one quick question is the NV4500 as strong as the 3053A?
No, but the NV4500 is what came behind the 5.9 Cummins for many years. They are plenty strong, and can be made a little stronger with the right parts. I would use the NV4500 behind the 5.9 in a 1/2 ton truck.
There is really no reason to use the bigger Spicer in a light truck. If it were a 1.5 or 2 ton and you were going to tow with it then the Spicer may be better. The Spicer also complicates things if you want 4X4, as you have to use a divorced transfer case, in a short frame that's impractical.
Grigg
