Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) convert auto to 6 speed

[JHenry]

I may never do this, but I am considering converting my '98 12v auto to a later year 6 speed. I have an '06 HO with 6 speed and like it so much better. I wanted the 12v auto to plow snow and still believe it is the best trans for plowing, but I really dislike driving the auto#@$%!. Has anyone done this? Can you share your thoughts? Thanks. Jerry Henry

 

[kenny61]

The 5600 are hard to find and it will cost alot if you do I think a body lift is required for the g56 and they are big bucks too. When my 5speed went I thought about going with a 6speed mostly due to the gap between 3-4 on the 5spd. After research and asking people here I put a bigger fuel plate in it the power easily makes up for the gap and I am glad I did it. I never drove the 6speed but I no longer curse the big gap when pulling a load up a hill. for a rebuilt / reman 4500 your looking at around 1700 plus a core charge. You will also have to get a clutch and flywheel around 700 bellhousing and linkage and the clutch pedal assembly. If your gonna do all the work I would not put a used junkyard or ebay transmission in it

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Don't bother with the NV5600, swap in the G56. There's been 2-3 guys on TDR do this with great results. The solution to making it physically fit is to modify the trans crossmember, but quite doable. Guys have come up with transmissions for under $2000, and if you didn't mind the lower final drive ratio you could probably get one for a good price.

There's a good thread about a guy swapping a G56 into a 12-valve rig, will try and dig it up. . .

 

[JHenry]

Thanks for those comments. I probably will stay with the auto. I have way too many dreams and not enough money to bring them together. I have a '69W500 and a '68 W300 that I would like to install12vs in. But back to the '98 auto. I had a 3 disc torque converter and a BD valve body installed and a BD torque lock in preparation for an exhaust brake. The thing that bugs me about the auto is the shudder that happens at shifting into OD. I guess this is normal, but is there anything to do to get rid of it? Thanks.

 

[ewcmr2]

Guys have come up with transmissions for under $2000, and if you didn't mind the lower final drive ratio you could probably get one for a good price.

There's a good thread about a guy swapping a G56 into a 12-valve rig, will try and dig it up. . .

This one?

https://www.turbodieselregister.com...40-12v-six-speed-swap-speedo.html#post1997550

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

This is one of the ones I was thinking of. Not sure exactly what truck though, I think it was a 24-valve

https://www.turbodieselregister.com...8-5-2002/184539-g56-conversion-compleate.html

 

[abranz]

Don't give up. I converted my 96 to a 5 speed and it's the best modification I've done. If I can do it anyone can. I chose the nv4500 primarily due to cost of total conversion. By the way I live in Wallace and that truck plows an enormous amount of snow during winter.

Tony

 

[LSchulz]

I have an '06 HO with 6 speed and like it so much better. I wanted the 12v auto to plow snow and still believe it is the best trans for plowing, but I really dislike driving the auto#@$%!.

My truck had a plow put on it day one when my dad bought it new. He now has an '06 with the G56, and that truck has also always had a plow on it as well. While I don't have any experience with a transmission swap, I can tell you that these trucks have absolutely trouble plowing with a manual. They'll take off in second gear with the plow down without giving it a second thought.

 

[JHenry]

Have you ever had clutch problems with either of the trucks as a result of plowing snow? JH

 

[JHenry]

My truck had a plow put on it day one when my dad bought it new. He now has an '06 with the G56, and that truck has also always had a plow on it as well. While I don't have any experience with a transmission swap, I can tell you that these trucks have absolutely trouble plowing with a manual. They'll take off in second gear with the plow down without giving it a second thought.

Have you ever had any trouble with the clutch in either of the trucks as a result of plowing snow with them? JH

 

[abranz]

I have not had any trouble plowing with a clutch. In fact the only trans trouble I've had related to plowing have been automatics (1995 Dodge & 1997 F250). Tony

 

[LSchulz]

Have you ever had clutch problems with either of the trucks as a result of plowing snow? JH

Nope, still going strong. I'm just shy of 110k on my truck, and I think my dad is closing in on 70k with his.

 

[tmassey]

going from an auto to a nv5600 is a piece of cake!! I did mine for $2600 total! the 5600 is within a half inch in length of the auto so the 'shafts remain the same and the 241dhd will bolt up to the 4x version 5600 as long as you have the 32 spline shaft, mine didnt. but a new one was something like 100 bucks or so and fairly easy to swap. all the holes are already in the firewall for the master cylinder and the swing pedal bracket will accomidate the clutch pedal as is. to fix the neutral safety switch you sill have to either permanently ground the wire or come up with the factory switch that slips over the master cyl shaft.

the transmission and flywheel will bolt up directly to the motor with the correct flywheel bolts, you may need a spacer for the starter depending on the flywheel, mine came with the new 'wheel. I love the results with mine, would never go back to a slush box behind a diesel again, good luck

 

[Hammer]

I converted my 96 to a 5 speed and it's the best modification I've done.

EGADS!!!!!

And to think I may be the only 12v 5spd guy who would rather go to the slushbox. I have tired of all the extra work rowing the stick and the meare thought of a manual valve body,all billet automatic and an air shifter sounds like loads of fun to me.



Imagine it... . Stomp and Steer fun..... Sign Me Up now... LOL..... Andy

 

[Gweeds12V]

My dad has a 05 with the 6 speed in it, its awesome, but my 95 with the auto in it, even tho i'm putting out more torque then his 6 speed, is still better in the snow. Both could handle a snow plow with ease, but if you plan on using your 12V for a plow you're prolly better off keeping the auto, clutchin on ice sux.