Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Towing with NV5600. 5th or 6th gear?

[HHhuntitall]

For the members here that know my opinion of the G56, this statement sums it up very nicely for me. The G56 is only reliable if you stay within stock parameters and Dodges ratings. HHhuntital, what is your opinion of the Blumenthals rebuilt NV5600? Blumenthals is where my NV5600 is going to come from, when it's time to replace my noisy and weak G56.

I've been using Blumenthal's for over 10 years now. I've proabably gotten 40-50 NV4500s, 10-15 NV5600s, and several dozen automatics.... Their automatics are slightly above stock.... they build a good torque convertor, too. They can build a decent mid range automatic, for around 400hp, with triple disc convertor, billet shaft and drums, etc, etc.... this is speaking only for the Dodge. I have little experience with the other brands of light duty truck. They can be a little disorganized at times, with employee turnover and company growth. Irregardless, I have a guy I've used for the majority of the time, and he makes it good. As for the transmissions, I've only had ONE problem that wasn't customer related, on an automatic... Just a few questions, and ship it to them, they cover the repair and return shipping, and comp me for about half my labor.... the labor part burned me a little, but the sales rep has made it up to me since.... he didn't approve, either, apparently.

Anyway, back to the subject, any of the NV 5600s I've installed from them, I have never seen again, except to change the oil or put a clutch in. I can't say the same for other shops. I got my first NV5600 for my '97 from Standard Transmision, and it only lasted about 55K.... I gotta throw that in there, as they've burned me twice. JDonnelly swears by them, so we disagree on their reputation

Also, about Blumenthal's, they rebuild heavy duty transmissions, like the Fuller RTL-15 in my Peterbilt, an Eaton 7 speed in a F650 I had, and a 10 speed in a Freightshaker I had. They ran much cooler and quieter afterwards, and I was happy with the work.

Sounds good, but I wonder if it was in gear when it got wrecked, the NV5600 might not even be worth the Core deposit.

I'd find it hard to believe it wouldn't be worth the core.... I don't think it would be worth the $3500 they're asking, but if you gotta have one.... and this one does come with all the other parts... If driveshafts and T-case come with it, it might be worth it, IMO. Those parts are getting hard to find.

As for the G56, it's a decent transmission behind a gas engine. It might make a good boat anchor. I've been trying to get Blumenthal to get their contractors to machine a cast iron casing. I could sell a few of those.... the internals of the G56 are pretty nice, with heavy gears and shafts... which are pointless when you can't put any torque into the input shaft.... and ATF!?!? What the hell is that about!?!? I guess Dodge just wanted to get them out of warranty.... so much for quality...

 

[SAndreasen]

I agree with you that any lubricating fluid called "lifetime" is a highly misleading. There isnt a lubricant that wont need replacing at some point in time.

But yet, in the auto engineers defense (not that I'm defending them), lifetime fluid is based on the running temperatures they calculate that fluid will average while using the vehicle within the factory ratings. Since oxidation isnt something to worry about until approx 180*, they must have assumed that these transmissions were going to run fairly cool throughout their service life. But clearly the problem with that is I dont think too many of us know anyone who conservatively follows the factory tow ratings and/or hasnt increased their trucks HP substantially either. Not many of us have legitimate room for complaining as we ask far more from these trucks than they're originally built for. But we still do.....

I agree we push em hard

 

[NIsaacs]

I agree we push em hard

Yup, haul heavy or stay home, Lol.

Nick

 

[SAndreasen]

Those are cool pics any idea what they weigh

 

[NIsaacs]

Empty truck and trailer is 14k, the IHC S10 skidder is 26k and the 3 cattle guards are 15k.

Nick