Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Oh no! NV5600 going down fast?!

[AHuska]

Ok so I'm rolling to work this morning on the freeway, cruise set at 65 with transmission in 6th. All of the sudden there is a very loud noise from the transmission that sounds like a fan griding on a fan shroud... intermittent, random, but very frequent. So, I pulled off the road with the clutch pushed in, and as I coasted to the side the sounds got quieter and less frequent. Nothing was dripping out of the bottom, and I had all 6 gears + reverse. When sitting still there was no sound with clutch pushed in, but with clutch out and transmission in neutral there was a the same noise, just very quiet and infrequent, and I could feel the vibration in the stick. Dishman Dodge was about 3 miles away so I drove it there on surface streets and got a ride to work, and they said they'd look at it tomorrow at 8:30am. I don't mind paying 80 bucks for diagnosis, but if you guys have any input that could save me $1000s in the end I would really appreciate it.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

The way you describe it, sure sounds like an internal transmission bearing on it's way out - hope the lube level was up where it should be - but sounds expen$ve, just the same...



Sorry - and good luck...

 

[AHuska]

Hmmm that doesn't sound very awesome... If it is bearings I hope that just means replacement of those bearings and not a new transmission. Blumenthal Mfg in OK says it is 2950 for a rebuild NV5600 plus 1000 core and 200 shipping one way.

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

AHuska,

Don't let Dodge sell you a transmission as it will come from Blumenthal's and be a lot more $$$$!!! Blumenthal's is THE rebuilder for Dodge.

Godspeed,
Trent

 

[AHuska]

Thanks for the advice, Trent, that's good to know. Dishman Dodge has the truck right now and is going to 'diagnose' it this morning, but I won't let them go further than that until I get all my options figured out. Luckily my pickup isn't my daily driver.



After checking a few places around the country Blumenthal Mfg does seem to have a pretty good price on a full reman, but does anyone know of a good NV5600 rebuilder in Spokane, WA? I'm wondering if I need a whole new transmission if its just a bearing and a shaft, but I suppose the cost of evaluating the box and rebuilding the essentials could end up being nearly the price of a new one. Does Blumenthal offer TDR discounts?



I've swapped trannies in old Chevys, so I suppose I could do this one with friends, too, I just might need a real transmission jack this time, eh?



Sooo, where's the best price on a SBC 350hp clutch?

 

[GCroyle]

Spokane Contact

You might want to contact Jelag in Spokane. Jim knows Spokane and who you might contact for a quote or help.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

You might want to contact Jelag in Spokane. Jim knows Spokane and who you might contact for a quote or help.

Gary is being a true gentleman here as far as clutches are concerned - he never points up the FACT that the company he works for builds some EXCELLENT clutches for many vehicles - including our trucks.



If you are considering a clutch replacement as part of a potential transmission replacement, the excellent line of SBC clutches aren't the ONLY game in town - consider and investigate what Gary's outfit has to offer as well - you might be glad you did!

 

[GCroyle]

Gary, thanks for the kind words, you are a gentleman.





Hey, everyone I bet I know something about Jelag, Jim Gale of Pacific Clutch & Brake that is not public knowledge.



Jim is the Chairman of the Automotive Parts Rebuilders Association, Clutch Division and Jim will be presiding over the 2008 APRA Clutch Clinic in Cleveland OH (my old home town) this September. APRA has held clutch clinics for many years and the Chair has been a position of honor as a lifelong member of APRA and a sign of industry respect for your contributions to the industry.



Nice job Jim, I'll see if my boss will cut me loose for the clinic, good luck!

 

[AHuska]

Awesome, will do! The truck only has 90k on the clock and has never worked hard, but we'll see how the clutch/flywheel look when I get in there.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Awesome, will do! The truck only has 90k on the clock and has never worked hard, but we'll see how the clutch/flywheel look when I get in there.

WELL, you may be lucky - but with that many miles, and all the work involved in yanking the transmission, *I* would at least replace the clutch disc and pressure plate while I had it apart, just on general principles...

 

[AHuska]

Oh I'm in total agreement... : )

 

[analog]

I've swapped trannies in old Chevys, so I suppose I could do this one with friends, too, I just might need a real transmission jack this time, eh?



Sooo, where's the best price on a SBC 350hp clutch?

I got this jack from local Harbor Freight, it is inexpensive and held my 5600 just fine:

Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices



Also, if you want SBC, check out Rip at Source Automotive. I've bought a bunch of goodies from him. His prices are great, service spectacular and he is out of Portland, so shipping won't be too bad to Spokane. When I bought my clutch he was running a free shipping deal, which was really nice:

http://www.sourceautomotive.biz

 

[DSeamans]

If you want the SBC, talk to blumenthals when you order the transmission. Alan is the guy I talked to and he gave me a very good price getting everything from him. I think I saved $3 or 400 altogether. Some people don't like Blumenthals, but I am completely happy with my 5600 and my brother lives in OKC and has used them a few times. He says they have good service also.



Dave

 

[AHuska]

Ok, Dishman service guys had my truck for a week letting a couple techs drive it various distances to recreate the problem, and of course there were no issues. They said fluid level was good, no noticeable debris in the fluid just from sticking their finger in it, and no abnormal sounds or vibrations. I drove it home today, 20 miles, and it worked just fine, as they said.



I've read over the failure modes suggested here and in past threads and must agree that it is a bearing... somewhere Unfortunatly the only way to figure it out is to dig in. Can anyone recommend a tech in/near Spokane who can be trusted with this transmission? As long as there isn't a metal in the oil when I drain it I assume its just a matter of replace the bad part, and not a full rebuild. I would like to ship it down to Blumenthal's, but I don't have the time or the tools required to get the transmission out and shipped. Anyone on the forum need a little side job, or know someone who does? Come on, any takers?



Andy