I've had three 5sp trucks totaling over 200,000 miles and I've never had a transmission problem. Not even the nut coming off. I have shattered a clutch and Dana 80 on my 98 1-ton. Don't ask how it happened.
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98. 5 3500 QC 4x4, Driftwood/Mist Grey, 5 spd, 3. 54, 19. 5 Alcoa's, 245/70-19. 5 Michelin's, Ranchhand front bumper, Ranchhand rear bumper, Ranchhand toolbox, "Scotty Air", TST PowerMax2, Autometer Gauges, Centerforce clutch, Upgraded fuel lines (JRE and Aeroquip), MagHytec Diff Cover, PacBrake