What to buy

[fbaurley]

This is my first time on the forum, I have been shopping for a dodge for the last couple of months ,and thought it would be a good idea to get some information before I buy. I have decided I definately want the manual transmission , but can not decide weather or not to get the high output six speed or standard 5 speed. I have heard that the non high output engine is more easily modified for power enhncements. I have also heard that there have been some problems with the six speed.

I have only driven the five speed, because it is hard to find a six speed on a dealers lot. What are your opinions on the 5 vs 6 speed.

Thanks

Jon

 

[andrewkoperdak]

I have a 2001 with 5 spd. In retrospect I would probably choose the 6 spd. The spread between 3 and 4 gears is a bit much. 25 MPH in 3 and the engine revs high, 25 MPH in 4th and the engine lugs. The six speed is supposed to accomodate this. Normal driving is fine and when I tow I simply use more of the available RPM band. As far as the HO being harder to upgrade... I don't understand that. The engine has a different algorithm for fuel and timing. I don't think anything else is different. My support for this comes from my conversation with the parts counter at the dealer. I can buy the ECM module from DC and have the HO engine. It is very much like buying an EZ or Van Aikens or puck except all these are less expensive and give more performance. The ECM module from Dodge cost 1000. 00 while most of the one just mentioned are about 400-650 dollars.

I am happy with my standard output diesel with 5 spd. Hope something I said helps you with your decision

Andy

 

[Rob Thomas]

Andy,



I have the 6-speed and thouroghly dig it! The shift spacing is real good no laging from one to the next,I'd get it again!



Rob

 

[Bigsaint]

HO all the way !!! (six speed)



Welcome aboard



Scott W.

 

[Wheaties]

I have the HO as well and am very happy with my six speed. There are a few NV5600 out there with shifting problems--it is very particular about what kind of lubricant is used--but a few have genuine problems shifting. Mine has been fine!



Now a year ago, this website was all over the five speed, with the fifth gear nut problem. That has since been fixed and you don't hear much about that any more.



Also a year ago, there weren't many products for the HO, now there's no shortage!



Welcome aboard!

Matt

 

[merryman]

While I can not recite them now, there are several engine differences between the HO and the reguar engine other than the computer controls.

I believe including diff pistons.

I have had both the 5 speed and the 6 speed and I find the closer gear ratios of the 6 very usefull and makes the truck more pleasant for ME to drive.

Vaughn

 

[Beast2B]

luv my 6 speed

go for the 6 speed. The way I have interpreted it from this site, the HO(ETH) responds better to injectors while the 5spd(ETC) responds better to a fuel box... Add both upgrades to either truck and it's a moot point! ... and, no matter what, as long as it's a CUMMINS it ROCKS!

 

[JSoloman]

If you're gonna spend the money, the 6spd. Don't settle for less, even you have the dealer search the country for one.

 

[Wheaties]

merryman,



Yes, time to introduce fbaurley to Dave Fritz's for the HO specs.

 

[otis]

I just ordered my six speed and can't wait. It will be nice now to use the Cummins to its full potential!!!

 

[csevers]

welcome to the dodge nut house

If you plan on pulling the 6spd is better in my Opinion if you are a racer or just drive for the mileage the 5spd is the faster easyer shifting trans I have had both and no problems with either one.



good luck

 

[HOSS]

Go for the HO!!!!!!!!!!!!

The only thing I wish I had on mine is an extra gear. If you tow it is a must. The difference is night and day.

 

[Dave Zuber]

If you tow at all get the 6 sp.



If your running light and like to shift get the 5 sp.



If like to go fast and you only have one leg, then the automatic is ok. I consider automatics a temporary transmission, you can make the replacement transmission into anything you want. You only have to put up with them for 80k miles or so.



My 6 speed was real crunchy and notchy for the first 15k miles. Now that the weather is warmer and I've got about 18k, it shifts real slick. I thought the clutch was slipping for quite some time, but it was the tires spinning! Love the extra torque!



Get the heavy duty transfer case for $80, it's worth the money in a 4x4.



I didn't order my truck and got the trip computer which I didn't want. Now, I would have bought it on a special order.