Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) ? for 5 and 6 speed owners

[slavallee]

I was reading the owner's manual for my truck last night, and it recommends that for both the 5 and 6 speeds, that you use all forward gears. It also makes mention that 1st is a "creeper", and that the truck MAY be launched in 2nd gear when unloaded. The only thing I ever haul around is my bloated posterior, never any trailer (yet). Should I be using 2nd to start regularly? I realize to use 1st when loaded up, but I'm just wondering what the majority of you folks do.



Also, it seems like the 1-2 shift on the NV5600 is one of the most awkward shifts I have ever experienced. Seems like it would be healthier for the transmission to just start in 2nd unloaded.



thanks for your input.

-scott

 

[John Berger]

I vary between 1st and 2nd gear launches when driving with no load. When towing, I always launch in 1st gear.

 

[MJawsman]

The only time I use first is when I forget to use second!



Actually I use first if I'm towing anything heavy, AND I'm on some sort of incline. My boat weighs around 3000 lbs or so, and I never use first to start out on flat or relatively flat ground.



This is my 4th Cummins Dodge, and they've all had stick shifts. Never any sort of trans trouble... . knock wood Oo.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

I always start in 2nd gear when empty - then usually into 4th, then 5th around town, or 6th into the freeway. I don't force or lug the engine when doing this, just allow a fairly leisurely rate of acceleration - and also make sure to run out to about 2500 rpm in he lower gears. I try to always allow enough time between gears to allow syncros to match gear speed for nice smooth shifts. When towing our 24 ft fiver, I use all gears - sure would like the transmission to last as long as the engine...

 

[Mad Max]

6spd with SB Clutch

I used to start in 2nd empty on flat with stock clutch. With Southbend, 2nd gear starts are as soft, so I often use 1 then a delayed upshift into the bottom of 3rd when unloaded.



MaX

 

[BV]

I use 2nd on to start on flat (you decide what is flat) ground and no load and 1st with a load, creeping with traffic, boat launches and pushing thumpers out of the way.



You can use 3rd if you want - The puter will automatically increase the idle speed for you.

 

[JCockrell]

ditto

Oo. Second empty. First towing... ...

 

[Cummins Cowboy]

I just got my truck last week, still getting used to the 6 speed. I always use second starting out when not pulling or pulling a really light trailer. First is needed when i pull my heavy trailer. I have noticed the ISB does not have the off idle balls that my first gen has. I was going up a gravel inclined road with the truck in 4 hi and second gear i stopped then went to go again and i stalled the engine i am thinking WTF. My first gen would never do that. I want the low end balls back of my old engine. Overall the truck i like driving a lexus compaired to the first gen, don't know why people complain about the 6 speed and shifting mine shifts almost as good as the wife's honda civic. reverse is taking some getting used to

 

[RustyJC]

With 4:10 rear axle, 2nd empty, 1st when towing. Actually, I could almost start in 3rd empty...



Rusty

 

[Nemies]

I use 1st for starts from a dead stop. If I'm rolling at all I use 2nd. This tends to feel best to me.

 

[jlhartak]

How long do you want your clutch to last? I start my 5-spd, 3. 54axles in 1st all the time, unless I am headed down hill. 2nd in the 6-spd is slightly lower ratio than in the 5-spd so if you had 4. 10axles it should be no problem except when loaded. These are hvy duty transmissions so they are a little notchy when new; my 5-spd shifts better and better as the miles pile up. Also, the Dodge clutch has a very long pedal travel to reduce left leg fatigue, so don't forget to push the pedal all the way in.

 

[CharlieMiller]

I use 2nd most of the time when empty but every once in a while I feel like going through the gears. I will use first if I'm on a steep incline with some fool in cargo area.

 

[Oxjockey]

I have the 6 speed and I almost only use 2nd to get going... unless I'm trolling for a parking spot or something. This AM, I started in 2nd and wound it out to about 2500 RPMs, then went right to 4th. 3rd is a little murky on my shifter, but I think with a leeeetle more HP, I could start out in 3rd on a regular basis. I've tried it, and it works great for taking off quickly, but you need to keep the RPMs up. Starting in second, I need little, if any, throttle.



Bryan

 

[FDNYMOPARGUY]

1st with trailer(7000lbs), on steep incline, heavy load in bed or pulling stumps. No problems otherwise starting off in 2nd. At 11500 miles the 3rd gear notchiness seems to be gone. 1st is nice in heavy traffic when creaping along. 3. 55 gears and 265 tires, 7400 pound normal weight.

 

[Mr. Brewski]

2nd empty



1st & sometimes 2nd loaded (19' Fiberform approx 4000lbs)



1st loaded (27' TT approx 7000lbs)



could care less about the clutch - good reason to replace the stocker with a SBC.

 

[LStanphill]

2nd empty ( 1500lbs of fuel and metal) unless creepin in traffic or on hill. .

1st with 11k# trailer. .

 

[sheldon]

On my 6 speed I use 2nd when empty and 1st with a load or trailer. 1st gear is syncronized so that shifting in and out is no problem. This transmission is the best shifting American truck transmission I have driven. It is getting very close to a Toyota transmission for ease of shifting and that says a lot.

 

[roycrown]

Use 2nd only when on a sight downgrade or "rolling start", otherwise 1st.

 

[Chris N5CWM]

Almost always start out in 2nd when not loaded or towing,

only use 1st when stuck in heavy stop N go traffic and need

to creep along.

 

[MikeR]

These trannies are 'granny gear' trannies. So it's the the same principle that granny trannies have used for the past 80 or so years... you use 2nd gear to start an empty truck, and 1st gear to start off heavy. Guys have reported getting 100-150k miles out of a clutch using it this way, so I really don't think it makes a difference.



-Mike