Can you replace a 6-speed w/ a 5-speed?

[Ben Rumson]

Supposed someone wanted to repalce their 6-speed manual with an older 5-speed on a 2003... Is this possible?



If so, is the swap straight forward or more envolved due to sensors, bolt patterns, etc.



Toying with the idea of going backwards a bit.



Thanks

- Ben

 

[jwilliams3]

Yeah you can do it.

You will just need order new driveshafts. Flywheel will need changed.

Maybe a crossmember too.

Also be aware with the 6 speed you might need a starter spacer.



You wont have any trouble selling a 6 speed.

 

[gsbrockman]

Finding a 2003 SO with a five speed as a donor truck (transmission, driveshafts, crossmember, etc) would be tough due to the fact that so few were made; the crossmember for a 5 speed and 3rd GEN are available, probably with more availability new... ... ... . is the six speed in question a G56 possibly ? :-laf



As Justin said, a little starter shimming may have to be performed as well.



Greg

 

[Tomeygun]

Finding a 2003 SO with a five speed as a donor truck (transmission, driveshafts, crossmember, etc) would be tough due to the fact that so few were made; the crossmember for a 5 speed and 3rd GEN are available, probably with more availability new... ... ... . is the six speed in question a G56 possibly ? :-laf



As Justin said, a little starter shimming may have to be performed as well.



Greg

like me ??



the NV4500 3rd gen is a rare one for sure... Is this for your 3rd gen or the truck in your sig?

 

[Ben Rumson]

like me ??



the NV4500 3rd gen is a rare one for sure... Is this for your 3rd gen or the truck in your sig?

I'm truckelss at the moment... yeah, it's terrible, just terrible!



I had thought I wanted the newest year possible while still getting a 5-speed. This lead me to look for an 03 with a 5-speed. I also thought that I would try and avoid a High Output because of mileage. I've only seen a few 2003 5-speeds. I really don't care for the HO either. The earlier, non-HO would be fine.



As an alternative, I thought that maybe I'd get an 03 with HO and a 6 speed and then swap out the 6-speed.



I'm new here... help me out. I'm I nuts for looking for a 5-speed over a 6-speed?



I would like a standard this time, but not all of the shifting and topping out on each gear the minute I just get on the pedal. Perhaps I'm used to the auto, but the 6-speed seems like TONS of shifting. I've driven several 5-speeds and have really liked them.



What's the general feeling out there between a 5 and 6 speed?



If the 6 is IT, then I'll have alot easier time finding one... but that's a lot of shifting!!



Thanks everyone!

- Ben

 

[gsbrockman]

I really don't care for the HO either. Perhaps I'm used to the auto, but the 6-speed seems like TONS of shifting. What's the general feeling out there between a 5 and 6 speed?

Watch it now, this is a family site ! :-laf

If you're unloaded, with the HO & six speed, YOU can make the simple decision when to shift and what gears to select.

Lots of guys I know start out in 2nd, then use 3rd, 4th, then finish in 6th.



Greg

 

[clinebarger]

the gear ratios for the nv4500 seem all wrong for a 12valve i feel like im killing myengine going from 3rd to 4th. are the gear ratios different on a 3rd gen nv4500?

 

[jwilson610]

Watch it now, this is a family site ! :-laf

If you're unloaded, with the HO & six speed, YOU can make the simple decision when to shift and what gears to select.

Lots of guys I know start out in 2nd, then use 3rd, 4th, then finish in 6th.



Greg

I'm sure some will say I'm crazy. Unloaded- I start in 3rd- It is basically the same ratio as 1st in my 6sp car except the truck has more ft/lbs per pound of vehicle weight than the car(my car go 0-60 in less than 7 so it's not like the car is a dog). Then at 2500 or so I shift to 4th then at 2500 I shift to 6th.

 

[Tomeygun]

the gear ratios for the nv4500 seem all wrong for a 12valve i feel like im killing myengine going from 3rd to 4th. are the gear ratios different on a 3rd gen nv4500?

Dont think your crazy because I thought the same thing... I have to run out 3rd gear a little to not smoke when going into 4th and lugging down

 

[HNelson]

Unloaded I don't have an issue going 2-4-6... . but usually don't because I like shifting



I love having more gears to choose from to keep the engine in it's sweet spot. I've driven some older Cummins with the 5 speed and wouldn't trade a 6 speed to get one.

 

[Boomer II]

Problem with the 5 speed is it often becomes a 4 speed.

 

[Deleted member 995608]

Just use second when you're not loaded. It's what I do. And when you are weighed down, take advantage of the first gear. That's why it's there.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

I've got a 5600 in my 98... when it comes time to put a dual disk in it or if I have ANY problems w/ the transmission, it's getting a full splined 4500 w/ a billet input