TreeFarm

Greetings all.

Just picked up a new '05 2500 SLT 4x4 regular cab with the G56, and I have a couple of questions.

1. I've read about the problems with the under filled G56s, and I want to make sure mine is OK. I assume the oil should be level with the filler plug and it's simple to check. Anything special I should know?

2. This is the first 4x4 I've owned or driven (not counting military equipment) that didn't have locking hubs on the front wheels , and I am wondering why it doesn't have them. Too much torque from the Cummins, maybe?

Thanks.

MR4WLR

1. Can't help you with that one.

2. It's the **** bean counters @ DC. It's cheaper for them to build them like that but more expensive for us to fix them

TreeFarm

Arrrrgh.

I just looked at the build date. It is 02/05, so this truck is likely one of those that was underfilled.

When I crawled under the truck, I found several plugs in the tranny that looked like they could be the filler. None of them showed any evidence of ever having been out. I am now seriously concerned that the transmission may be low on oil.

I don't have a service manual yet, and the owner's manual shows the NV5600, so it is useless in this case. Can anyone with a service manual or experience on the G56 point out which plug is which and what the level should be.

Thanks to anyone who can help.

bkrukow

1. sory no help here either.
2. Like stated above its cheaper to build them with no disconects. They are prety much back to the old 70s trucks that where fulltime fourwheel drive. Now the only thing that disengages is the transfer case on these. The 2nd gen trucks at least had a central axle disconect but we are always locked up. It does wonders for the fuel milage to.

SkyHarborCowboy

Where is your reverse located? Lower Left or Upper Right? Sorry, used to my Ford PowerPuke!

12PACK

Typo. Lower left or upper right.

TreeFarm

Lower left. It's a G56 for sure, aluminum case and made in Brazil label included.

Earlier, I indicated the owner's manual didn't mention the G-56. Turns out, that's not entirely true. While the 'How To Drive It' section shows only the NV5600 shift pattern, the recommended lubricants section does have a separate line for the G56 -- and it calls for Mopar ATF+4.

Now I'm wondering if that is an error, or they really do want AFT in a manual transmission, and if it is true, how critical is it for it to be the Mopar flavor of ATF.

djgaston

I can say this from experience with the Dodge auto trannies... when they say ATF+4, they mean it. Anything less will tear up crap. I had a custom trans built for my 01 and the builder (APS in California) said to not use anything less. That crap is expensive though! I bought a case of it, 6 or 8 gallons, can't remember... just under $100. Of course, you can only get it through your friendly Dodge dealer. They gave me a "discount" too.

If the manual says to use it, that is what I would use. I doubt they would print an error that critical. You can check for sure when you undo the drain plug a little.

About the manual locking hubs... yes it does kill mileage and wear down parts much faster. Thank God we have high pinion front axles. Anyway, Dynatrac makes a manual hub conversion for our trucks. I know a guy on another site just put them on his 05. They are pricey, but what isn't when it comes to a 4x4? I might order up a set for myself. I want to put them on my 01 because the CAD is so weak, and I may just order the set for this truck too.

TreeFarm

Thanks. I just took a look at the Dynatrac site. Didn't see anything listed for an 05, though. Even so, I'm not sure I could afford a set. No, I'm sure I couldn't.

OilBrn

Like someone else stated, use the ATF+4 , I've rebuilt alot of city bus transmissions, and they use the same.