Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Please submit 6-speed driving techniques..

[bighammer]

I think 1st and OD are nearly the same ratios on both. The differences are in the steps in between. (I think it's 3rd and 4th on a 5600 on either side of 3rd on a 4500)

 

[Hohn]

true. . check Dave Fritz's site if you doubt. Both the 4500 and 5600 have the practically the same low and OD ratios. Low on 4500 is 5. 61, 5600 is 5. 63. OD on 4500 is . 75. OD on 5600 is . 73.



They are here:

http://dodgeram.org/tech/specs/axle/5sp_vs_6sp.htm



You can see the splits yourself.





Hohn

 

[mgoncalves]

I use 1st and 2nd to start out about evenly. I'm not sure what rpm I upshift at, but when I do upshift rpm's are always about 1700 once I'm in the next gear. I try not to let the engine go under 1500 except when starting out of course. I also put the transmission in neutral and let the pedal out at lights.



I have tried to slip my clutch since hooking up the pump wire, but am so far, unsuccessful .

 

[nickleinonen]

man... you most of you are shifting well before i am in my 4. 7L gasser 5 speed. 1st to 2k, 2nd - 5th at less than 2k. city driving i tach between 900 - 1500 rpm... [unless the road rage kicks in, then it is 5500 each gear]

 

[rspinks]

Unloaded I shift 2-4-6 sometimes, let 'er go to 2800.

 

[Sageair]

There seems to be a pretty clear consensus on starting in first and shift points or at least close enough to each other to be like I drive mine BUT. One thing I have not specifically heard is one thing that I do that you all might want to try. Bcause i tow horses alot and strive to give them the smoothest ride possible when I am upshifting I back out of the throttle until the truck is neither accelerating or decelerating then I depress the clutch but hold the throttle steady. In my truck the rpms drop about 500 by themselves when i upshift and let out the clutch the engagement is smooth as silk. Give it a try. Also on downshifting I always strive to match road speed with rpms so when I release the clutch the engine is already at the rpmit will be at when I release the clutch.

 

[Pit Bull]

I think I'm shifting like the rest of you "old" guys that respect the machine. When it is cold I start in 1st, unless I am going down hill. I keep the rpm's below 1800 but above 1500 unloaded when it is cold. After it warms up and I am merging on to a 4 lane I will take it to 2500 in 3rd 4th and 5th. Then I will cruse in 6th at 2000. I will corner in 3rd on flat ground. After it is warm I normally try and keep it at 1500 to 2000 cruising around town. I never lug my baby. Ain't these 6 speeds fun Oo. I am so glad I traded off my 2000 automatic. I look forward to driving this manual beast. You feel involved with the machine. Big trucks should be manuals period.

 

[slo-ryde]

I also start out in second gear. I've only tried first gear a couple times, just to see how low it really it is. On the other hand, I don't have anything to tow yet.



When I was breaking in the truck I would occasionally give the motor some nice steady pulls up to 3,000 rpm in as many gears as conditions would allow. With 9,000 miles on the truck I feel that the motor still has some more breaking in to do so I try to mix up the driving and work the motor at different rpm's.



As for shift points, they go higher as the motor warms up. When it's cold, I short shift at 1500 to 1800 rpm. Once it's warmed up I generally shift in the 2200 to 2600 rpm range. On long trips I'll drop down from sixth to fifth just to mix it up. This usually puts the motor in the 2600 to 2800 rpm range at freeway speeds.



I still like to do steady pulls up to higher rpm's, sometimes pretty close to the redline on the tach (3250?) but only when I know everything (motor, transmission, differential) is completely warmed up.



One thing I've noticed about the 6 speed is it seems to shift a lot easier at higher engine rpm's. IMHO, it seems to shift the easiest around 2600 to 2700 rpm's.



I don't downshift too much, the transmission doesn't seem to like it unless you increase rpm's on the motor to match the new gear. Also, I know downshifting makes the synchro rings wear out faster. There's always the discussion about what's cheaper: brakes or transmissions. I tend to drive slower than most I guess and leave plenty of room for coasting to stops.



Waiting at lights, I'm generally in neutral with the clutch out. I've replaced throw-out bearings in several trucks over my lifetime and it's one project I can do without.



Gas mileage ranges from 18 to 22, hasn't really changed much since day one. I use a fuel additive occasionally, maybe every second or third fill up.

 

[HOCummins04]

I have a 2001. 5. Owner's Manual says 1st is a creeper and should be used to start when carrying a load or towing a trailer. "An unloaded vehicle may be launched in 2nd gear. " 1st and 2 highest are same gear ratios in 6 Spd and 5 Spd.



I always take off on level ground in 2nd, unless I am in wet grass. 1st works better so you don't churn 2 ruts in someone's grass, what with all that power.



For shifting, seems like the sweet spot is 2400-2600 RPM for the smoothest ride, once warmed up and traffic allowing. I assume smooth is good on the whole power train.



I am planning on changing fluids in both differentials, transmission and transfer case very soon. Hoping fluid change makes 2 to 3 a little smoother.

 

[Hohn]

I start in first more often than not.



BTW-- the 5sp and 6sp do NOT have identical bottom and top ratios, but they are practically the same. Creeper: 4500=5. 61. 5600=5. 63. OD: 4500=0. 75, 5600=0. 73.



I agree on the higher rpm for smooth shift. The 24V trucks don't seem to like to shift at less than 2K.



PLUS, my engine is running smoother now that I have been winding it up a bit before I shift.



HOHN



LINK:http://dodgeram.org/tech/specs/axle/5sp_vs_6sp.htm