Transmission System Description and Operation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 GMC Sierra and 2003 Chevrolet Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The New Venture Gear NV 3500 is a 5 speed manual transmission used on light duty trucks with the 4.3L engine. The NV 3500 is identified by RPO M50 and RPO MG5. The difference between the RPO codes is the first speed gear ratios that the transmission has. The shift assembly design inside the NV 3500 transmission installed on C/K trucks is different than the NV 3500 transmissions installed in smaller S/T trucks. The distance between the input shaft and the countershaft is 85 mm (0.132 in). The transmission is available in rear wheel drive and four wheel drive.
The transmission has the following features:
- Constant mesh helical gearing for reduced noise
- A 2 piece aluminum housing
- Synchronized shifting in all gears
- A shift tower mounted shift lever
- A single rail shift system
- A vehicle speed sensor (VSS)