Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Hummmm, really thinking about the 4500 to 5600 swap...

[cray]

for my 97' 3500 4X4..... if I have to spend the $$$$$ on a fully splined mainshaft for the 4500, why not just anti up for the 5600? My question to this forum is what other parts/pieces will I need... ... . clutch ????? Re-route the exhaust system ????? Mounting hardware ????? Any help would be greatly appreciated



Thanks again for a great forum



Christian Ray

Hendersonville, Tn.

 

[Pit Bull]

There is an article on someone doing just what you are talking about in the new TDR Mag. I just got in the mail. Even has costs.

 

[cray]

Thanks... ... . I wonder, since I just joined, if I will recieve that copy or not. I hope I get it

 

[Bob Horrell]

Cray,

Jim Leonard has done a number of them, including the one on his own truck. He can do it in a day. I think all you need is a different crossmember from Dodge, and a shorter driveshaft in the rear and a longer one in front since the 6 speed is 6 inches longer. Give him a call. His number is in the back of the TDR magazine. He is a very knowledgeable and helpful guy.

Bob

 

[CumminsPower98]

Cray, I hope to be doing this also at some point. Here are some links I found helpful.



http://www.drivetrain.com/nv5600.html

http://www.dodgeram.org/tech/transmission/nv5600_swap.htm[/url]



There is a lot of info about this on the net. Do some searches and you will come up with a lot of stuff.



Mark

 

[Seabee]

I'd like one for my truck too, but $6K for the project is a lot of coin! I think I'll wait until I can get one out of salvage or a rebuilt for less? coin.



Good luck!

 

[Seabee]

I'd like to get one too, but $6K is a lot of money for an extra gear! I hate the 3/4 split in the 5 speed, but I don't know if I hate it that much!



Good luck

 

[CumminFast]

They have nv5600 transmissions on ebay for $1700 plus your core!! Nv4500 are around a $1000. What is the plusses of a nv5600? I heard the 1st gear and last gear in both trannys are the same. One more gear seems to just make the truck slower. Also I am just curious, but is launching in 3rd gear an option?

 

[Pit Bull]

Heard that they are bigger and stronger

 

[bighammer]

Somebody here on the TDR has (or had) 5600s for sale. It's a recent post.



Before I replaced my clutch, I thought I wanted to swap my 5 for a 6 speed, but now I'm glad I didn't. I got to drive a truck with a 6 and didn't like it much. Gates are close and it's not as easy to shift as mine.



If get a governor spring kit, the 3-4 step is not so bad. Now I can wind up a bit more before I make the shift. I seem to be keeping the RPMs up a bit more just because I'm not hitting a wall at 2100 anymore.



Blumenthals has a kit (and the trans) for the swap. You might check into that if you do it.



I'm not sure, but I think the frame crossmember, clutch, slave cylinder, and transfer case linkage are different. The driveshafts have to be altered. (6" shorter for rear, 6" longer front)

 

[Steve Campbell]

for $6000...

enough extra "useable" horsepower could be had to negate the need for an "extra" gear (with a little $ left over).



That is just my opinion. Six speed transmissions are nice.

 

[fredflinstone]

I have two trucks one with a 6spd and one with a 5spd . I would say I like the 6 best for pullin and the 5 for regular empty drivin. I would suggest the 6 if your allways pullin or loaded heavy, but if you don't pull that often or what you pull isn't all that heavy I would suggest stayin with the 5 for both cost and eas of driving. Just my two cent's

Seth