light-duty work applications. For 2WD trucks the unit bolts directly to the bell-housing. For 4WD applications the rear of the transmission connects through a transfer case adapter to the NV241 or NP231 transfer case.
Signs You Need a Replacement NV3500
- Grinding into 2nd or 3rd gear, synchronizer wear (most common NV3500 failure)
- Pops out of 5th gear under acceleration, worn shift fork or detent spring
- Difficulty engaging reverse, reverse gear or shift rail wear
- Whining noise that changes with engine RPM, input shaft bearing wear
- Hard shifting cold, fluid contamination or wrong fluid type used previously
- External fluid leak from input or output shaft seals
Known NV3500 Issues We Inspect Before Shipping
- 2nd to 3rd synchronizer wear, the highest-mileage failure point
- 5th gear engagement, common pop-out concern on heavily towed trucks
- Input bearing noise inspection
- Shift fork condition and detent spring tension
- Case sealing surfaces and breather
- Bell-housing pattern confirmed (GM small block, GM big block, Dodge small block, Jeep, etc.)
What Is Included, What Is Not Included
| INCLUDED | Complete transmission case assembly with all internal gears, synchronizers, shift forks, shift rails, input and output shafts, bell-housing where present on donor unit, shifter assembly where present. |
|---|---|
| NOT INCLUDED | Clutch disc, pressure plate, throwout bearing, clutch hydraulics, flywheel, transfer case, driveshafts, gear oil. |
| Fluid Note | Drained before shipping. Refill with GM-spec or Mopar-spec manual transmission fluid as appropriate, NOT 80W-90 gear oil and NOT GL-5 (will damage synchronizers). |
| Core Note | No core charge. You are not required to return your old transmission. |
The NV3500 was a direct fit in the following vehicles:
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | 1988 to 2005 (5.7L V8 and 4.3L V6 applications) |
|---|---|
| GMC Sierra 1500 | 1988 to 2005 |
| Chevrolet S-10 | 1988 to 2003 (4.3L V6) |
| GMC Sonoma | 1988 to 2003 |
| Chevrolet Blazer | 1995 to 2005 |
| GMC Jimmy | 1995 to 2001 |
| Dodge Dakota | 1991 to 2004 (3.9L V6, 5.2L V8) |
| Dodge Ram 1500 | 1994 to 2001 (3.9L V6, 5.2L V8) |
| Jeep Wrangler TJ | 1997 to 2004 (4.0L I6 with adapter) |
| Isuzu Hombre | 1996 to 2000 |
Engine pairings include the GM 4.3L Vortec V6, 4.8L V8, 5.0L V8, 5.7L V8, Dodge 3.9L Magnum V6, Dodge 5.2L Magnum V8, and Jeep 4.0L inline 6. Bell-housing patterns differ between GM, Dodge, and Jeep applications, so we confirm the correct pattern before every order ships.
Not sure if this fits? Call (240) 301-0095 with your year, make, model, engine, and 2WD or 4WD configuration. Our team confirms bell-housing pattern, input shaft length, and transfer case adapter compatibility before your order ships.
Every used NV3500 we ship goes through this process:
- Gear tested through all 5 forward gears and reverse on test fixture
- Internal visual inspection of synchronizer, shift fork, and detent condition
- Input and output shaft bearing noise check
- Case integrity and sealing surface inspection
- Bell-housing pattern photographed and documented
- Year and donor application confirmed where available
Where donor mileage is known, it is shared. Where mileage cannot be confirmed, we disclose this before order. Full inspection documentation is available on request.
Why Buy From Vaz Auto Solutions
- Gear tested through all 5 forward gears and reverse before every shipment
- Bell-housing pattern and engine application confirmed for your truck
- Year and donor history documented for every unit
- Synchronizer condition inspected and reported
- Free crated freight to all 50 states, no hidden surcharges
- No core charge, keep your old transmission
- 15 day replacement warranty on internal defects
- Truck-experienced support team on the phone, GM and Dodge applications, real conversation
Marcus L., Lansing MI –
Looking for a 3.9 V6 NV3500 specifically. Vaz confirmed the Dodge bell pattern and the 5th gear engagement before shipping. Quick install, quiet shifting, no leaks. Dakota is back to daily-driver duty and saving me from buying a new truck.
Tom Williams (verified owner) –
Ordered the NV3500 Transmission from Vaz Auto Solutions for my Dodge Dakota. The price was competitive, and shipping was prompt. The transmission fit perfectly and has been very reliable. Couldn’t be happier with the service and product. Vaz Auto Solutions is my go-to for parts
Rick Harris (verified owner) –
I bought the NV3500 Transmission from Vaz Auto Solutions for my Chevy Silverado. The transmission arrived quickly and was in excellent condition. Installation was a breeze, and it has been running smoothly ever since. Great quality and performance. Highly recommend Vaz Auto Solutions!
Brent S., Boise ID –
Synchros went out on my Silverado at 240,000 miles. Vaz had a clean NV3500 with the right GM bell-housing pattern, gear tested all 5 forward, shared mileage from the donor truck. Engine to transmission swap was textbook simple. Truck shifts like new.