Hey Swingdaddy,
I have been reading up on the NV4500 since you first mentioned it and I like what I've been reading so far.
I did read an article on the NV4500 that said it had problems with 5th gear slipping because the retainer nut would back off over time. The article, which I can not longer find, said this was an issue with "older years" but never said what years those were.
If you are aware of this issue, can you tell me what years this encompasses?