ive recently broken my 4500 was,towing my lawn trailer was in 4th and then she snapped. i am goig to get a dual disc from a friend with a 04. i use my truck for work every day and pull any where from a couple thousand pounds to several thousand and would like to be able to sled pull every once and a while,i guess my question is what are the advantages and disadvantages to going from a 5 to a 6 speed how much work is involved, and how much money am i looking to spend?

 

worst thing is getting parts for the 6spd but it would be the way to go for towing

 

I think the Nv4500 would be the best choice for the simple fact of parts availabilty and price.

 

one question i forgot to ask will my t case bolt up? im guessing probably not.

 

The conversion is pretty expensive. It involves shortening the driveshaft, different clutch and PP, among other things. The biggest problem is finding one. NV 5600s are in short supply, thus expensive even to those that are already running 6 speeds. Before New Venture went out of business it was about $4000, now I'd say it is in the $6000 range.

 

you have to get the wide crossmember, shorten your drive shaft in the back then make the front one long, your transfer case should work, you have to get a the 4x4 shifter out of a 98 or newer because it bolts to the floor the nv5600 dosn't have a place to bolt yours to, extend your back up light harness you need to upgrade your clutch you said you were going to get a clutch from your buddy that one should work. then you will need to upgrade your hydrolics for the duell disk. and almost forgot you will need to buy a crossmember adapter or make one the nv5600 has 4 bolt holes and the nv4500 has 2. i think that is it.

 

The
T case bolts up. Its a good swap.

 

One more thing is the 5600 does not have a place for your speedo gear assy so you have to work that out. Still interested?

 

Hmmmmm, I always thought it went to the transfer case.

 

I just came back to fix that. I forgot the 4 X 4s were in the transfer case. One of the reasons I never did the conversion is that mine is in the tailshaft.

 

yo josh that green dodge on south 27 at that shop has a 5 spd and a t-case i want, i got his # i going to see if he will sell it cheap or what.

 

Having owned both trannies, I think the 6 speed is a superior unit. There are 2 6 speeds for sale on this boards classified section (unless they've sold). There should be parts for the 6 speed for years to come even if they dont make them anymore.

my 2 cents. go with the 6 er

lewis

 

NV5600 benefits -
- 2.5ton\equiv trans, weighs 390lbs, dry
- heavier duty - all shafts, gears, bearings much larger than NV4500
- spreads between gear ratios are evenly spaced, keeps rpms in max torque range for Cummins, excellent for towing, esp stop-start towing
- 6th overdrive is at front of trans, no loss of o\d, ever

NV4500 weighs 190lbs, dry

NV5600 dis-benefits -
- 2.5ton\equiv trans, weighs 390lbs, dry
- 6th o\d is at front of trans, more difficult to down-shift into all lower ranges
- ditto, difficult to shift into 1st or 2nd when stopped
- shifter is vague, notchy
- reverse-configuration of gear train reduces speed-shifting ability for drag-racing
- precision clearances demand special lube, very expensive
- difficult to service -
-- requires special jigs, fixtures - some can be home-made, some not
-- bellhousing is front-bulkhead for gearcase - remove entire case from bellhousing\gear-train to service
-- case weighs ~150lbs
- out of production since ca'04\'05, some bearing and synchro kits still available

Need the '99-up rear crossmember, driveshaft and yoke is same, uses same clutch cylinder, 1.250" input can use standard clutch\flywheel, 1.3750" input requires 13" flywheel and clutch - are some 1.3750" conversion clutch disks for standard 12.250" clutch\flywheel.

Also need the '99-up front and rear driveshafts outta the 6sp truck if 4wd.

I like my conversion, but not for everyday stop-go traffic, at my age - I've begun starting in 3rd to ease up on the shifting - little more mechanical effort with the 3.54's, but the driving experience is more equitable, not as much personal effort.

Does sound like a mini-18wheeler when rowing thru all 6 gears tho - rev up to rpm, even drop between ranges at each shift - puts a smile on yer face for a while

Depending on who's watching, I'll still row thru all 6 speeds - quick, even bursts in each gear to 40mph - show'em what they're missin' with their wimpy 5-speeds

 

thanks for the help i found a 6 speed now just have to get $ joe you need to get that nv 4500 for your truck and fix your t case im tired of being the only tow truck at the mud hole on sun.