Is there a way to reduce the notchiness (if that's a real word) of the 6 speed shifter that comes with the ST models?

Anout 10% of the time if find the middle of 4th and 6th. Real frustrating.

 

you should get the BD short shift kit. it makes a huge difference

 

My '04 6 speed is horrible shifting between 2nd and 3rd and to a lesser degree to 4th. I have a BD short shifter which really didn't help.

Any suggestions?

 

bearsdad, you should fill out your signature so we know what you have on your truck.

There's a few things you can try. the nv5600 is not an easy shift no matter what but If you double clutch the shifts and it feels much better that's telling you you are trying to shift too fast when you single clutch. You could also be shifting too slowly though I doubt it.

If there' s no issues with the way you shift it then you should look at fluid replacement. Search the forums for what guys most recommend. I just use the mopar stuff and It's worked great for me.

 

1st, you must shift in a smooth H pattern, you really cant try to cut the corners with the 5600. Remember the trans is huge, so are all of the parts inside, so it takes time and finesse to line things up for shifts.

2nd, dump that mopar oil, and put in some Redline MTL. made a difference in mine, i always seemed to have a hard time upshifting into 5th, but it is much better now.

 

I don't know if the 6sp is different, but the 5sp has a definate RPM sweet spot depending on how much the revs drop when shifting. It seems to do best when shifting at about 1800 to 2000 rpm on level ground, less when going downhill and more when going up. There is a cadence too, and if you hurry or get distracted it gets notchy and can get hard to shift. When you're in the groove it's just slides from gear to gear nice and easy with the finger tips.

 

Right on 1sttruck!!!!! Don't be in suck a hurry to cram it into the next gear. This is a truck, so shift her like one. She'll like you a lot more!!!

 

Thinking about the post and watching my shifting on the way home, what appears to be important is not the RPM that you shift at, what's important is the RPM that you 'catch' the next next gear at. 1500 RPM seems like a good spot, 1400 is ok for the lower gears, 1600 is bettter the higher gears, and even more is better on a hill, with a load, etc., as in any case you never want to lug it.

Some engines seem to drop RPMs more than others, and as I recall there were TSBs for changing how much they drop. Mine seems to drop nicely, which I like.