Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Nv5600 Failure

[MikeParker]

Had a BIG incident recently with our 6 spd. The transmission locked up at 65 mph on a cold day with a lite load on the vehicle. Initial indication was rear wheel lockup!!! This in turn sheared the lining from the clutch causing a DOA. (towed in by an S-10) I pulled the transmission and found it locked in 1st gear with the shifter in neutral. Put the shifter in any gear and input and output shafts are locked tite. Disassembly at the transmission shop showed 1st gear welded to the main shaft. The truck has 70,050 miles and the transmission was full with mopar spec fluid at the time of failure. I had changed the fluid @ 35,900 at the dealers recommendation. I am no longer confident in the reliability of my rig, which of course is a major issue. Any help?

 

[HoleshotHolset]

This sounds like a VERY isolated failure to me... I've never really heard of too many problems with the NV-5600... other than sticky synchros and notchy shifting...



The NV-4500 is another story... . but once it's modified with good parts... you're good to go.



Matt

 

[mgoncalves]

Not sure I understand what happened here, but it sounds like you were in first gear doing 65 mph.



That can't be good for anything



Seriously though, did your truck have the 70,000 powertrain warranty? I would try to squeak it in through that if possible. Otherwise, look for a replacement (maybe a wrecked truck) and realize that you aren't going to have that problem again. That's the first and only six speed failure I've heard of.



By the way, welcome to the TDR. Heck of a first post .



Matt

 

[Rman]

That's a bummer. This surely isn't boding well for the "stock lube" guys that swear anything else will blow your transmission up. My brother's rig, 175k on redline MTL and going strong.



That sure sounds like bearing FAILURE. Like states previously, probably very isolated, we've never heard of this around hjere at least. Tough love I guess.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

VERY isolated problem - I sure wouldn't lose any sleep over it (yeah, even if it was MY truck!) - and I seriously doubt lube brand was a factor - more likely a simple internal defect that could happen even with Amsoil...



Of course, THEY *wouldn't* live it down...



As far as miles go on stock lube, a fair number up close to a million miles and better...

 

[tom sweeney]

118,400 on redline mtl and prolong... . best of luck to you,i must agree... . an isolated incident for sure..... tom

 

[Texas Diesel]

Originally posted by Gary - KJ6Q

As far as miles go on stock lube, a fair number up close to a million miles and better...

Where? Who?

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

"Where? Who?"



Ya must not be paying attention - several hot-shotters are in that range, and as I recall, have posted in these forums where the threads focused on high-mileage vehicles - and every one *I* have seen, stated they used plain old spec dino lubes, changed at normal intervals... No, I don't plan on researching it to provide "proof" - not worth the effort...



Shucks, I'm personally acquainted with a couple of hot-shotters up where my dad lives in Payette Idaho, who have well over a million miles on a FIRST generation Dodge with a 5-speed - no "special" lubes for them either...

 

[Rman]

gary come on now... The 6 speed was released in mid year 2000 right? I doubt you'll see any 2000 model trucks with 1M miles. All of those Million mile rams were using the proven 4500 transmission, or an auto (i doubt it though). I still hold true the lube used in the 5600 is inferior and have no problem with putting a better lubricant in it.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

NAHHhh - I'm wrong - checked archives - all the high-mileage trucks with manuals are 5-speeds - dern it!



HACK - COUGH - derned crow tastes putrid ANY time of day, hot OR cold!



I thought the 6-speed came out in '99? I don't doubt there WILL be a fair number that make it - but it'll take a while longer - sorry for the error...

 

[Rob Thomas]

Your right Gary, the 6-speed was available in '99, Craig Seaverson among others have them in '99 models, from the factory.



I also agree with everyone in this being an isolated problem, I did a double-take when I saw the thread title, first one I've heard of.



Rob

 

[csevers]

Ya I have one of the early ones, got my truck in March of 99 and has 114k miles, some hard, some not so hard. It is still going kinda noisy is all.



Nothing personal but I hope the your failure was 1 in a million.



There has to be some fairly high mile 6spds by now I would think but it is hard to compare a stock truck to one with mods for the miles that parts last.



Craig

 

[Sticks]

I'd go to the dealer and see if they will help you out on this. Maybe even direct to DC. Have your transmission shop do a writeup on what they found. They may not pay for a full replacement, but might meet you half way.

 

[MikeParker]

NV5600 RBLT

Thanks for the encouragement! For clarification the truck was in OD when the transmission locked. Also it had a 3/36 warranty and DC said "its double the milage so there is nothing we can do". It is totally rebuilt now, new main shaft, first gear, all bearings and syncher's. Hope the trouble is behind, heading for AZ from MN this weekend. Planning on 3k miles by next week. Anyway most thoughts of buying a chevy have passed now.