well I found a 2001 6 speed it has 56,000 on it. how do I go about getting a shifter for it and what other stuff I need? I know a different clutch probably get a 13" I have 3.55 gears think I would see better fuel milage? more top end? looks like it would bolt up. I imagine the input shaft is the larger diameter so the new clutch kit should take care of that. and I am right now putting in a new clutch because of fifth gear lost nut but all fixed and I should have running today probably put 6 speed in little later this summer june or julyso think anyone would want my 5 speed set up? worth selling? thanks everyone I love this site and visit it daily sometimes more

 

Well I will pipe in here since it is related. I am a new Cummins owner. I purchased a 95 auto with a heavy duty tourqe converter and a shift kit from a rebuilt about 20,000 miles ago. It is ok. I just like rowing through the gears much better. So in the next few years I would like to convert to a manual. Here comes the question.

Why is the 6 speed more adventaious then the 5 speed? Everything I have read is the 6 speed splits third and fourth gear. My dads 94 5 speed does very well and I see no need for the split there. Is it split between 3 and 4? Why? Is it heavyier duty?

Still using the search feature and reading as often as I can. Thanks for your time.

 

If you're not towing the the five speed is fine.

I personally hate my five spped, even when empty. It, to me, is a gas tranny, and not suited for the operating range of the Cummins. Granted, a 3000 rpm Governor spring kit will allow me to wind my truck above 2300-2400 rpm, so shifting is not as hard on the clucth and driveline, but that is not the purpose of the Cummins.

For the same rason why semis have 10-18 speed trannys, is why the six speed is better.
The gaps in the five are 1-2=1250,2-3=1000+,3-4=950,4-5=500.
The six, however are much closer, something like 600 between the working gears.

Hope this helps,
Chris

 

Thanks for the response Chris. But, That in lies my question. From reading Ford, Chevy, and reading dodge guys on those boards. They say the 5speed and 6 speed are basicly the same ratios. And the 6 speed splits third and fourth. If the 6 speed only splits third and fourth. Then I will not be towing in those gears. very often. I would think you would want to split fourth and 5th or 5th and 6th. But I do not know the gear ratios of either speed. The 5 speed does tow my dads 32RK Montana very well. I of course I can outpull him with my 29BH Larado. But I am lighter and not as much wind resistance then he has. Both are 5ers. We tow hills often here in Utah, so we get to feel the power of the Cummins often.

As you can see I am a confused puppy, tring to swim like the big boys.

Thanks,

 

I have a 91 with the getrag, my buddy has a 00 with a 5 speed, and my dad has a 99 with the 6 speed. i have driven all three many times and i can tell you that the 6 speed is a far superior tranny that the 5, the split between 3 and 4 makes shifting so effortless, it just seems to glide into place. i personally like my truck with the getrag better than my buddy's. i have never towed with either one so i cant put any input on that but i will tell you that if you go with the six speed, you will not be sorry.

 

I think 2nd 3rd 4th and 6th are different ratios. I know 6th has a slightly higher (faster MPH) O.D. than the 6-speed.

The gear shifts are near evenly split in the 6-speed, where, in a 5-speed the 3-4 shift can really pull you out of your power band when towing heavy.

Plus, the 6-speed is nearly twice the physical size of the 5-speed, and is stronger too. (Bigger input shaft, etc)

Merrick

 

you MUST like shifting if you have a 6 speed....I find that the 5 speed is a lot more fun and requires much less effort to drive compared to the 6 speed.

EDIT - but for heavy towing a 6 speed is the winner, no question about that.

 

don't mind shifting I like control and with the low rpm power of the cummins I can choose what ever I feel

 

I would have an 18 speed if I was smart enough to put one in.

The Cummins is a truck engine, and therefore should have a truck transmission.

When you hear a semi shift, you can tell that there is not a large gap in the ratio's.
When you hear a Dodge 6-speed shift, it sound freakishly similar.
Now, A Dodge 5-speed sound likes it takes forever to wind down enough to go into the next gear. This tranny is suited perfect for a 454 Chevy(I know this cause my brother just bought one, wind it up, shift, wind it up, shift)

I can't really afford the 6-speed swap, so I'm going to get a US Gear OD, and have my 10 speed. The gaps are just too large between gears in my truck. My Uncle's 2000, 5-Speed with 4.10 gears is a lot better, but the 24v like to turn RPM's, and don't have near the low end mine does.

HTH,
Chris

 

i tow heavy, as in 26k plus, i have never had a hard time with the 3-4 shift. i have more trouble with the 2-3 split. a 6 speed would just make it nice and easy all the way around. mike

 

The 6speed pretty well has an even 600 rpm split from 3-6 1 is deep reduction and i cant remember since i dont pay attention to what the 2-3 split is. For the most part the whole shift pattern involves a 600 rpm split though which makes it extremely nice when grabbing gears on the hills you can drop from 5th to 4th with a 6spd and stay in a smooth power band. vs the older 4th to 3rd drop in a 5spd which was a fair chunk larger i think it was a 900 rpm jump maybe 1000.


The 2-3 split is also nicer the whole pattern is alot better suited to the motor and its power band.

 

Yes it bolts right up, the clutch is the problem. The flywheel needs to be drilled to take the larger clutch and input shaft.

 

no i would just order the correct clutch and flywheel kit probably upgrade to 13" at the time anyone loooking for the 5 speed nv4500 w/ 5th gear nut replaced w/ about 165,000 flywheel and clutch included? PM me if you are?

 

thats ussually what they do for the clutch kit, they have you send them your flywheel and they drill it and send it back with the new clutch.

You'll have to upgrade to the stock 6spd 13", the conversion 12 1/4's with the big input dont hold up. Most companies quit making them becasue the center hub rips out.