Well, just less than a year into this diesel ownership adventure, some manual trans trucks have caught my eye. I originally wanted a manual, but with a fast-approaching RV season and none to be found I settled for a 48RE. Love everything about my truck but the trans. I've grown to accept it, but I think I'd like the 6-shooter better - especially for towing. Yep, my wife pretty much wants to kill me

I'm looking at 2 different '05's right now - one with a NV5600 and one with a G56. I know the topic has been debated ad nauseum in the past, but any suggestions on which way I should lean? Truck will be a daily driver with approx 50% of miles towing about 8000-8500 lbs. Also used as the family car for longer trips (our Volvo is a bit cramped with the kids). Probably just stock power or maybe a mild tune if it's safe, but no sled puller or power monster for me. I mostly want a truck that's durable and lasts a really long time.

Both rigs have much lower miles than mine which I consider good and bad. I'll end up re-doing some of the maintenance mine has already had.

 

Kach, Well you will get alot of opinions on which is best. I have had both auto and now currently a 2006 with a G-56, 6 speed can't comment on the NV5600. The auto was great for a person who lives in a populated area , no clutch work or shifting. I now live in a remote area {less populated} hardly any shifitng. But for towing the G-56 is great I did however have the clutch changed out. The orginal clutch was not enough to pull my 13K trailer after 100K on the clock. Also have an Edge programer installed which really helps when towing, big difference. Like you I don't pull sleds or abuse my truck just use it for vacations and some hauling now and then.
The truck is great on long trips but I don't ride in the back seat. Our Lab , Annie never complains. Wife rides shotgun, our kids are adult children they have their own famalies and own agendas.

 

To the OP, what is your concern towing that weight with the 48RE? My older 5th wheel was in that range of load, and my truck pulled it like it wasn't there..

My current setup is about 11.5 - 12k lbs as I typically load it... and I'm watching the transmission..

 

In short, both transmissions will last a long time and do anything you need to do.
Differences, NV is going to have a higher OD ratio, lower rpms by a little.
NV is harder to shift (quickly), G56 shifts smoother and easier.

Stock NV clutch is much better than the dmf clutch in the G56.

 

G56 is a great transmission!

 

I just found a 2003 on CL... Did a 2003 ever come with a VP44? I though all 3rd gen trucks had a CP3. It's advertised as a VP44, but as far as I know it shouldn't be?!?

Thanks!

The 1st 2 trucks didn't work out - I think the dealer paid way too much for them...

 

http://www.dieselperformance.com/ind...duct/index/28P

kach,
have you looked into the product, its a od lockout for our 05 models with auto trans.

we cannot lock out the od as you can in later model dodge trucks, this device allows you to do that.

it might be worth a look see before you sell your truck and buy another.

just a thought, i also have an 05 model and i looked at it once, but my truck has so much power for the load i pull i have never needed it.

my 05 model is a great truck, we do not have some of the pollution problems of later models.

 

My '03 locks out 4th with the switch on the shifter I believe...

I definitely want to stay with a 5.9 truck. I prefer the '03-'04 if I can find one. No EGR and great mileage. I think they were two of the best years for this truck. My oil stays honey clear between changes.

I really just want the manual because I like driving the manual! The 48RE gets it done just fine. If I don't get into a manual truck, a built trans will be in my future.

 

FWIW, My nv5600 shifts smoother than my FILs 07.5 g56. I love my 4.10 but I wouldn't like it if I took long trips with it. I've driven 03 HOs 6 spds with 3.73s, too. I wish I had your truck for empty and still have mine for working! No VP44 on a CR engine. Craig