signature600

I know a few of you have done it, and I am seriously considering this as an option along with a US Gear OD. My question is which do you guys think will be better? I do a lot of towing, some heavy but mostly under 20k. I just can't stand having that 5 speed that was designed for a Gasser (1,000 RPM between the gears) and neither can my clutch.

The clutch is coming out with a big SB going in for it, but later, and I want to save it as much as I can.

Also, does anyone make or sell all the parts needed to do the 6 speed swap? I am not really good at finding every little peice needed, and I can't have my truck down for a few days while I get the parts. I have to be able to do the swap in a weekend, and get the driveshafts made the next Monday.

Thanks, and sorry about the long post, but, I need help!
Chris

Also, you can tell me I'm way off base here, I don't mind and I am young with some dumb ideas at times.

Superduty12v

I think I'll chime in here. I swapped a NV5600 1-3/8" 10-spline 6 speed into my 96 in my parents driveway. Took me about 7 hours. I used the 5 speed crossmember. I just flipped it around backwards and it was almost a direct bolt in. I had to lower the mounting pad about 1/2" but it was pretty simple. Took 5-1/2 inches out of the rear drive shaft and added 5-1/2 inches to the front. Cost me about $200 to do that. Got the clutch from South bend. Used the 5 speed slave cyl. Had to buy a new stick for the shifter from the dealer. Pretty easy conversion.

ddestruel

6 speed tranny shifts about 600 rpms between gears roughly. I did mine in 1 night, minus waiting the next day for the drivelines had to cut the rear 5.5"- 6" and lengthen the front 5.5"- 6".

Now that you know that drop your drivelines off the day before you plan to do your clutch swap. already have them ready to go. You'll need the lower wider crossmember, and a way to lengthen and mount your 4x4 shift linkage, also a longer plug for the reverse light wiring.

Its really a bolt in swap for the fivespeed and makes the worl of difference with a 12 valve. Especially if you get your flywheel drilled for the bigger clutch youll have no setbacks. Its about as straight forward as they come. Clutch fork, slave cylinder throwout bearing all are the same

Dusty

ddestruel

Superduty you beat me by just a minute or two i was typing while you were posting LOL

signature600

Do you guys tow any?

The reason I'm asking is I do a lot of towing, and the 5 speed sucks on country roads, I never have the right gear to easily keep my speed going around a curve or getting going from a stop sign.

I think the 6 speed will be a great match to the 12v powerband, as mine hits hard at about 1700, and falls of quick after 22 or 2300.

The only reason I'm leaning towards the US Gear OD is for the 4th OVER gear on the country roads, 5th is a little too high for my power and clutch, but maybe with a better clutch I'll change my tune. Also, 4 th at 60 is above all my power, so I can't pull hills.

One last thing for now,
Any Idea how much the 6 speed swap will cost me? Also, should I try to find one with a Transfer case (I'm 2 wheel drive now) for the low gears, and I've heard that the 6 doesn't have any provision for the speedometer. I don't have any problem in buying a t-case and not having a front axle, especially if it will work better than trying to find a 2 wheel tranny,

NOW, where do I find one?


Thanks Again,
Chris

gunracer1

it sounds like your money would be better spent on a 3kgsk kit. no more falling off at 2500 rpm.

dsljunkie

Unless youre just set on doing a swap Id have to agree with gunracer. Why not spend half the cash and just get the 3k springs, a mild plate and/ or a set of injectors? A housing upgrade may be in order, to keep your egts in check, but youll still probably save cash in the long run Of course your stock clutch wont handle it, but if youre already gonna do the 13 inch SBC youll be fine . Also if youre gonna do a 6 speed swap youll probably have to have a new clutch (the 5600 input shaft is larger than the 4500 )
Not trying to be negative here, just exploring all options
Scott

ddestruel

Really Good points, dont limits yourself but if you do pull alot my vote is with the 6 speed. It is alot more Rpm friendly, if your just having problems with the jump gov springs may be the bandaid that will help but if you are seriously trying to increase your gear splits the 6spd will grab you a few more mph in 4th over third in the 5spd. Otherwise you might be better off looking to the OD it will give you a better overall Highway cruising speed and Rpm while towing.

infidel

I agree. My 3500 only tows a 26k flatbed of apples 16 hours a day for 4 months out of the year. I was looking into an overdrive or six speed but the 3k governor spring kit made it unnecessary. Before there were hills I thought I wasn't going to make it, now no problem.

#10 plate, 14cm housing, Scotty, and 4" catless exhaust.

turbo thom

Infidel:
I have the same plate and housing as you , so what do the rpm's run when towing? With me I am not confortable with my engine spinning at 2400 all day. And to the cost of the tranny swap. I understand around $3500- $4000.

With the over-drive I tow at 2000 rpm and the engine loves it at lower speeds.
..Preston..

signature600

I agree with you Preston, as we have already spoke on this subject, but one of my friends gave me this other idea, which is not holding enough water anymore for me to go for it.


Thanks for your comments All,
Chris

gunracer1

i tow at 30k gross and i have no problem, but i have a lot of torque. the little bit more of rpm makes all the differance in the world. a set of 370s and a 16 ex housing would make you smile. mike

signature600

I'm planning on 3K GSK's, EDM's, and a HX-35/40 Hybrid after I get this transmission stuff figured out.

Chris

infidel

Unless I'm shifting the rpms are always 2000 or under, down in the max torque range. I'm also not going over 75 mph with a 26k load.
The advange of the 3k GSK is that you can run the rpms way up and still have power to get closer shifts.

ddestruel

Shop around i found my 6 spd for $900 used on ebay, add shipping. Ive seen a couple of wrecking yards selling them for around $1500 used.
Changing the disk, DL's and cross member to work with it was the other things so all said and done $2000. Its not cheap btu its a matter what you want for an end result. maybe go out and drive a new 6spd just to get the feel for the shifts. Match the Rpms to yours see how it feels.

Dusty