Posted by Eric B. [99.100.188.129] on Thursday, September 12, 2013 at 09:45:36 :
Guys,
From time to time I hear stories of people finding NP 540 (541, 542) 5 speed overdrive transmissions in Dodge trucks. I also see people on this forum encouraging folks that find big 2wd Dodge trucks to check and see if the truck has an NP 540 OD in it. I recently got into a discussion with someone that was looking for one so I checked all my books. All of the NP 540 (541, 542, etc) transmissions listed in the factory literature are direct drive 1.00-1.
The only 5 speed I can find listed for a large range of years that is OD is the Spicer 6453A (.83 5th gear) as an optional transmission in the large Low Cab Forwards like NC900 and NC1000. There are a couple other 5 speed OD transmissions listed, but they are also used in the really big LCFs and they are not New Process. I can only imagine how rare a 5 speed is in a NC1000 as I would assume a big truck like that was ordered with a 12 speed or a DD 5 speed with an auxiliary 4 speed.
Based on my research I don't think the OD NP 540 was a factory option from Dodge. If that is the case why do I hear of people finding OD NP 540s in Dodge trucks? Is it just a rumor?
I'm not doubting that New Process made an 540 OD transmission, but I don't think Dodge installed them in their trucks. I checked books from 1957 to 1977 and I didn't ever see the NP 540 OD listed.
Anyone pulled an OD NP 540 from a Dodge? Was it listed correctly on the door tag of the truck?
I'd be interested to hear any stories people have as right now the idea of finding a 1967 D700 with a OD NP 540 in it sounds like a myth to me. If they were used, but not listed in the sales literature or the service manual then I would like to know what the applications were.
Eric
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