First time owner and new member here. I got a million questions, but going to start with today. Tranny grenaded on me today. Probably trash(if the parts bouncing off the freeway is any indication). '97 model, 5speed, 259000 miles. Truck spends 90% of its time under a 46ft goodneck trailer, hauling merchandise around southeast Arkansas to my customers. Am going to start upgrade process with performance mods, to increase hp and torque, for pulling this trailer.Is it worth it to try and find a 6 speed manual, since I am going to have to buy tranny anyway? I have read several forums, and if I am correct, the only changes would be drill more holes in the flywheel, go to 13 1/2in clutch, and adjust drive shaft length.

I drove an '03 today, with the larger CTD, and 6 speed, and it will pull my truck backwards. I cannot afford the 30grand plus for a late model, but if I spent, say 10 grand on this truck, and kept it for work, am I just throwing money away.

I may not be making much sense, but I have to have a 1T dually to pull this trailer, and I spend 5-6 days a week in it, and need some advise from experienced owners.

Thanks in advance.

Sorry, I posted in the wrong place. Mr Moderator, can you move for me? Sorry.

 

Where would you like it?

I'm guessing 3rd gen?


phox

 

I posted in 24v forum, and it should be in 12v forum, I think.
Thanks

 

If I was in your situation and I had to replace the tranny regardless, I would spend a little extra for the six speed. Here is a company that offers a complete kit and it is less than five grand.

http://www.quad4x4.com/NV5600.htm

 

Thanks for the link. I really liked the six speed I drove today. I was pulling my trailer with it, and it handled it much better than my truck.

 

Is your truck 2 wheel drive or a 4x4.If it is a 2wd there in no way to hook up your speedo as the 6 speed trans does not have a speedo drive in it.The 4x4 pick up there speed signal from the transfercase & the newer 6 speed 2wd pick up the signal from the rr axle.I went through this while converting my dads 97 auto to a stick.I wanted to use a 6 speed but found out dad wanted a speedo more than another gear.Quad4x4 has new not rebuilt chinease junk nv 4500's that they pull apart & install the fully splinned main shaft & upgraded 5th gear nut.Its tough to beat a 5 speed if its setup properly.Good luck.

Kurt

 

Just put 5 speed back in, you'll have plenty of torque to pull if you hop up the engine a little.
Do 4" exhaust, big air filter and get at least a pyro gauge and then have the pump turned up. Your truck will then have more power than a new one. Exhaust, air, gauges and pump for around 1k.

 

Thanks for the replies. After reading here and other forums, my thinking is to go back with the NV4500, including updated 5th gear shaft, and spend the money saved,by not going with the NV5600, on the engine. If this is the correct way to go, then I need to get the upgrades in priority order. How does this look?

1. tranny rebuilt or replaced with 5th gear weakness fixed.
2. South Bend Clutch for at least 350HP.
3. gauges(min pyro, boost, fuel pressure,tranny temp.
4. exhaust
5. turn up pump, slide plate, etc.

What else can be done, within reason, for work truck that will see 2500 miles per week, all under 46FT Pace Trailer(older model, double frame rails, very heavy) haulding 8-10,000lbs merchandise, mostly on two lane state roads(a lot of 50-60MPH pulling and thru many small towns.

I really need input on this diesel, before I spend 3-5 thousand. If it was gas or alcohol race engine, I would know, but I have no experience with diesel, other than I know I want the torque, and fuel economy.

Also, I have read several posts about the big gap from 3rd to 4th gear. Is there different ratio trannys out there. I am an old 18 wheeler driver, and learned to shift my 13speeds by rmp. This NV4500 in my truck has a 1000RMP drop from 1-2,2-3,3-4, and a 500rmp drop from 4th to 5th.

I shift at 2500 on 4 lower gears, and into 5th at 2250. Engine drops to 1500 on 4 lower gears, and to 1750 at fifth. I am below torque curve at 1500, if I am heavy, or pulling grade, it seems forever before I feel the turbo boost, and she starts pulling again.

Sorry for the long post, but I make my living with this truck, and I need info. I don't mind spending the money to make her pull, but don't want to waste money on unneeded mods.

ANY input will be welcome. I forgot in my signature, truck is 2WD, with too high a rear gear for my liking(thinking around 3.55 ratio.

Thanks

 

Include a 4,000 rpm governor spring kit with the heavier intake and exhaust valve springs, a change of the rear gears to 4.11 ratio, and an exhaust brake.

 

Yes. Get a #10 fuel plate($195), and a 3K($125) or 4k GSK($225), and you will have quite a bit of power over a brand new truck. You may also need a bigger turbo housing after that to cool EGT's($150). You will be VERY happy with your truck after these simple cheap mods.

Eric

 

Keep the 3.55, with all those mods it will easily pull with 3.55 and not be screaming down the freeway. Do intake,exhaust, gauges and then turn up the pump. You should see close to 300 rwh and 600 torque. easily will out pull a brand new 600 Cummins.

 

Thanks a bunch for your replies. Looks like I can save a lot of money, by going back with the NV4500, and only spend part of the savings on mods, and get a better pulling truck to boot.

Above post mentiond larger turbo housing. Am I understanding correct, I get a larger housing, and put my turbo guts into it, or do I need to get another complete turbo?

Thanks again for all your help. I really like my truck, and am glad I can make it servicable for my use, and not spend obscene amounts of money on it.

I smell a new block for the race car. Yeeeeeehaaaaaa.