Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 6speed swap

[BBeckmann]

Gettin ready to put an nv5600 in place of my nv4500. Does anybody have a link to someone already doin this? R any tips on what needs to b changed? Also have a good 4wd nv4500 transmission,boots, bellhousing, hydralics, flywheel and luk brand clutch for sale if anybody interested. Pm mefor more info if u need a good trans.

 

[ewcmr2]

The NV5600 was a factory installed unit in the later second gen trucks. You shouldn't have any problems bolting one into your truck.

 

[HBarlow]

PM GAmes who recently swapped a G56 into his '97 Ram 3500.

Off the top of my head I think you'll need a bell housing, flywheel, clutch assembly, throwout bearing, probably clutch fork, and probably the crossmember and transmission mount from a late 2000, '01, or '02 that was factory equipped with the NV-5600.

 

[hsmith]

A G56 would be a better choice over the 5600. A bit more work and also more bucks probably.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I disagree about the G56. The NV5600 is stronger and parts are less expensive, although it is now an "orphan" with limited availability of some parts like the main case. Also, the 0. 73 overdrive of the NV5600 is more favorable than the 0. 79 of early G56's and a bit better than the 2007. 5-up G56's with 0. 74.

 

[BBeckmann]

That's what i was thinkin n told b that the 5600 was stronger a better od and not so much of a gap between gears for towing. anybody have a link to somebody that has converted? altho i don't think it will b to hard to swap it from a 5sp. Nv4500 swap still for sale

 

[hsmith]

They all have their drawbacks, none being bullet proof. I'll be staying with my 4500. It's been dependable so far. Now, if I can just keep the GV alive, life will be good.

 

[BBeckmann]

Glad u've had good luck with urs. I'm on my 6th one now. Had 5th gear nut back off then replaced with upgraded nut that backt off while on the pedal buildin boost so gears came outta full mesh with each other and stript all teeth off then bought complete diff. trans out of an '01 tach welded nut b 4 i installed. Stript all teeth off 3rd gear twice while pullin Then stript 5th gear teeth off and this last time twisted off countershaft n broke a bunch of teeth off both main and countershaft gears. So got parts rebuilt and sellin. Found me a nv5600. Do u like ur gv? was it hard to install? My buddy has an '06 with 4. 10s and rele wants to lower his rpms while cruisin. It's got plenty of power to pull his 36foot camper but he don't even haveta shift down on hills. . Wants better fuel mileage and more gearing options I told him he outta look into a gv overdrive instead of regearing his axles to 3. 73s r higher. Thoughts/comments?

 

[hsmith]

It's a good unit, smooth shifting, etc. Drawbacks, cannot be used downshifting. Does not like reverse torque at all. Will not operate below 20 mph. The price of the unit wil be hard to recover in fuel economy savings. It is also the weak link in my driveline now. I have replaced mine a couple of times. When it goes, you are afoot just as losing the NV.

 

[Shadrach]

I upgraded my 03 to a G56 an sold the NV5600 to a friend who put it into his 96. He used the parts Harvey spoke of in post # 3. He got a never x member from a V10 wreck ( same as the CTD one ) and used a South Bend Con OFE clutch and flywheel kit. He has 4. 10 gears and loves his "new" trans as do I. Shadrach

 

[BBeckmann]

Well i will talk to my buddy about this it mite b better to regear his axles sounds like. thanks for the info/input everybody

 

[BBeckmann]

What oil is the best to run in the 5600?

 

[HBarlow]

Pennzoil Syncromesh Transmission Fluid available at Autozones.

 

[BBeckmann]

Ok thanks guess holds more than a 5spd... Around 6 r 7 quarts?

 

[HBarlow]

I have forgotten what the refill capacity is.

The experts including Standard Transmission and Gear, a popular rebuilder, recommend overfilling them with an extra quart through the shifter cover to improve lubrication.

 

[C. Harlan]

I did the swap to a NV5600 in my 12 valve. . PM me if you have any questions. . its a direct bolt up.

 

[SMorneau]

My 96's original crossmember was narrow and was swapped with a wider one, which extended farther to the front as best as I can recall. My 96 4x4 4500 to 5600 required a shorter rear drive shaft and a longer front drive shaft.



The transfer case shifter was heated and bent to clear the dash, a few other minor things that were mostly dealt with by the conversion kit from Blumenthals.



After all the 4500 trouble I had I have been happy with this swap. But if I had it to do again I would probably go with a built automatic. I have most of the parts for a 96 auto swap but I don't drive the truck enough to make it worth my while and I would hate to see any kind of hit on my mpg.

 

[CRWilliams]

I did this swap a couple of months ago. Here is the thread, although apparently nobody saw it.
https://www.turbodieselregister.com...98/223990-nv4500-nv5600-swap-newer-axles.html

 

[CTD12V]

Hey CRWilliams,



Nice write up. I can't believe nobody commented, but I guess I missed it, too.



How are you liking it so far?



CTD12V

 

[CRWilliams]

The ratio splits are FANTASTIC for the 12 valve. The synchro on 3rd is a little growly when it's cold, but other than that, I LOVE it.