Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) How to tell "improved" NV5600?

[MAX A/C]

Hi All- I'm looking at a 2000 year model with the 6 speed. I've searched some past threads and found there were some shifting problems with this early trans (1. 25" input shaft) and also of course some have had no problems. On Quad 4x4's web page, it states

"Dodge introduced the NV5600 6 speed in 1998. The early version, which is found in 1998 to 2000 1/2 models is known to have synchronizer problems and a weak input shaft. Midway during the 2000 model year, a much improved NV5600 was introduced with a heavier 1. 375" input shaft and reliable synchronizers. At the same time, the old 12. 4" clutch was dropped in favor of a 13" unit. "



My question to y'all: How would I be able to tell which trans the truck has... actually, I can't just go look at the truck--too far away-- so is there any thing easy to see that I can ask the salesman (very small-town used car dealer) to look at under the truck--clutch housing or trans?



Or, does anyone know which VIN would be a later 2000 year model that would include the improved 5600?



Thanks in advance for your help!!!

Scott

 

[Fred Swanson]

What is the build date. July 5, 2000 I believe is the switch over date.

 

[MAX A/C]

Thanks, Fred.



I don't know the build date... that can be found on the door pillar info label, right?



The last six of the VIN is 212,xxx if that helps.



Scott

 

[Texas Diesel]

Look at the starter, the newer 5600's will have a 3/4" spacer block between the starter and the bell housing.

 

[MAX A/C]

Thanks for the info Fred & Tejas Deezul

but of course the truck was sold when I called back earlier today. :{ Oh well, I can use the info for the future maybe.



Scott

 

[VicR]

If bombing is in your future, you might want to consider one of the early SO/ 6 speeds. I have heard they can be turned up easier then the later HO/ 6 speeds.



From my understand though, the 5600 came out late in 99 production year and 2000 was a short production year, so there are probable a lot more of the HO/ 6's out there.



Good luck with your search - its hard to find a good used TD that isnt' overpriced AND worn out!



-Vic

 

[Tcolesanti]

As an owner of a 2000, I have never had problems with my NV5600, and my friend with an '01 HO 6-speed says mine shifts a lot smoother than his. Vic R is right the 2000 model year only ran for 4 months so chances of finding an ETC/NV5600 is pretty slim, but they are out there. Also pedal pressure on an ETH/DEE is greater than on a 12 1/4" clutch.

 

[DHawthorne]

I have a ETC/DEE in my 2000. Have 125K on it now. I have intermitent problems with 3rd gear syncro. I've learned to feel it

before the grind begins. When it flys out of second like a power shift in a vette, thats when it wants to screw up. When the truck

had 21,000 on it and exposed to cold weather, it would slow grind into third and you could feel 5th every so often.



Third is the only problem now. All the others are good.



The build date is 12/01/99 at 9pm.



Dave

 

[jarsong]

Originally posted by MAX A/C

Hi All- I'm looking at a 2000 year model with the 6 speed. I've searched some past threads and found there were some shifting problems with this early trans (1. 25" input shaft) and also of course some have had no problems. On Quad 4x4's web page, it states

"Dodge introduced the NV5600 6 speed in 1998. The early version, which is found in 1998 to 2000 1/2 models is known to have synchronizer problems and a weak input shaft. Midway during the 2000 model year, a much improved NV5600 was introduced with a heavier 1. 375" input shaft and reliable synchronizers. At the same time, the old 12. 4" clutch was dropped in favor of a 13" unit. "



My question to y'all: How would I be able to tell which trans the truck has... actually, I can't just go look at the truck--too far away-- so is there any thing easy to see that I can ask the salesman (very small-town used car dealer) to look at under the truck--clutch housing or trans?



Or, does anyone know which VIN would be a later 2000 year model that would include the improved 5600?



Thanks in advance for your help!!!

Scott

I wouldn't worry about it. Seem to me the ones I have driven either shift right or they don't. My stock one didn't shift right, the new replacement they put in is near perfect. Sort of a crap shoot. In either case I don't think you can break the trans, the thing belongs in a semi.

jarsong

 

[Tcolesanti]

Jarsong is right: whichever NV-5600 you get will be indestructable!

 

[CATCRACKER]

my buddy blew his up with 380 hp. blew the trans not the clutch. nothing is indestructible