just bought a 2004 dodge ram 3500 4x4 with 6 speed. my question now is, is it normal that i can't shift into second gear if i am sitting still? i can downshift while i drive but if the truck is at a complet stop i can't get it in 2nd gear. i think i will bring the truck back to dodge. to start in 1st gear is such a pain, gets you nowhere.
thanks

 

That's not normal at all. I test drove an 04 and had no problems running through any of the gears.

 

The NV5600 is a sticky trans when new. It doesn't sound normal but may just be it needs break in. Make sure you press the clutch to the floor.

 

The tranny is very tight when new. I had problems getting into 2nd gear a few times when new and reverse was a real pain. Now with almost 10k miles the tranny shifts really well. I'm really impressed on how well this tranny shifts for such a heavy duty unit.
Also you might want to check the fluid level and make sure it's up to the plug hole.

MikeyB

 

I never had a problem finding 2nd when stopped even when new, but found third to be sticky once in a while. Sometimes when having a wierd moment, I'd try and do something stupid like shifting into R instead of 5th - but the even wierder sounds from the tranny would tell me that something is amiss and hint that I should re-think what I'm trying to do.

I'm thinking maybe the clutch needs some adjustment.

 

Just for heck of it have you tried double clutching it? when stopped while in neutral and trying to put it in 2nd and it won't go try letting the clutch out and in again changing the rotation of the gears .. maybe it will go in then? I also think it's just a little tight