Just ran into some info about a new 6-speed on the Daimler Chrysler Media web site. Looks like the NV-5600 will soon be a thing of the past.

Quote from article:
"Six-speed manual transmission performance will be available with the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8, in addition to the High Output Cummins Turbo Diesel, on 2005 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty pickups. The G56 six-speed manual transmission replaces the NV4500 five-speed and NV5600 six-speed manual transmissions. This new six-speed transmission features a dual-trunnion shift tower which provides a compact shift pattern with optimal mechanical advantage for shifting. Double-cone synchronizers in First through Fourth and Reverse gears provide high-capacity and long-term durability. A two-piece, die-cast aluminum case with an integral clutch housing provides optimal stiffness and minimizes noise, vibration and harshness. A multi-rail, all-steel shift system provides precise shift feel. The 6.29:1 First-gear ratio provides better launch performance for an improved experience under heavily loaded and trailer tow conditions. There are also power take off access covers on both sides of the transmission."

If the "G" in the G56 designation means "Getrag" I'm sure there will be folks that owned first generation trucks that will be shaking in their boots. This brand does not bring up a lot of happy memories for Dodge/Cummins alumni.

The other thing I just DO NOT understand is that the new 6-speed has a first gear ratio of 6.29 which is noticeably lower than the NV-5600's ratio of 5.63. Is there anyone anywhere that thinks that first gear is too high on their NV-5600???????

 

If they were going to redesign the manual, why didn't they go with a 7 speed?

I wonder if a lower ratio 1st gear will allow you to get the towing capacity of a current 4.10 truck, but be able to cruise above 70mph without being wound out, like a truck with a 3.73.

 

The lower first gear will enhance towing, but primarily at speeds under 3mph

 

Why fix what isn't broke. Many people swear by their 6-speed and the NV-5600. Now we start all over again?

 

I agree, the 6 speed is one of the few things I really like on my truck and I don't recall anyone ever complaining about it. Even my wife enjoys driving it, so the pattern can't be too bad as is????

 

glad mine is good ol cast iron. i wanted that trans BECAUSE it shifts like a TRUCK. had a 1995 1/2 ton chevy with a Getrag trans and it shifted like a Camaro!

 

6.29:1 FIRST GEAR!!!!! What's the point? To get your load moving a whole 3 ft before you have to shift.

 

Now you can run 38 inch tall tires without changing the gear ratio!!

 

Well, the lower gear ratio in 1st will make my hay-hauling buddies happy. The usually run in 4-lo to get a slower ground speed, cause 1st gear with 3.73 is too fast when you're walking along side pitching bales on the trailer.

But you won't make it too far down the road from a stop before you have that gear used up

 

Good greif if they where going to mes with gear ratios I would have liked a gear between 5th and 6th. Sometimes 6th may be to high but 5th is to low to run down the inerstate towing a big load at speed. I dont like letting it sit at super high RPMs for a long ways. I still havent found a use for 1st yet. Makeing it lower makes it that much more pointless in my book.

 

It may help if DC is going to up the tow ratings or use the same trans in even heavier models.

 

As long as it's not "lubed for life" like the old Getrags it will be OK, I guess. Like the previous poster said, the low 1st gear will allow DC to up the tow rating due to improved load starting performance.

 

I personally would like to see the new tranny... might want a 6sp next time. I got an auto in my '03 because I was so sick of shifting the NV5600 in my '01... it was one of the worst-shifting trannies I'd ever owned. I drove a 6sp '03 before buying my '03 auto and it wasn't much improved. It was too hard to shift precisely and quickly, and the gates felt very rubbery.

I hope the new tranny corrects these problems...

Rob

 

Pure speculation on my part: maybe Cummins intends to push the torque in future engines much higher than what the NV-5600 can handle so they need to go with a different manual trany?

 

Does anyone have the site with the specs for this trans? I think that the Aluminum case sucks! Gears, of any kind, can't take any type of flex or miss-allignment. I'll stand corrected if it's from the medium duty trucks.