New 6spd trans - any real world impressions

[PaulG1]

Has anyone driven the new 6spd transmission replacing the NV-5600 - any comparisons in driving characteristics and durability when compared to NV-5600?



Paul

 

[Tim]

Although not announced yet, I wouldn't be surprised to see some sort of recall issued for the G-56 trucks, if that says anything.

 

[FATCAT]

From another post:



This just from Dodge today.



"The 6spd Manual Transmission (DEG) is on a material restriction, and has been turned off Tops. There are a large number of orders that are in BE (edit error) status with DEG. Orders that remain in BE with DEG will be cancelled on Friday Apr. 8th, 2005.



Way this is looking is that DC will not be building any more 6spd for 2005. This is my guess. But lets hope not this will hurt my business.

Greg"

 

[PaulG1]

Ouch! Sounds like Dodge made a risky decision and lost. Wow that's contrary to the whole Japanese philosophy - which is small continual improvements over time. Seems they have a much better management philosophy or just much smarter management. And the sad part is - how long have we been making manual transmissions and we still can't get it right - absolutely pathetic!!! :{

 

[dhill]

I have about 1000 miles, mostly highway miles, but I couldn't be happier. I shifts very smoothly, the clutch is smooth as well. I've only driven one truck with a NV5600 and quite frankly if I had to give this one up, I'd get the auto. I may have problems in the future, but I love this truck and the G-56.



Dave

 

[GCross]

Ouch! Sounds like Dodge made a risky decision and lost. - how long have we been making manual transmissions and we still can't get it right - absolutely pathetic!!! :{

This does make one wonder. It seems that they pushed this transmission out the door before it was ready for prime-time. I'm glad I have the NV a time tested box built by a company who's primary business is gear boxes. On the same note as Paul's quote, how long as International been building diesel engines and why can't they get it right in the Ford 6. 0, and I've heard that the Allison trannys in the GM's have issues, and they're the industry leader for heavy duty autos. Could it be that Ford and GM (and maybe Dodge) were involved in the engineering of these third party built components, if so I would suspect that that is the answer to their short comings.



-George-

 

[Tim]

how long as International been building diesel engines and why can't they get it right in the Ford 6. 0,

That's not true at all. The reason the Ford 6. 0 sucks is that Ford tried making it run on their own programming instead of International's. It didn't work, it ran like crap and had a lot of problems. If you hear an '05 running, it is a lot louder than a CTD or Duramax. They went back to the International programming now. It still doesn't have the power, but it does run the way it should, now.

Could it be that Ford and GM (and maybe Dodge) were involved in the engineering of these third party built components, if so I would suspect that that is the answer to their short comings.

Ford, yes, programming.



GM owns Allison and prior to being in these pickups, the 1000 series was used in nothing. Real Allison transmissions don't have, "Park".

 

[GCross]

Tim, you start your post by saying that what I suspected about the big ones intervening in third party production is not true, but then you seem to confirm my suspicions. I'm so confused.



-George-

 

[Tim]

Tim, you start your post by saying that what I suspected about the big ones intervening in third party production is not true, but then you seem to confirm my suspicions. I'm so confused.



-George-

The answer to your question is kinda a yes AND no. GM owns Allison so your statements regarding Allison don't make much sense. Of course GM was involved, they own the company.



The Ford issue is much more complex. GM bought engines from Internatioanl but not software for their ECMs. They thought they could make it work correctly with Ford software but as well all know, it didn't work. International's software is being used now. The 6. 0 really doesn't have the power to compete with the CTD or Duramax anyway, no matter what programming it has... . but either way, the loss of Ford's software has been a step forward for it. Only time will tell if it finally runs correctly.

 

[DPelletier]

Tim,

You are correct about the 6. 0 PSD's primary teething problems being software related, but the International 6. 0 is hardly a top drawer design IMO. Those HEUI injectors have been a bad idea from day one and they remain a bad idea. In fact, I think I heard rumor of Ford moving over to common rail soon, which makes sense. As an aside, I know a couple of people who needed the reflash that disabled thier 6. 0's pilot injection and made it much louder. Not happy campers.

Sorta like how Ford kept the leaf spring front end (with its ridiculous turning radius) for way too long and just now have adopted the coil spring solid axle arrangement that Dodge has been using since 1994.



Dave

 

[Tim]

Sorta like how Ford kept the leaf spring front end (with its ridiculous turning radius) for way too long and just now have adopted the coil spring solid axle arrangement that Dodge has been using since 1994.

I actually prefer leaf springs. I wish someone still made a truck with 4 leaf springs and two straight axles, I'd probably go for it just because of that.



That ridiculous turning radius has served me just nicely for a long time, among other people. I don't know what difference it makes, but I haven't noticed much difference.