5-speed to 6-speed swap

[owredneckmike]

I have a 2003 Ram 3500 with the 5-speed manual transmission. No problems for 160k, but starting to have a lot of slop. I was given an nv5600 for a 4wd and was wondering what all needs to be done to swap them or if I even should. Any help would be most appreciated.

 

[HBarlow]

Call the good folks at Standard Transmission in Fort Worth. They are experts. Standard is a TDR advertiser and one of the best rebuilders in the country.

 

[Kirwin]

6 speed swap

In my opinion this is not worht it for a common rail truck. I did it in my 97 and it really benifited from the close ratios. But remember the 12 valve engines have a distinct torque peak. The commom rail engines have a flat torque band. They rev easier and maintain peak torque higher that the 12 valve engines. That said you need a different crossmember/ transmission mount, new flywheel clutch assembly, extend the backup light switch wiring, different shift tower/boot. Also remember you need to shift through 5 gears everytime you take off instead of 4 gears. Keep in mind the top and bottom ratios are the same for 6 speed vs 5 speed. 6 speed shifts slower, bigger gears. My 0. 02. Ken Irwin

 

[zzman]

O man, I wish we could switch, you can have this 5600 for your 4500.

Really, you should keep the good transmission.