Hi I am new to the dodge world and I was wondering how much the 6 speed manual trans helps to lower RPM's. I was guessing that it is just and over drive and that if you are towing you would stay in 5th?

 

6th on the NV5600 is 0.73:1. 5th on the NV4500 is 0.76:1. 5th in the 6er is the same as 4th in the 5er (1:1). First gear ratios are similar between two as well. The 6 speed basically has an extra gear between 1st and 4th, relative to the 5 speed.

 

go to nv 5600 and nv 4500 to see differences in gear ratios thru each gear.

the 3 to 4 shift in a five speed is a large drop in RPMs, especially when towing large loads.

 

thanks buddy I am coming out of the dark world of Ford. I always wanted a Cummins from the begining, I had to suffer through 11-13 MPG with the powerstroke.

Thanks again
T

 

The 5 speed is much quicker, nicer shifting tranny IMO

I honestly think I would rather have the 5 speed

I don't tow anything real heavy and feel the 6 speed is tedious

You can easily skip 4th gear in the 6 speed, when empty

The 6 speed is much heavier duty though. The NV5600 weighs like 150 lbs more then the 5 speed. Also, has the 13" clutch as opposed to the 12" on the 5 speed.

The only real problems with the 5 speed have been the 5th gear nut. There are updated nuts and the newer trannies have them. Also, I have heard of people breaking the smaller 1.25" input shaft as opposed to the larger 1.375" shaft of the 6 speed. But that is usually under high hp levels and under abuse(i.e. sledpulling).

 

it goes alot deeper then just an extra gear. its the difference from the HO and the SO models.

 

Like Brian alluded, only the HO models had the larger input shaft.

 

Ive heard that the 6 speed is about as heavy as an automatic tranny.It is supposed to be a heavy duty gear boxand some say it will give you calises on your hand from the hard shifting.There is supposed to be a lack of parts to allow one to repair it as well.

 

I love my 6spd hardly use 1st an barely ever use 6th

 

As stated before, there's more to the 5-6 speed choice than tranmissions. The ETC engine (SO) is a better candidate for power modifications, if that's what you're after.

In stock form, the 5 speed clutch is better, but the 6 speed can be built up to be stronger than a built 5 speed clutch.

 

The 6 speed will not lower engine rpm it will actually raise it 100 rpm. in 6th.

The advantage to the 6 is the gears are a little closer, this makes shifting to the next gear with a big load easier. Most guys just use 2-4-6 driving around empty.

 

I owned a '99 3500 with the 5 speed until 2003 when I traded it for my '02 with a 6 speed. I pull trailers alot and I don't usually just half load them. I push the limits of everything I do. I can tell you, if you pull trailers, you'll want the 6 speed. If I didn't pull trailers, I'd want the 5 speed. But like they say, difference in SO and HO are a lot of that. My advice is go for a 6 speed. It really stinks when you go to shift from 3 to 4 in a 5 speed going up a hill with a large gooseneck on the turnpike and end up downshifting again because you can't hold speed.

 

The 5600 is overrated IMO. It's heavier, harder to shift, more expensive to fix and hard work on. The 4500 has the potential to be much stronger than a 5600. All you need is an input shaft upgrade and a 13" clutch and you'll never break it. None of the big name sled pullers use 5600's, that speaks volumes in my book.

 

Coming from a NV4500 pulling large loads...sometime in excess of 35K gross...I LOVE my NV5600. It matches the power curves of the Cummins almost perfect for towing, and I don't mind driving it empty either.

The 5 speed is nicer shifting, but whenever I would hook to a trailer, I'd hate it. I'd have to wind it clear out to redline just to be able to get the next gear...THAT'S NOT WHY I BOUGHT A DIESEL!!! With the NV5600, I go to 2500RPM and shift, unless I'm REAL heavy, then I'll wind it out farther. If I had a smaller charger, I wouldn't need to wrap it out so far...compromise!

Chris

 

[QUOTE]The 6 speed will not lower engine rpm it will actually raise it 100 rpm. in 6th.

That is incorrect

The 5 speed has a .75 ratio in 5th

The 6 speed has a .73 ratio in 6th

This translates into a tiny 50 RPM drop @ 70 MPH with the 6sp compared to the 5