My stock transmission (nv3500) in my joe gibbs silverado has a bad 2nd gear synchro. Ive done some research and my options would be rebuilding it myself ($500), paying some one else to rebuild it ($1000), or buying a rebuilt tranny ($1000-2000). The problem with this is that the NV3500 is only rated at 235 ft lb and the Joe Gibbs trucks put out 400 ft lb. Why did chevy think this was on ok combo? I cant answer this question.

But instead of investing my money in an NV3500 I have decided to run the nv3500 til it dies while saving up for a Tremec TKO. Its a pretty versatile transmission that offers 8 different shifter locations to accomodiate various vechicles. It comes in a 500 ft lb and a 600 ft lb version and they offer the LS bell housing required to swap it out in replace of the nv3500. The downside is that the tranny alone cost $2200 plus an extra $800 for the correct bell housing and shifter location kit. You also need a custom cross member (which isnt a big deal for me because I have access to a fab shop) and a custom driveshaft.

This tranny seems like a great alternative to the t56 for guys who want a high performance tranny without having to cut a new hole in their floor pan and modify the center console.

 

The NV3500 was replaced by the TR3450 in the mid 2000's. It is similar but tremecs updated version after they bought out New Venture.
http://www.ttcautomotive.com/English...ts/TR-3450.asp

The 5 speed is a very strong transmission. It put down 445/489 and 5k clutch drops on slicks.

All problems with the 5 speed are due to abusive driving which the trans wasn't designed for. It's a truck transmission that people bang gears in and then whine about it being junk. The TKO isn't a truck transmission.

 

https://www.performancetrucks.net/fo...d.php?t=404105

 

neither is the t56 but alot of guys go through alot of trouble to get them in their trucks. and tremec recommends the the tko over the 3450 for "high performance trucks".

 

You saw the other side of my point I guess. I'm in agreement with you, the TKO is an excellent option with the shifter options and the 3.27 first gear. I did the T56 swap myself due to the 2-3 shift issue in the 5 speed.

My point is the 5 speed is plenty strong and will shift ok if you treat it right. But it is a truck transmission.