Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 1st year for 6-speed?

[Jdonoghue]

Looking at trucks. When was the 6-speed introduced? 'Opinions' on 6spd vs. 5spd? I don't tow anything, but I want a manual transmission in my next truck.

 

[rashwor]

6 speed availability.

The 6 speed became available in 1999 model trucks on a very very limited basis.



Saw full production in 2000 model trucks with the ETH (HO) engine.



When I bought my '99, I wanted the 6 speed, but production was so limited and I did not have the time to order a truck that I was unable to acquire one (6 speed, that is!).

 

[cumminspwr01]

I thought the H. O. 's didn't come out until 2001? just curious

 

[jarsong]

Originally posted by cumminspwr01

I thought the H. O. 's didn't come out until 2001? just curious

They were titled as 2001. I ordered Feb 2000 and received April 2000.

jarsong

 

[DBoyd]

I have a 1999 with a 6 spd but it also is only a 1. 25" input shaft if that makes any difference. I think they had the smaller shaft for just a couple of years maybe?? I know I called Standard Trans. for a rebuilt unit last week and they said they are getting rare with the 1. 25 shaft and recommended I upgrade to the 1 3/8". I would have but I had just installed a new SBC clutch.

 

[VicR]

Love my 99 6-speed. It was mated to the SO engines in 99 and 00.



-Vic

 

[Cummins Pilot]

6 speed is better. Plus you don't have to worry about the 5th gear nut coming off.

 

[Hohn]

Yeah, the 2000 MY run was VERY short.



The six speed is superior in all cases. Stronger, more ratios, etc. The only gripes people have of the 6-speed are that it's a manual, which doesn't give the 5-speed an edge. I'd bet a drag race between 6-speed and 5-speed with a skilled driver would net almost the same times.



Justin

 

[John Berger]

Originally posted by Cummins Pilot

6 speed is better. Plus you don't have to worry about the 5th gear nut coming off.

I don't have that problem anymore. I had the new nut and the fully splined mainshaft installed at 92K.



Yep, 1999 was the year. But very hard to come by. I almost got one but changed my mine. I've been very happy with my 5 speed. It's done all I've required and is still going strong at close to 116K.

 

[cumminspwr01]

Jarsong I see what you are saying. Mine is the same way ordered in Aug 2000 picked up Sept 2000. Back to the question I would get the 6spd with the 1 3/8 input shaft. They are stronger and more common than the older ones. IMHO.

 

[Tcolesanti]

I love having the Standard Output with the six speed. I think it is one of the greatest combonations ever. Mine is a small input shaft as well but I don't sled pull or beat up on it so it should hold up just fine. Mine is also a 2000, which was a production run of four months, then the HO came out for "2001"