I'd assume the G56 will be the manual for 07. The article that everyone refers too that references the NV5600 in the 4500/5500 was written BEFORE the G56 came about. I'm guessing the info was something along the lines of "the truck will be available with a 6 speed manual or 6 speed auto" and the reporter added NV5600 as that was Dodge's manual tranny at the time.

Before I bought my 05 NV5600 I drove another 05 NV5600 that had 5 miles on it and the tranny was trashed. They all have their problems, I haven't seen anything too serious about the G56 yet (I'll let you know in 15 years as I have an 06 on order)

 

We've sold a lot of the newer trucks with the G56 and so far no problems with any of them. Having had both, I prefer the G56 to the NV5600. G56 is quieter and shifts better in my opinion. I like the lower 6th gear rpm for the heavy pulling we do. Hardly ever have to shift from 6th to 5th, we constantly had to shift with the nv5600. We are starting to see a few NV5600's that are having some 6th gear and reverse syncro problems, and at pretty low miles (100k or less).

 

Based on what I've heard, a return of the NV5600 is unlikely. New Ventures was a joint venture between Chrysler and [someone else], and when Dodge stopped putting the NV5600 in their trucks in early 2005 (over a year ago) it's my understanding that NV stopped manufacturing the NV5600 altogether. NV5600's are no longer available at all. This comes from a subculture of the truck world that used to buy NV5600's and install them in various brands of trucks to replace whatever tranny they came with. I remember seeing a lot of warnings and complaints that "If you ever want an NV5600 you'd better buy one now because no more will leave the factory." Those folks were pi$$ed.

 

So my ? is: Since the NV5600 is no longer being produced and the synchros on mine don't feel like they're working all that great, how hard is the conversion from an NV5600 to the G56 going to be in a 2002 model (I know its not 3rd gen but Im curious)?
THanks, Drew

 

If they do change to a different manual, I for one hope it is a stout 7 speed...

 

AGREED! The tranny definitely feels like it could use a seventh gear, at least for those of us with access to 75+ MPH freeways (Montana).

 

I agree completely, I need another gear when I am empty. Are parts still available for the 5600's? If they are not, I see an Allison (built and modded for 6th gear) in my future!

 

I don't know, but I don't think it would be too hard.

I wouldn't mind swapping my NV for a G56. I'd prefer the shorter gearing with my 35's and 3.73's. I've driven a Megacab with a G56, and that trans shifts really nice. Much better than the NV. I bet it can be hustled down the quarter mile a lot faster, too.

 

For everyone wanting a seven speed, what 7 speed do you think will go in this truck that doesn't weigh too much? Currently, I don't know of a single one that has a double overdrive. Also, by going to the G56, DC is down to one manual trans in the HD series for both gas and diesel. I don't see them wanting to juggle more transmissions than necessary.