Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Pulling in 5th gear

[Danyl]

I was just wondering if it is OK to pull heavy loads (16000+) in fifth gear for many miles in the mountains.













98 2500 5sp ex cab w/ banks power pack, straight pipes and silencer ring thrown away.

 

[moparguy]

Danyl, I've got almost 100k on my truck without a 5th gear failure. I attribute this to good luck, and not work it hard in 5th unless I'm over 2000 rpm.



However, I really feel I'm on borrowed time and may pull things down and do some preemptive maintenance (change the nut and stake it witha punch) prior to heading to the Rockies hunting in October.



So, yes I think you can pull in 5th, but if you do you'll likely experience a 5th gear failure sooner rather than later. To put off the failure as long as possible, use forth whenever road speed allows, or just bite the bullet and install a fully splined main shaft along with a set of add on coolers.



Good luck, Ronnie

 

[RHARVEY]

With me... I use 5th on anything above 1800 rpms. After it goes below that I drop into 4th to keep it in the sweet spot. .



Rick

 

[QRTRHRS]

If I wanted a 4sp, I would have bought one. Bought mine at 62k and it was towed heavily already. I used 5th when ever I could without lugging. Lost 5th at 125k. Don't figure that's too bad.

 

[drees1]

My truck has towed heavy it's whole life. It was previously owned by full timers with a 5th wheel. I tow a gooseneck with 20,000 to 25,000 gross being common. With the #11 plate, peak torque is at 1600, so I pull it all the way down to that before shifting. And I run in 5th with gearVendors in O. D all day long. I did notice that my trans is a '98 in a '96 truck, so I guess that tells the story. But a bombed engine with stock turbo is going to want to pull down low in the 1750 - 2000 range and will be smoother and deliver better economy than towing with high rpm.



I say, you bought the 5 speed, use it. If 5th goes out then get the full splined main shaft and keep going. I think mine has the dealer nut fix (which is not a good fix), but I hammer on it anyway. No problems running it in the year I've owned it.