Want to buy later 5.9 with 6 speed. Inform me please!

[salty]

Hello,



Well, after 500k my 95 12 valve is getting old. Engine is great but the truck is getting to be a pure work rig. I do NOT want the 6. 7 re-gen issues, etc so I'm thinking a later 5. 9.



I'm looking for advice on best years with fewest issues. Not a big power guy, so upgrades will be minimal. I like manual transmission's because i keep vehicles forever basically and I have concerns about any auto lasting 500 +K???



How are the 6 speeds?



Thanks in advance for any help. Also, I live in the PNW, so any great dealer recommendations would be helpful.

 

[BarlowCummins]

It seems to me that I hear the year with the least issues are the 05s. I really haven't had any problems with my 04. 5 but it was the first year on the 600 engine so some people have problems with injectors, i think. Personally I love the NV5600 and in 06 they switched to the G56 6spd. I have never had a problem with my Nv5600 and I'm at 160,000 on my 04. 5 with the stock clutch! At least for now. :-laf



Corey

 

[MickeyMiller]

Biased, but I could not be more pleased with my late '03 HO 305/555 NV5600 6 speed. Zero mechanical issues in 140K miles and better milage than the later models.

 

[UAV]

50K on my '06 6spd w/ no major mechanical issues. Stock 5. 9 has lots of power, only complaint is it's a little sluggish until you get the RPM up. So far it's been a great truck.



As for dealers, most guys will make the trip to Dave Smith in Kellogg, Idaho. I ended up buying from Dishman Dodge in Spokane Valley because they had the truck I wanted, they were also pleasant to deal with.

 

[seafish]

I just LOVE my 05 with the G56. Minimal problems so far, though I do expect to have to replace balljoints, wheelbearings and clutch at some point around 100k.

Looking through the TDR TSB#Bulletiens, it seems to me that there are fewer TSB's issued for the 2005s as opposed to other years. Just a ballpark estimate, but I believe it to be noticeable.

 

[Motorhead]

I also think that the '05 would be a good choice. It is the last year that has a standard electrical system and not the can-buss type like my '07 has. My '07, 5. 9 has been a trouble free truck so far. The advantage to the NV5600 is the . 72 to 1, 6th gear ratio. The early G-56 6th is a . 79 to 1. Paired up with a 3. 73 rear axel, it is geared pretty low going down the freeway. I got lucky and found a new '07 6 spd that was built in December '06. It has the taller, . 74 to 1, 6th gear that is also used in the 6. 7 trucks. It was only installed in about the last two months of the 5. 9 trucks.
With a Smarty jr and the free spin front hubs, I can get easily 19. 5-20. 5 highway at 65mph. I turn 2,000rpm at 65mph with stock tires and 3. 73 axels.

 

[BobSacco]

Bought my '04 w/6 spd in 2004 w/14K on the clock, has 125K now, only trouble has been (1) front wheel bearing & lift pump (dealer installed the in-tank pump kit). No complaints, it will tow anything you hook to it, I use it w/gneck trailer for hauling round bales & normally haul 10 - 12 at a time. Mileage empty is around 20 - 22 mpg, it will get 24 if I keep it at/below 60 mph. I do, however, occasionally reach for 7th!

 

[Grizzly]

I too am very happy with my 05, 3500 DRW with a NV5600, 6 speed manual. Before mid 05, Dodge switched to the G56, 6 speed, but it has the infamous dual mass fly wheel. I believe the NV5600, which is a 400 lb cast iron transmission, is better for heavy towing.

 

[jgillott]

I'm very happy with everything about the '07 5. 9L except the G56. It's an OK trans, but I have never been excited about the way mine shifts. I certainly wouldn't shy away from one if that is what you find, but I personally like the NV trans a little better.

 

[VHolloway]

i would look for a 12v in good shape with stickshift the 24v engine is only as good as the fuel pump that feeds it. if that goes your SOL i would love to have a 12v

who ever set up the 24v fuel system was a dumbass the pump on the 12v works much better. I had to put a fass on me truck to get it somewhat rite on a scale of 1 to 10 fass and airdog ect get a7 the 12v pump was set up rite

thanks

 

[SShafranko]

06 here with 155,900 miles. every thing i changed except for the upper ball joints and a front right u joint was because i wanted to and not needed to. Factory lift pump was still going strong when i took it out a little while ago. Other than normal maintenance i have not had any major issues to speak of, mechanical or electrical. I have four close friends three with 06's one with 05, none of them have had any issues also. 06's are around 60-70,000 miles and the 05 is around 130,000. The 05 just had the auto transmission re-done. There is also a slight difference in body features between the 06 up and the pre 06 if that matters to you. Hand calculated milege for me most of the time is 19. 5 at 70 mph. I never tryed calculating a tank full below 70 because that is what i normally set my cruise to as soon as i enter the highway. Good luck with what ever you decide.

 

[rbattelle]

Biased, but I could not be more pleased with my late '03 HO 305/555 NV5600 6 speed. Zero mechanical issues in 140K miles and better milage than the later models.

I agree with Mickey. 2003 and 2004 (not 2004. 5) are the last vehicles sold in the United States with NO emissions equipment (unless you count the crank breather filter). Plus they don't have the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) introduced in 2005(?). Personally, I don't like the TIPM.

The only problem with the NV5600 is it's no longer being made and parts are only going to get more rare and more expensive.

Well, after 500k my 95 12 valve is getting old. Engine is great but the truck is getting to be a pure work rig.

I hope you're not planning on getting rid of that engine!

Ryan

 

[Regcabguy]

I agree with Mickey. 2003-2004. 5 are the last vehicles sold in the United States with NO emissions equipment (unless you count the crank breather filter). Plus they don't have the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) introduced in 2005(?). Personally, I don't like the TIPM.



The only problem with the NV5600 is it's no longer being made and parts are only going to get more rare and more expensive.







I hope you're not planning on getting rid of that engine!



Ryan

2004. 5+ have a cat. 2003-2004 H0 Federal engines were cat free. I'd look for a privately owned,well maintained unit,relatively stock with a service record. No towing or carrying heavy loads(slide in) would be good also. Another plus would be a desert state truck. 2003-2007 5. 9's are all pretty good trucks.