The G56 is a Mercedes tranny. I know you don't feel that a service mgr. is more knowledgeable that most of the folks that frequent this site. His answer could be anything from "it's the same one we always used" to "it's one of them allisons or torqueshift things."

 

Drove several G56's ... smooth power xfer but lacked the positive clutch engagement that I expected to feel. Almost like a bit of slip when working the pole through the gears on a good uphill takeoff to freeway. Gear positions didn't feel natural. The 3.73 gears felt like 4.10's the first time I drove one, I could've swore it had 4.10 gears but later found out why it felt that way!

The NV5600's throw was tighter and shorter with a very positive feel. The clutch engagement was just that ... engaged ... no sign of slip etc... not as forgiving in off timed shifts but solid and did just exactly what it was told to do and when ... right or wrong!

When I decided to buy ... I located 3 in the area that had my not very picky must haves and want items ... 2 were sold and the one I got had an extra option that I really didn't want (elect xfer) but it was the right color. Seems around here (at least last week) the NV's are getting hard to find now!? And it's listed as a "HD" 6spd option with a $400 uplift price!

I drove them both a few times and my personal choice even at additional expense and locating time was the older NV5600. So ... certainly drive them both several different times and try them back to back too.

 

Her is Dodge's response to the inquiry as to who makes the G56 in our trucks:

Dear Roger:

Thank you for your email regarding the G56 6-speed manual transmission
in the 2005 Dodge Ram 3500.

Congratulations on your new Ram 3500, welcome to the Dodge family! The
G56 6-speed manual transmission in the Ram 3500 is made by
DaimlerChrysler.

Ram is the longest lasting full size pickup truck on the market today.

If you have further questions or comments, please feel free to use the
reply link below. You may also call us on our toll-free number at
1-800-964-0600.

Thank you again for your email. Have a great day!




Does this muddy the water or what?

 

I have the new MB 6-spd on my '05. I heard that they switched in mid-January or thereabouts and that these had been around Europe for quite some time - yeah, there is a 'notch' feel to this, but you get used to it and I've had not problems with missing a shift (either up or down) and I've just put on some 5000 mi with a 4500lb camper in the bed on a cross Canada trip. Careful with starting off in 2nd gear - if you get it just right you can be in reverse without knowing it - and really surprise the guy behind you at the light. Having said that, you need to be really stopped to shift to reverse and "wait for the reverse gear to come to you" rather than slide it in as on previous 6spd. Bottom line, I like it.