How common was this? I thought all trucks with a manual came with a 6spd after 02?

 

Nope they made the nv4500 in 03 with a 250 hp motor and the nv5600 had the 305hp motors

 

So stay away from the 5spd truck regardless of a good price?

 

I wouldnt let it bother me. It should still be a good truck.

 

The S.O.'s are not bad. If you get a smoking deal, I wouldn't pass it up.

I Have an '03 S.O. with a couple of mods that will tow with the best of them and is pretty fast empty.

 

Some ppl prefer the NV4500 over the 5600. It wouldn't bother me.

 

If I ever nuke my 5600 I will probably go with a 4500. There are a few known issues with them but for the most part are good trannies. Just fix the bolt that backs out and install the bigger input shaft. Unless you sled pull with big HP it is very tough, even then they work out good.

 

I would get it. I like the NV4500 a lot better then the NV5600 or the G56. The NV4500 shifts smoother and faster then the NV5600. Definitely shifts a lot faster then the G56 although the G56 feels smooth too.

I almost bought an 03 SO 5 speed instead of my 01 HO 6 speed. Wish I did. Probably would still have that truck.

Also, an 03 should already have the updated 5th gear nut. And as mentioned, you can change to the larger input shaft and NV5600 clutch setup. And this tranny is still made and parts are easily available.

 

A buddy of mine has an '03 235hp Cali Cummins with the NV4500 5spd and he prefers it over the 6spd. Personally, I prefer the NV5600 behind the Cummins over the NV4500 or the G56.

Scott

 

I regretted buying my 5 speed at first because of the loss of hp and torque but it has been such a great truck. I lost the lift pump at 125k but other than that a great truck. I have driven it 90k miles from 40k when I bought it and wouldn't turn back now. I think it is a good choice because the ease of nv4500 availabilities and really they have enough power and if you don't think so a smarty jr will help out. later

 

I'm thinking of doing the same whenever the time comes due to the scarcity of NV5600 parts.

MikeyB

 

How does the NV4500 and stock clutch hold up against the smarty? Buddy of mine has an 04 and with some mild tranny (auto) upgrades and a stock turbo with the smarty he made something like 460 hp/1050 lb/ft on the dyno. Im trying to sell my 96 and get into a 4 dr so thats why Im asking all the questions. Thanks for all the input.

 

i had one loved after a sb clutch and flywheel upgrade larger input shaft and no the 5th gear will still come off unless fixed right. other then that i loved the truck it would get 11 pulling an empty trailer at 70

 

I loved my 97 5sp 3.54 when I had a 7200lb 5er but it stunk when I went to this 5er. I love my 6 sp 4.10 for towing but it kinda stinks running empty around town. I would take a 5sp again in a flash for medium loads. The mainshaft kit got a lot cheaper since about 2000 when I had to fix mine. It did take a SB clutch when I went passed 800 tq. Craig