I was searching the forums for something else and stumbled on a thread in the third gen section where a guy was raving about weighted shift ***** and how they make the trans shift so much smoother.

The idea makes sense to me, especially when I checked out the website that sell them. They look like big rig shift *****.

http://www.uintadieselperformance.co...ift_Knobs.html

I was already to pull the trigger on one when a thought popped into my head. Aren't NV56600 supposed to have weak synchros? And won't a big weight on the end of the shifter eat up the syncros?

It seems like I have heard, since I was learning to drive "don't rest your hand on the shifter, it'll wear out the synchros". So isn't having this weight on the end of the shifter kind of the same thing?

I would really like to try this, but not at the expense of a new trans. So any thoughts on this would be appreciated.

 

Bump, Im curiou as well. Sure would like a SS for my b-day.

 

I can't really see where this will add a lot of weight to the end of the shifter as they sit pretty perpendicular in any gear. If the shifter was more horizontal it may have an effect. I think the heavier **** adds dampening but not much else. They look really nice too.

When 'resting' my arm on my shifter I can feel a difference in the **** rather than when I just hold it. I don't think a heavier **** is going to add this much weight like your entire arm and shoulder does. Just my .02.

Kurt

 

If you want a new shift **** try this guy

http://www.smcswainengineering.com.au/Valiant.htm

I have heard nothing but good stuff about him over on the third gen fourms

 

I never use the clutch when I shift, got used to it from driving a wrecker and tryin not to shake the truck im towin too much. Hit the RPM's just right and it'll fall right into gear.

I can see how the weighted **** would help ya be able to throw it into gear better though.

 

Sixslug, These shift ***** weight 2 lbs, that a pretty fair amount of weight onthe end of a 2 foot stick. Take a 2lb wieght and hold it at the end of your arm's length. Probably no big deal, now put it at the end of a 2 foot stick, much more effort to hold out at arms length.

Nick02ram I used to shift my truck like that all the time, have done it on many manual trans vehicles, cars and trucks. I stopped with my Ram because of reading on here that the synchros are the weak link of the NV5600 and it looks like parts are getting very sparse and very expensive for them.

 

I wonder why there is such a huge price difference between the two?

 

STate, I think the price difference comes from one is weighted, weighs 2lbs according to the website, one is just decorative, I believe. The shift ***** on the site I posted are eigher solid steel or solid stainless steel. Which I assume is more expensive and harder to machine than the Aluminum ***** on the second website.

Not that they are any less quality or one is better than the other. I am making no assertions one way or the other. But I think they are intended for slightly different outcomes.

 

My point was in the relation of the **** to gravity. Straight out on a two foot shaft, yes that's heavy. But upwards at a 20 to 30 degree angle (the position your shifter is usually in gear in) is going to 'feel' less heavy. I would place your hand on the shifter w/ stock **** and feel what the trans is doing while running then attach #2 to it and run it and see if there is a difference in feel transmitted thru the shaft.

If its a big deal get the aluminum one.

Kurt