6 spd or auto?

[TCDiesel]

If you upgrade to ATS,DD or GEOREND BROS. you will not be disappointed. Now if you get the auto go with 4:10s if you plan on any pulling, if 6 spd go with 3:73 you can always drop down to 5th. It is a big drop from O/D to 3 in the auto if the engine cannot hold RPM"S.

 

[MO'Donnell]

Go for it!

Originally posted by JRihani

Why can't I find any info on the NVG5600 on the NVG corporate website? All I can find is the transaxles and transfer cases. I'm just interested in seeing an "official page" for this transmission.



Ok, let me spill the beans here: I've never owned a manual transmission vehicle in my life. Although I've spent some time behind the wheel of my buddy's truck with a 5-spd, I've never had any prolonged exposure to shifting gears. How fearful should I be of taking the plunge into the world of the 6-spd as my daily driver? Although I commute 35 minutes each way every day, it is mostly 60 mph local highway cruising. I'm not really interested in "learning" how to drive the stick on my brand new truck, so besides borrowing friend's cars what can I do to get time behind the wheel of a stick-shift?



Any suggestions would be helpful. I know I'll be happier with the stick if I am comfortable driving it, but I don't want to set myself up to hate the truck I just bought.



Ok, I've admitted my shifting phobia... constructive advice only please !

My truck is my first "daily driver" with a stick. Everything from highway to stop & go rush hour traffic. Clutch is smooth, and in the heavy traffic I just let it walk along in first.



I have noticed that in the summer the convertible & sunroof folks dont' like riding beside me though :-laf

 

[loncray]

I agree with Boonsur and others - my 6-speed was my first manual in many, many years and it's been wonderful. My worst problem is that I've got so much torque, it's sometimes hard to not spin the tires on gravel or wet pavement. It's amazingly easy to drive for such a big vehicle.

 

[FATCAT]

6-SPEED PERIOD. Unless you want to spend thousands more to fix up the Auto. Automatics are for cars ... not trucks.

 

[KD7GYJ]

I found the 6 speed to be ideal. When you let up on the clutch, you don't have to give it gas. You just let up on the clutch, get 'er going and then accellerate to your desired speed.



It is so much easier than a gasser where you have to mix the gas and clutch together.



I was in SF a few years back with a VW fastback with a manual transmission. VW's are great, you have to give it gas and let up on the clutch. I was 16 at the time, parked on a hill, when a large bus pulls up right behind me. I pulled on the parking brake to hold me to the hill, I gunned the gas pedal, let out the clutch, released the brake and rolled backwards into the bus. The bus had water bumpers on it and on a clear day, it started to rain. I looked out the back window and saw all the water drops and looked at my brother and said, It's raining!!. He said let's go and so I gave it some gas again and let out the clutch. I didn't have to worry about rolling backwards, the bus was kind enough not to move. When we stopped for gas in Sacramento, we bent the bumper back into position and nothing was mentioned to my folks. It was an eventful day in San Francisco and I have since learned how to drive that mighty stick.



Blair

 

[JRihani]

I know I didn't start this post, but I have sure benefitted from everyone's input! Thanks!



It'll be a 6-spd for me. The car I'm driving right now would be worth so little as a trade that I'll just keep it as a daily driver while I get used to driving the Ram. Once I feel comfortable I'll sell the car.



Thanks!

 

[klenger]

I'll estimate the car will be for sale in four days.

 

[RobertBolinger]

Originally posted by JRihani

Why can't I find any info on the NVG5600 on the NVG corporate website? All I can find is the transaxles and transfer cases. I'm just interested in seeing an "official page" for this transmission...

Use to be there-I found it missing one day and I sent them an email on 12/16/2003 after I could not get the feedback form to work. They apparently have amateur webmasters!



The URL used to be:

http://www.newventuregear.com/transmissions.html

It still does not work

 

[RobertBolinger]

Get the 6 sp

You may regret it at first, but after about 2500 miles you will not look back. It does take some getting used to, but for a truck manual it is very user friendly-I think it is synchronized in all gears including reverse. Since the NV site is hosed, check out this URL:

http://www.dodgeram.org/tech/transmission/nv5600_spec.html



It is a beast-weighs more than the auto-it's usually the other way around. It's good for at least 250000 miles, probably more.

 

[Spooled-up]

I'll throw in a vote for the 6 spd.



I was worried about my left leg in traffic. Absolutely not a problem because of the hydraulic clutch. It's smooth as glass. To be honest, I don't spend that much time in traffic anyway, so I got the stick. I have no regrets and love the thing. It's more fun to drive -- I love rowing through the gears - even in traffic!

 

[BIG BOB]

I'm going against the majority on this one. I had a 5-speed in the White Obsession, I now have the 48RE and I am very pleased with it!



Before ordering it, I talked with Bill Kondalay of DTT. He felt that there had been some major inprovements in the 48RE and that it would hold about 400 HP. I tow my 8000# travel trailer and haven't had any problems.



My truck is my everyday driver and at times serves as my office, with the majority being in the city.



I can only tell you that the 48RE has performed well, much more comfortable to drive and I'm lovin every clutchless shift!

 

[MO'Donnell]

Originally posted by klenger

I'll estimate the car will be for sale in four days.

More like four MINUTES after he gets the truck into his driveway! Trust me, the 6 spd in these is a NO brainer.

 

[Spooled-up]

Here's another thing to think about...

48RE designed to fail???



Interesting reading from the DTT website forums.



Heck of a lot cheaper to bulletproof the 6 spd.

 

[10-G]

I have the 6-speed and love it.



I commute in heavy traffic. It is hard to row 6-speed, drink coffee,smoke cigar, talk on a cell-phone, and give ricers the Your Number One hand gesture all at the same time. But! it can be done.



48re was not available on 02



Choose carefully

 

[Sherman]

Originally posted by smithinc

where do you tach at 70 mph with the 4. 10's ?



thanks, gary

At 75 mph and 4. 10 in 6th gear rpm is 2400

 

[jimnance]

I have a six speed and pull 14,000 lbs +. I'd be afraid of the auto. That's why I stopped using the '99. Was afraid I'd frag the transmission.



The six speed is sweet. Always a good gear, and nice comfortable freeway RPM in sixth gear that is right in the middle of the HP/Torque curve.

 

[brillmtb]

My auto works great but I also dont plan to use an EB or tow heavy or frequently. I can get 20-21 mpg at 65-70mph.

 

[BIG BOB]

Re: Here's another thing to think about...

Originally posted by Spooled-up

48RE designed to fail???



Interesting reading from the DTT website forums.



Heck of a lot cheaper to bulletproof the 6 spd.

Spooled-up,



Yes, I've read it about 2 months ago, and talked with Bill about it. Failure in 50K will still be under warranty and about time for more power and a DTT transmission.



Even with that possibly in the future, I would not go to a stick again. Hip is not what it use to be and too much in-town driving.



I love not havin to shift!

 

[Dean Upson]

You would find the 6 speed and the e-brake a very nice combination for your needs. The six-speed is a sweet heart (once you get used to the pattern).



Dean