Description

Dana Spicer CM49, 4954-A, 4954-D 1988 Parts Catalog

I’ve been an ASE Master Technician for 28 years, and I’ve seen more parts-ordering screwups than most. A guy slaps an aftermarket catalog onto a Dana Spicer CM49, 4954-A, 4954-D 1988 Parts Catalog job and ends up with a countershaft gear that doesn’t fit because the part number was for a different ratio. That costs you a day and a core charge. This factory catalog eliminates that.

Twenty-three pages – not a service manual, but a proper parts list straight from Dana Corporation, dated 1988. It covers the CM49 family, including the 4954-A and 4954-D models. If you’ve ever tried to decode a transmission serial number without a ratio table, you know the pain. Page 1 gives you the full ratio table for both models: 1st gear at 7.25, 2nd at 3.98, 3rd at 2.53, 4th at 1.44 for the -A and 1.29 for the -D, 5th direct at 1.00, and reverse at 7.25. That tells you exactly which transmission you’re dealing with – and which parts belong in it.

Gears and Related Parts: Drive, Mainshaft, Countershaft

Flip to pages 2-5 and you get the exploded views and part numbers for the drive gear group, mainshaft group, countershaft group, and reverse idler shaft group. Every gear, bushing, and spacer is called out with a reference number and a Dana part number. No guessing which bearing fits which shaft – it’s right there. I’ve used these drawings to identify a countershaft gear that had been swapped in from a different model. Saved me from ordering the wrong overhaul kit.

Clutch Housing and Bearing Cap: Dimensions and Applications

Page 6 has the drive gear bearing cap chart with clutch applications. That’s where you match your clutch housing to the right bearing cap. Page 7 gives you the actual clutch housing dimensions – critical when you’re mating a new housing to an existing bellhousing. I’ve seen guys skip this step and then wonder why the input shaft doesn’t center.

Case Group and Rear Bearing Cap Details

Pages 8-9 cover the case group – the main housing, all its bolts, and the rear bearing cap. Page 10 lists the rear bearing cap chart with brake applications. If you’ve got a transmission with an integrated brake, you need that chart to get the correct cap and related parts (pages 10-11). The remote control assembly (page 12) and end yokes (page 13) are also broken out. End yokes are often misordered – this catalog gives you the exact Dana part number for the yoke that matches your driveline.

Shift Assemblies and Clutch Release Parts

Shift rail and fork assembly (page 14), shift lever and dome assembly (page 15) – these are the parts that wear out when the transmission has 500,000 miles on it. The clutch release parts and dimensions (pages 16-17) include dimensions for the release bearing, fork, and cross shaft. That’s handy if you’re retrofitting a different clutch.

Overhaul Kits and Tabulated Bills of Materials

Pages 18-19 list the major and minor overhaul kits. If you want to buy a complete gasket and seal set, the kit number is there. Pages 20-21 have the tabulated bills of materials – that’s the full listing of every part in the transmission, cross-referenced to the exploded views. You can order individual parts or the whole kit.

This catalog came from the original 1988 printing. No reprints, no third-party translations. Every part number is as Dana printed it. If you’ve got a CM49, 4954-A, or 4954-D, this is the only parts book you should trust. I keep a copy in my shop for the old Spicer units that still pull duty in dump trucks and oil field equipment.

Related Manuals

• Spicer ES42-5, ES52-5, CM49 Series Service Manual – needed for actual disassembly and torque specs.
• Dana Spicer ES42-5 1990 Parts Catalog – OEM Factory Specs – if you’re working on the later models.
• Spicer T20000 Series Transmission Parts Overview – comparison for heavier-duty units.

For background on drivetrain engineering, see the Automotive Industry Overview at Wikipedia, and for the theory behind internal combustion engines, check out Internal Combustion Engine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this catalog include torque specs for assembly?

No. This is a parts catalog only – it lists part numbers, ratios, and dimensions. For torque specs, you need the service manual. Use the related Spicer ES42-5, ES52-5, CM49 Series Service Manual.

What is the difference between the 4954-A and 4954-D models?

Look at the ratio table on page 1. Both have the same ratios in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and reverse. The only difference is 4th gear: 1.44 for the -A, 1.29 for the -D. That affects your road speed and requires a different 4th gear set.

How do I identify my transmission to know it’s a CM49?

Find the name plate on the right side of the case. It’s stamped with the model, B/M number, and serial number. The catalog tells you exactly where it is. If the plate is missing, you can confirm by counting gear teeth and matching the ratio to the table on page 1.

Can I order overhaul kits from the part numbers in this catalog?

Yes. Pages 18-19 list major and minor overhaul kits with Dana part numbers. Order those kits and you’ll get the correct gaskets, seals, and bearings for your CM49 transmission. I’ve done it myself – the kit numbers are still valid through most Dana distributors.

I’ve been in enough shops to know that the difference between a job that pays and a job that costs you money is having the right part number the first time. This catalog gives you that. Access the Factory Manual and put it on your bench. You’ll use it every time a Spicer comes through the door.