6 spd. vs. 5 spd.

[Irontrader]

If I were buying new, I'd go for the 6 speed.



However, I've currently got a 5 speed and it really isn't a problem. With the EZ box and RV injectors I have no problem pulling trailers and don't have any clutch slippage problems.



Just returned from a 5. 5k trip and crossed the scales near Umatilla OR and weighed over 15. 5k gross. I was able to pull almost any hill in 5th gear and only dropped to 4th to take it easier on the drivetrain.



For people familiar with Portland OR. I pulled that trailer load through the tunnel and up past the zoo in 5th gear without any problem!



Towing a heavy load uphill on a curvy road where speed needs to be kept lower is about the only time I'd need to drop to 3rd gear. In that case having the 6 speed would be nice as the gap between 3rd and 4th on the 5 speed is rather large.

 

[JGblkLand]

I'm not gonna be towing a bunch, just the occasional water tank or livestock trailer. Those would be short trips, also. I'd just like to bomb for the acceleration and such. I test drove the 5 spd. not bad. I really like the extra room in the cab, guess if the EZ will fit it'd make the ETC run close to the ETH, right? Enjoy reading all the opinions, if anyone else has any please join in.

 

[SOLER]

More is better

I'm sure you've all heard more is better? 6 is better than 5. 245 is better than 235. 505 is bet... .....



If you don't want to row an extra gear all the time, skip gears. From 3rd to 5th works great. So does 4th to 6th. 2nd to 4th not so much. You may or may not remember posts saying to wind the motor up... give it a workout? Well, rev her up to 2300-2600 RPM, and then skip a gear on the 6-box. Just a thought. You have mentioned you like the extra room in the cab? You'll have the same room whether you have 5 or 6 gears. That extra gear doen't take up extra cab space!!!

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

This topic appeared on another thread some months ago. My vote is for the 5 speed. Here are the advantages as I see them:

less weight (200 vs. 360 lb)

all parts are readily available

repairs are relatively cheap and seldom needed

with the Std. Trans. mainshaft, it is nearly bulletproof even at 600 hp

one less shift to make

fairly good stock, and fine aftermarket clutches are available



the tighter gear spacing of the 6 speed is not so important if the engine is "enhanced" for a flatter hp curve. The more the better

 

[SOLER]

Originally posted by Joseph Donnelly

The more the better

Yeah, that's what I said!



Just kidding Joe.



SOLER

 

[Big A]

Drove both, money was no object between the two. To me, power was not different either. I liked the 5spd. It also has a higher GCVWR. The 5th gear nut problem is not an issue if keep your RPM up. The high EGTs that come with the ETH DEE, are not what I want in this high altitude.

Big A

 

[JohnB]

I have never driven a 6 speed but with just an EZ I have no problem with the 3rd-4th gear split pulling a 9000 lb trailer. A six speed would be handy in the hills at lower speeds, once over about 42 mph I'm only using 4th and 5th anyway. If I were buying new again I'm not sure what I would do. With the 5 speed 3rd and 4th give a wide speed range with only one shift.