Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) nv5600

[Wyomingcowboy]

I would guess he was refurring to an R&R, for like a clutch change. They are so dang heavy they are kind of dangerous to handle. I use 2 nylon safety straps around the frame and transmission/t-case combo just in case it should fall off the jack.

Nick

Exactly. Doing any kind of work yourself to the 5600 is a major PITA. (As if doing transmission work period is NOT a major PITA) I have borrowed some heavy duty trans jacks and I have overhead lifts and it's manageable, but it still sucks. You won't be doing any jockeying around of this trans while you have it down. If you need to rearrange it on the jack you'll need a cherry picker or 2+ strong guys to help. I think I read somewhere they are 500+ pounds. They are every bit of that and maybe more. Great transmissions - but not indestructible. I fried the synchros in mine and did the rebuild myself…..but not without lots of phone help from Blumenthal’s and a 20T hydraulic press. The book calls for a 100 ton for the main shaft. I got it apart with the 20T press, a torch, and several good solid smacks while it was loaded up.
The rear bearing lube issue is a biggie too. I read someone recommending 12 qts but that was too much and it blew out the breather all over my trailer. I currently 8 qts and it’s staying inside. Blumenthal’s drills holes in the rear housing to allow the oil to lube the rear bearing on their rebuilds. If you buy a rebuild I would check on that….or just run 8 qts to be safe.

 

[Wyomingcowboy]

When my transmission finally went south with 308,000 miles on it I replaced it with a rebuild from Blumenthal. I also upgraded to the larger input shaft found in the 2001 and after transmission. The guy I delt with was Monty( no longer working for them)

Monty was who I talked to as well. Too bad he's not there anymore. Without his help I would have been much much longer getting through things.

 

[Woodenhead]

The 5600 is just shy of 400 lbs.
I used the 800lb harbor freight jack. It got the job done but anything less would be crazy.
12quarts! That seams crazy, this is the first I've heard of anyone running more than the 5+1.

 

[SAndreasen]

The 5600 is just shy of 400 lbs.
I used the 800lb harbor freight jack. It got the job done but anything less would be crazy.
12quarts! That seams crazy, this is the first I've heard of anyone running more than the 5+1.

400 lbs is about the same as nv4500 with np 205 hooked to it so that doesn't scare me ive done that combo several times buy myself with some pretty scary jack setups I can lift it onto the jack myself although you just do throw it around like nv with aluminum transfer case.

 

[RVTRKN]

The reason their heavier than the G56 is because its cast iron, vrs the aluminum G56. Its that reason they have issues, the aluminum will soften and the case can stretch allowing the gears to mesh improperly. I've seen my trans get as hot as 230* at only 15K GCVW. I'm going to install a pump, trans cooler and filter that can also be adapted to the NV5600 when I convert mine. I'll take a heavy reliable trans over a lighter unreliable trans every time, but the 07 manual was the G56 and the judgement was still out at that time. I would have picked the Aisin instead if I would have known about the possible stretching of the case.

 

[Dieseldemon]

The nv5600 weighs 365 lbs by its self with the T case over 450 lbs I install them as a unit and its true it is not an easy job with both together on the lift and a floor jack rated at 1100 lbs not to hard

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

The weak point of the 5600 is the rear mainshaft bearing which doesn't get enouh oil. Std Trans power lube pkg fixes that.