5 Speed to 6 Speed Conversion

[KcoleKennyc]

I have a 98 1/2 3500 2-WD. Looking to change from the factory 5 speed to a 6 speed. Maybe a New Venture Gear 6 speed. Was wondering if anyone out there has installed a 6 speed in the 98 1/2, and would maybe have a parts list of other parts that would need to be changed along with the trans installation. Such as, is the clutch different? Is the yoke different? Is the gearshift different? Different drive shaft length? etc... I need to try and get everything together for the installation so it will go as quickly as possible. I use this truck for a Hot-Shot service and cannot be down very long.



Also looking for a New Venture Gear distributor in my area (Southern Alabama)



Any and all help will be appreciated. Thanks in advance.



Kenny

 

[bighammer]

Driveshaft, clutch, and crossmember are different. I think wiring for reverse switch has to be lengthened as well.



That's all I can think of, but there may be other stuff. Peter at South Bend Clutch gave me the name of a transmission supplier that has conversion kits. Peter can set up te clutch part of it.

 

[South Bend Clutch]

kcole,



Only one 1 # to call and they will hook you up with everything needed to do the swap.



Blumenthals

1-888-236-4800

Contact name; Don or Monty



Hope this helps.



Peter

 

[NVR FNSH]

Why not run a GearVendors or USGear auxiallary transmission?



I currently have a 6spd, previous truck was a 5spd. The 5spd shifts sooo much better that I would seriously consider keeping the 5spd. Both my dad & I tow 36ft 5th wheels and since he as installed a Banks kit on the his '96 (my previous truck) he hasn't had one complaint about the gear splits.



Brian

 

[KcoleKennyc]

NVR FNSH,

Funny that you should mention this. I have been running the GearVendor overdrive for a couple of years. Starting having trouble with it slipping in reverse. Have been especially careful as I pull some really heavy loads (GVCW - 43000 lbs on occasion). The GearVendor is just about to retire on its own. May have it rebuilt?? The reason I am considering the 6 speed is that it may be time for a new transmission. I have lost 5th gear and maybe some clutch springs.

Have a kit to rework the fifth gear nut. Hope this works for the short term. I will know more about the transmission in a couple of days as I plan to pull it today or tommorow (depends on arrival of new clutch)



To Peter at South Bend Clutch - Thanks for the info. I'll give them a call.



Kenny

 

[Roger rodbolt]

Kenny, I recently converted my '98. 5 4x4 from a 5 speed to the NV 6 speed. Since your truck is a 2x4 you can forego the lengthing of the front drive shaft and transfer case linkage. The output shafts were the same size on both trannys in my application. There is a link to a conversion on Fritz's Ram Page that show the swap and mentioned needing a different transmission mount but mine worked fine, our crossmembers have two sets of holes for the mount--- just use the rear set. I did have to fabricate a new exhaust hanger for the downpipe but over all this is a very easy swap.



Monty at Blumenthals is great to work with, I highly recommend them!!



There is an article on a 5 to 6sp. conversion in last years TDR magazine that may be helpfull. Let me know if I may be of further assitance.

 

[KcoleKennyc]

Oh Crap. . Its not the 5th gear nut :{ . Dropped the tail shaft and a sack full of parts fell out. It's going to be an interesting night.





Kenny