History of the G-56 Controversy?

[nps]

Seems there might be some lingering confusion regarding G56 and Getrag. G56 is a Mercedes transmission used in a variety of light and medium duty applications. It is not a Getrag. It was not designed just for Dodge. It was an existing transmission that Dodge selected to go into the Ram - I suspect for the reasons previously cited.



Here is a Mercedes spec sheet from the UK showing one G56 application. They are putting it in front of 177 HP and 498 ft/lbs. on a truck with a GVWR of 16,500 lbs.

 

[JACummins2500]

There is a contractural relationship at this time that prevents that. I have no doubt that once it ends, we'll have some sort of "other" Diesel involved.

Could happen, but far from certain. Dodge looked at using the Mercedes MBE900 in the Third Generation trucks. The customer outcry is hat stopped it. The agreement was even extended last year.



The relationship between Cummins and DCX is improving. Cummins has even managed to get the ISB/ISC and ISL's back into Freightliner's and Sterling's. The outgoing head of Freightliner even stated that there was a role for Cummins in the future.



Dodge not only knowledges the fact that they use an outside supplier for their diesel, but uses the suppliers name as a selling point. Neither Ford nor GM even bring up the fact that the engine is supplied (or designed by an outside party) and in fact, have created a "brand" by which they market the engine (Powerstroke and Duramax).

 

[FATCAT]

Seems there might be some lingering confusion regarding G56 and Getrag. G56 is a Mercedes transmission used in a variety of light and medium duty applications. It is not a Getrag. It was not designed just for Dodge. It was an existing transmission that Dodge selected to go into the Ram - I suspect for the reasons previously cited.



Here is a Mercedes spec sheet from the UK showing one G56 application. They are putting it in front of 177 HP and 498 ft/lbs. on a truck with a GVWR of 16,500 lbs.

Wow ... I have to assume (and we all know about assumptions), that the trucks the G56 was designed for would never be used to tow anything. They just seem to be local delivery trucks only. I would have to say that even the G85 seems a little "light duty" compared to the capibilities of the ISB let alone anything larger.



I hope to be test driving a 3500 DRW 4X4 6-speed (G56) in central NH on Saturday morning ... maybe my view will change. I will try to keep an open mind. Anyway, the MB trans seem to do well in Europe, but in a different application than what we mainly use the pick-up truck for (towing).

It's too bad that Dodge didn't just go to Eaton for a real "overkill" 6 or 7 speed, then slap a "Eaton RoadRanger" badge next to the "Cummins" badge on the fender ... then I would have to say there would be a lot of work for the "lot monkeys" moping up the drool off the lot. :-laf

 

[nps]

Wow ... I have to assume (and we all know about assumptions), that the trucks the G56 was designed for would never be used to tow anything. They just seem to be local delivery trucks only. I would have to say that even the G85 seems a little "light duty" compared to the capibilities of the ISB let alone anything larger.

Fatcat,



Don't despair. Did you read the GTW on the light duty truck out of that spec sheet? With overrun brakes it is 10,990 kilos, or 24,000 lbs. With airbrakes it is 18,000 kilos, or 39,600 lbs. Over in europe they use a truck like this with a pintle hitch to pull single or doubles - rarely do you see a tractor that doesn't have cargo capability. So these things are the Peterbuilts and Freightliners of Europe.



Given the only spec difference is in the braking configuration (transmission not involved in this operation), then the G56 is speced to pull a trailer that is nearly 40,000 pounds heavy - far above the towing specs on the Ram.



Now whether the G56 will handle the torque of the Cummins is another question. Agreed the Eaton would be a good stackup against the Allison.

 

[RMachida]

Did you catch the little note that the drawbar isn't an available option with the G-56?

 

[JLovas]

It's too bad that Dodge didn't just go to Eaton for a real "overkill" 6 or 7 speed, then slap a "Eaton RoadRanger" badge next to the "Cummins" badge on the fender ... then I would have to say there would be a lot of work for the "lot monkeys" moping up the drool off the lot. :-laf

I would like the looks of that! Put a 7 speed in there with two over-drives and put 4. 10 axles behind all of them. Oo.

 

[nps]

Did you catch the little note that the drawbar isn't an available option with the G-56?

Nope - missed it. Guess they won't even let you tow with the G-56 huh?

 

[RMachida]

Nope - missed it. Guess they won't even let you tow with the G-56 huh?

Does make one wonder ...

 

[Tim]

Dodge not only knowledges the fact that they use an outside supplier for their diesel, but uses the suppliers name as a selling point. Neither Ford nor GM even bring up the fact that the engine is supplied (or designed by an outside party) and in fact, have created a "brand" by which they market the engine (Powerstroke and Duramax).

Agreed. It will be considered. $$$ talks though, and if they can still sell as many, or close to as many trucks, and they get a better deal on the engines, you can bet they will, and Cummins will cease.



I do think it's cool that there is a Cummins C on the side of my truck, but no International logo, or Isuzu logo on the other two. I always found that to be interesting.