I'm looking for a 01 02 w/ a five or six speed is there a major diffrence between one or the other? I only do light towing and a even mix of freeway and city driving. I've heard the SO pumps are better and I plan on getting 500 hp to the ground w/ this truck. Thanks in advance

 

The 6 speed has a closer range in the middle gears. They are also harder to work on and heavier.

 

But the six speed ratios are perfectly matched to the engine. I am stoked with the NV5600 in my '02. I would find a truck with the 6.

 

Dont think I dont love em. If I had the money Id have dropped one in my truck. And when I step up, itll be a 6sp thats for sure.

 

If 500 hp is the goal, go with the SO 5 speed, over the HO 6sp.

The biggest difference between the two is the engines. the "high output" with the 6 speed and the "standard output" with the 5 speeds.

That being said, i like the 6 speed and the SO engine. However, they were not made in 01 or 02.

My 6 speed will out-tow dad's 5 speed. And he has more mods on his truck
(mine, smarty. his, edge ez and rv 275's)

Im not sure why, but my truck will handle a trailer better than his truck. Also 3.55's with a 6 speed will get better fuel milage than 4.10's, which are commonly found with the 5 speeds.

So weigh the differences between both setups and see which one you like best...

Of course, if you dont have a differently configured truck to compare the one you get to, then you wont know what your missing and therefore think yours is the best

 

I'll be the voice of opposition here, I guess. I'd take a 5 spd for what you want. These trucks are certainly capable of towing with a 5spd. First gear and overdrive are virtually the same between both trannies, so no extra low end or mileage. If you plan on racing it, less gears to bang with the 5spd. Contrary to popular belief, the 6spds are not bullet proof. I'm sure Blackdiesel will attest to that. And when the day comes for a rebuild, the 5spd will be the easier and cheaper to do. Yes, the 5 spd has the 5th gear issue, but you can still get home without tearing anything up. I just did that today, in fact. With that said, I wouldn't turn either down. If you're not pulling heavy loads 90% of the time, I would definitely consider the 5spd as much as the 6.

 

Having driven both with the 4.10's I'd go 5sp..4.10 for mostly town and daily driver. Not as much shifting. For heavy or a lot of towing I'd go with the 6spd given a choice. I think the 6spd is stronger and if for no other reason the 5th gear problem. Properly taken care of either is a tough transmission for most use.

 

Well, according to some, I guess I have the best of both worlds. I have a 99 with the 6. I also have 4:10s in the diffs. But, it is 1 towin son of a gun, I can tell you that.

 

he's not wanting to tow, he wants a go fast truck. Get a SO truck with 3.55's. who wants a fast truck that tops out at under 100 mph. JMO

 

No, by all means Blackdiesel, you are absolutely right. If speed is what is wanted, your formula is the best.

 

Great info guys I plan to put 35's on it, my big concern was having to do 65 miles an hour on the freeway but if the five and six speed have the same O.D ratio I'm happy either way. I want some power but, relability is an issue I've had a 99' w/ a full billet DTT and my new one has a smooth 48re that kills my 99' but, I just don't see spending the money again when a five or six will do the trick, and I have to admit I sure miss rowing through the gears

 

I had both and I won't go back to the 5sp, but I tow a lot.
If you just want speed get a 5sp, less shifting when empty, or, like I do with my 6sp start in 2nd, then 3rd, 5th, 6th, skipping forth sometimes.

I think clutch is better on 6sp though, my 5sp had issues immediately when bombed, the 6sp is holding on pretty good with twice as many miles

 

Yep the 5 spd would suit your needs well.

 

Most people drive their trucks empty most of the time. To my mind you want the 5 sp with 3.55s. Top gear is the same ratio on both the 5 and 6 sp so you would just have more gears to shift. I never use first gear now unless I'm pulling my 12500 FW or my 8000 flat deck loaded. To be honest I don't see the need for 4.10s unless you're hauling all the time or have a very heavy trailer.

 

i love my 5 speed wouldnt change it for nothing

i am looking to get the bigger input shaft in mine so i can upgrade to a DD and then at that point it wont matter if its a 5 or six

but i can bang the gears way better than i can i the six speed

most of the time i am only using 2,3,4,5

so i drive with 4 gears

i drag race mine and always start out in second and i aint easy on my truck its my play to