Towing and transmission pros

[R C Cola]

Gettin real tired of rebuilding trannys. 5 spd too weak, 6 spd too weak ? Need 30k rating 5 or 6 spd manual or auto that is truly heavy duty with reasonable longevity. Don't want to spend 10k to get it done. My SB clutch lasts for 3 trannys so I know I am not being to hard on it. Load is usually under 16k and never over 20k gross. I do not lug OD. What are my options, larger truck transmission or Allison ? Definitely do not want electronic. I can't be the only one tired of less than satisfactory trannys.

 

[MMeier]

I hear you there!!! Can't keep a 5600 in my rig either... or find a shop that knows what the hell they are doing with it... and my clutch!! Stay away from Driveline Service of Las Vegas!!#@$%! Oops, did I just say that !!!

 

[R C Cola]

transmission's

I do know a man in Kellogg ID who makes custom bellhousings that will help out on matching up transmission to engine and clutch and at a fair price. Still need a transmission HD enough to get the job done that is not too overly large to fit in the space avail.

 

[R C Cola]

Moderastor ?

How to move to 2nd gen for better exposure ?

 

[NIsaacs]

The small Eaton Roadrangers will fit, in the RT/RTO 610/6610 size. I doubt they are any heavier then the NV5600. They are about 27" long and 17" wide also very shallow because of the twin counter shafts.



They use a standard SAE #2 bellhousing. This is the down fall, they are bigger then the transmission and will need about a two inch body lift. They also use a standard 14" clutch. Maybe the guy you mentioned in Idaho can come up with a smaller bellhousing??





"NICK"

 

[R C Cola]

trannys

Thanks Nick . . gives me something to research. Dead end so far on going to an Allison, electronics, or physical size on older units.

 

[SnoKing]

Sure you have the correct truck to spend that kind of money on? SNOKING

 

[R C Cola]

Spending Money

Good point Snoking... My truck is about 1/2 used up miliage wise. Right now I am spending about $ 3000/yr (=$9000 in 3 yrs. ) on transmission builds and no the problem is not the rebuilder. 500k and am on 4th transmission and second clutch at this time. Moving up to a newer truck will not put me into a better transmission just a differant one. When I find a 93 extended cab one ton I will most likely get it and do the big changeover.

 

[BJMarshall]

At your power level, I don't see why the NV4500 won't hold up. What exactly is failing on the transmission?

 

[y-knot]

You know the problem with all the transmission comes down to managing the heat..... If you can do that they will live.



I know it has not been mentioned much, but it would be real easy to install a line out and in on the trany that would also incorporate a small pump assembly and a oil cooler to control the heat issues. That is what is killing the tranys.

 

[DCreed]

how do u regulate fluid levels with the added cooler/pump?

 

[DCreed]

R. C. -have you tried the g5600 yet? what is failing exactly? bearings, shafts, syncros, gears, seals, cases ??

 

[SHobbs]

Wasn't there a member here that actually put a Roadranger 13spd in his truck???

 

[R C Cola]

Heat Issue ?

This is a good point. I have the add on side coolers but have not as yet put in the temp guage. That will be my next item on. Then we can watch it . I beleive it has been bearings each time that failed.

 

[R C Cola]

Transmisssion Woes !

#@$%! As many Dodges as we have out there, I can't beleive this problem hasn't been totally solved already. Those of us who tow daily would convert by the hundreds to a heavy transmission that would do the job needed. Will pursue the Roadranger w/housing idea (known to be a tough one) and if I find anything out that makes sense will let you know how it turns out.

 

[BJMarshall]

If you are having bearing failures, I would suspect a bad setup. These are pretty particular about the clearances. Also what type of parts are you getting? I've had some off-brand bearings fail for no reason, but never a Timken unless it was from lack of lubrication.

Rebuilders around here are notorious for putting them together too tight or too loose. It takes time and a good selection of shims to get them right, but when it is set up right it will last a long time.

 

[MMeier]

Wasn't there a member here that actually put a Roadranger 13spd in his truck???

I vaguely remember someone stuffing a 10 or 13 speed in, IIRC he was from North Carolina or something like that, had to put a 3" body lift or something to make room.

 

[Cattletrkr]

The NV5600 is not a weak transmission. Not by a long shot.

 

[12V Ford]

The NV5600 is rated up to 26K gcwr and the ford zf-6 speed is as well. I've never had any problems with the ford zf and neither has anyone else that I know. I think one thing that helps the zf-6 is that it has an oil cooler like and autobarfic:-laf. Pretty much all our trannys will never be rated for more than 26k until you get to medium or heavy duty stuff. I think you can get an eaton 5 or 6 speed with the SAE#3 bellhousing and that would fit good, but what about 4x4? Also the torque ratings are about the same, unless you get the 6 speed rated to 860lbs of torque.

 

[BJMarshall]

The only 2 ZF6's I have built were destroyed by the cooler leaking or the lines leaking and the trans pumped all the fluid out. The pump and cooler is a nice addition and if it were only a little better protected.