I started pulling a 10,000 lb 5th wheel in the mountains. I have the 3:55's now with the 5sp. A 6spd would make life easy on those hills all I need is a new gear between 3rd and 4th. 3rd is too low and the truck has high rpm at max 35 mph and 4th I have to go 50 to keep the engine from lugging. 50 is a little too fast for our mountain roads. I pull with the comp on 1 or 2. Swapping a 6speed would be nice but finding the trans, crossmember, driveshafts etc.. would be a pain and pricy. I was thinking about 4:11's since It would not hurt to go rebuild the axles anyways. But then my mpg would suck on the hiway unloaded. So then i thought an gear venders overdrive with 4:11's. You guys pulling, what do you think find a 6 speed or go for the 4:11's and the overdrive? Or just buck up and get a new truck with a 6 speed and a monthly payment?

 

if it was my choice, i would live with it and save for a deleted 6.7

 

I like the way my GV splits 3/4, I also pull 10k.

 

Have you priced a gear vendors? You'd be money ahead to swap in the 6 spd. You don't have to change crossmembers. If you found a 1-1/4" input shaft NV5600, you wouldn't even need to change the clutch.

 

If swapping in a NV5600 what is all needed? I figure driveshafts. I would like to change the clutch anyways the southbend ofe I got is a real pain to pull with. What trucks had the 1 1/4 input shaft on the nv5600?

 

Driveshafts will need to be lengthened/shortened. 99-00 SO trucks had the NV5600 as an option, those were the small input. If its an HO, it has the 1-3/8" shaft. If you find a G56, its only a little more work to install, and it drives like a dream.

 

The g56 shifts a lot easier and smoother than the NV5600.

If I had the time money etc and the need I'd switch out to a G56.

I am also assuming your truck is 4WD? In which case you have to gearsets to buy and install.

The gearvendor OD is a lot of money as mentioned, but shortening driveshafts can also be costly. Maybe you can find a wrecked one with driveshafts and trans.....

 

Sorry to hijack, but could you please explain why you don't like the OFE clutch? I'm going to need a clutch soon, and I was leaning towards the OFE. Thanks.

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............I know where there is a 01 or 02 that the guy changed all over to the 6 speed, alittle while later the block cracked, he repaired it himself, but wants to sell now........its a running/driving truck...$6000.00........kim.....