Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Shifting a 5 spd vs a 6 spd?

[RT66DOC]

Those of you who've driven both, how would you compare the effort/feel/smoothness, etc of shifting an NV4500 vs an NV5600. I've looked for a 6 spd to drive but none of the dealer around here have one. :-laf

TIA

 

[Rob Thomas]

I've owned and driven both, but what I think you'll find is that whatever trans a particular person has, shifts better than the other one. For example, I can't shift a 5-speed to save my life anymore. Others will say the opposite. I will say the 5-speeds do feel smother, and you know when your shifting a 6-speed.





Rob

 

[klenger]

I had an '01 5 speed for 6 months before trading for an '01 6 speed. The 5 speed was definitly easier to shift. Smoother and slipped into gear easier. The 6 speed isn't bad, just not as smooth. The extra gear more than makes up for any shifting differences. It also comes with a better engine.

 

[Rob Thomas]

Originally posted by klenger

It also comes with a better engine.

Uh oh, I hope the ETC guys don't see this. :-laf



I think I'll go make some pop-corn, in anticipation.







Rob

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

My thoroughly broken in 5 speed is very smooth. The 6 speed is getting a lot better, but still not quite as smooth at only 5000 miles. Way better than the ZF the F and C use.

 

[RT66DOC]

Thanks for the driving impressions, guys.

 

[willyslover]

5 speeds are better for the racer types and 6 speeds are better for the 5er's...



5 speed IMHO is much smoother operation at least my old 5 sped was much better than this 6 speed... but this one doesn't hunt trees either

 

[slo-ryde]

I'd have to agree with the rest here, the 5 speed is easier to shift. When test driving trucks the 5 speed was smoother and easier to get into the next gear. The 6 speed definitely has a longer learning curve, after 18 months with my NV5600 I still end up missing the shift from 4th to 5th!

 

[johncameron]

I really like my nv5600. It is a little bit slower shifting than the nv4500 but the extra gear puts you in the power all the time. The only time I swear at it is when I'm in traffic and it's stop and go! My right arm and left leg start to fight back. Other than that the 6er is the way to go. Wouldn't buy anything else. MY. 02$

JC

 

[RKohn]

Since I usually start in 2nd....

Does that mean I've only got a 4 speed?



Some times I only use 3 gears. Whaada ya do with with that extra one anyway?

 

[RT66DOC]

Does anybody have a short shift kit on the 6 sdp and does it make it easier to shift?

 

[DCaswell]

6 sp definitely more difficult to shift but a much better unit than the 5 if you are pulling trailers etc. Let the transmission find the centre when you are going to 5 & then push over & up. I seldom use the clutch when shifting up. Downshifts just a teeny bit trickier

 

[NPloysa]

Originally posted by Rob Thomas

Uh oh, I hope the ETC guys don't see this. :-laf



I think I'll go make some pop-corn, in anticipation.







Rob

Do you like butter on your popcorn, Rob?



I have driven a 6-speed, mgoncalves' truck. I couldn't find 6th for the life of me, but that was only for a mile of 6th gear driving.



I like my 5-speed and since I do not tow heavy loads or them often (at my old job maybe 4000 pounds once a week average) I do not need the 6.



As far as being hooked to a better engine I have to agree and disagree. My truck now has more HP than any stock ETH with my FMS box. I can't say which is better, the ETC and ETH are both great. Just my opinion.

 

[krs]

My 5 speed is lots easier than my 6 speed too, but I've got the habit now of only using 2nd, 4th, and 6th when there's no load. Those are all toward the driver in the pattern so it's getting to be the easiest to shift transmission I've ever owned.

 

[Sticks]

Just have to get used to it like any transmission. I will occasionally look for 7th gear (wish there was one) or get lost on downshifting then have to remember what mph = what gear at idle.



I know people are cussing me when it (the truck) is cold and I am starting out in 1st. Takes me a block and a half to get up to speed.

 

[willyslover]

Tom. . BD makes one but it's a crap shoot if it helps or makes it worse shifting. .

on mine is worse. . very notchy and miss the gate if not shifting very careful and deliberate... [no lazy shifting] or you'll miss 4th to 5th and end up over in R... also some guys improved a bunch with theirs. .

Tom Meers aka Briarhopper at Black Mountain Diesel has a kit . . but his came out after BD's so I already had one, and haven't tried his