12 flapper

Just what is says guys, I have a friend that wants to do a conversion from auto to a stick in his 1994. I am curious in what you guys think is a better stick tranny. Either by PRICE, STRENGH, RELIABLILITY, EASY TO WORK ON and so on.

Tate

Price and ease of working on is definitely a feather in the 5 spd's cap. Reliability, thats a toss up I'd say. 5 spd's drop 5th gear, but will rarely strand you. I've seen some pretty nasty pics of 5600's where every gear is thrashed. Granted, thats only a couple 6 spds, and I'm sure there are plenty of 5 spds that have done it too. So I'd say reliability is a push. Strength? The 5600 is rated for a higher GVWR and torque, but the 5 spd is no slouch either. I'd probably concede strength to the 6 spd, but its really not that much of an issue IMO. They both take what these engines throw at them quite handily.

Questions for your friend is how much does he want to spend, and whats he using the truck for? The 5 spd will be cheaper to both buy and rebuild in the future, they shift easier, and there is less shifting to do. When I took a new 6.7 for a test drive, it had the 6 spd manual, and I had run through 5 gears just getting to 50 km/h. I guess I didn't need to use first. Nonetheless, there is more shifting, and if its just a commuter, no need for the extra gear. First is the same, and OD is the same in both trannies (or close enough to the same, at least).

renopker

If hes pulling a trailer go 6 speed and forget the old out dated nvs and use a 06 up g56 there here to stay are relatively cheep a bit more work but well worth the time .

cincydiesel

I say 6 speed auto... However I dont think thats the awnser your looking for.

tool

A G56 conversion would be awesome in a 1994. I'd love to see that, and I love my G56.

I imagine the most economical route would go with the NV4500 5 Speed. I liked mine, I found it nicer to drive and more user friendly than a NV5600 and I towed VERY heavy with mine at times.

I eventually did wreck it but it was my fault, a seal went and I ran it low on oil.

The NV5600's are apparently getting hard to find and very expensive to fix.

So I say, if price isn't a major concern go for the G56, he'll love the smooth shifting and great feel to that tranny. If he wants cheap and easy, get a NV4500

Trebor

I agree. Looks like China doesn't have the interest in making replacement parts for the NV5600's.