Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) US Gear OD or NV5600 - Quandary

[Ol'TrailDog]

NIssacs, that's not a bad suggestion. However, I made the decision I wanted to evolve back to the 12v world. The OD difference is more like the difference dealers were asking between a 97 3500 CC 4x4 and a 98 3500 QC 4x4 12v when I was looking, i. e. aprox. $16K versus $20k. Do a car.com on a 02 and you will see there is substantial difference. Edit: I also figured out I can use the OD behind either the 5spd. or 6 spd. so the OD may be a step on the way of both a NV5600 and an OD if the OD NV4500 combo doesn't cut it.



When I decided to go for no more vehicle payments I also decided this was going to be my long term keeper-fix it-fixer-how-I-wanter truck. The CTD would be for my truck duties, e. g. firewood,hunting, camper hauling, and I'd get a Subaru AWD wagon for my other vehicle needs (I thought about a VW TDI but they want to much $ and the Con Reports is on VWs and on Subarus like my wife's Legacy).



Besides there is one major problem - electronic 24V :-laf

 

[BTighe]

im not saying the 5600 is a lesser transmission, just that it has its limits. for a while i was sold on the idea of a 5 to 6 speed swap but i dont see the 4500 as a bad transmission. theres fixes for the 5th gear nut and it seams to hold its own in sled pulling so i figured its strong. ive found that more fuel has helped to close the 3-4 gap if your not racing and dont mind an extra shift i would think the 5600 swap would be the more dependable option.

 

[NIsaacs]

OTD, why you sneeky ol'e Grampa , I think this thread is just to get your nerve up to ask mamma for some play toy money :-laf , cuz for hunting and wood get'n you got's enuf gears



Hey, I am with you on this one, if 5 or 6 gears is good, 10 or 12 is a whole lot better!!





"NICK"

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

Yeah Nick, you're probably right. But I've always had this uncontrollable urge to fix up a rig just so..... and then sell it . Although she liked the no-payments plan, my wife was thoroughly disgusted when I traded the 04 on the 97--"Oh well, you'll only have this truck for a couple of years anyway". "Not this one Hon, I plan on keeping this one and fixing it up just so!"



I had two rigs with ODs and thought they were the cat's meow. I love the 4:10s for starting in 2nd, backing up, and motoring around the backroads, BUT the highway cruising at 2K=58mph needs some help. That's the main reason for getting the OD.