I know I ask a ton of questions but this forum is usually how I learn about these rigs. Its been decided that this winter the auto tranny will be taken out, and a manual going in. Would a 5 speed or a 6 speed be better? Or is one a pretty simple swap (as far as swaps go)? I don't pull anything terribly heavy. Every so often i'll drag some junk car home on a trailer. Any input?

 

What truck do you have?

Only trans available for 1500s is the NV3500 unless you want to figure out how to match up the little Getrag 6 that was behind the 4.7.

Options for 2500s do include the NV4500 and the NV5600. The former is more readily available while the latter is much beefier. The former also has the 5th nut issue with OD outside the case, while the latter is much costlier both up front and in rebuilds.

If you have a 5.9 gas 2500 I would go NV4500. If diesel, get NV5600. Be sure to research output splines, transfer cases, driveshafts, etc. before jumping in.

 

I have a half ton, but with the 5.9 gas. From what i'm told the 5.9s always had a 4500 behind em. I'm just waiting for that wrecked 2500 to show up somewhere around me

 

The NV5600 isn't really any stronger than a 4500. And when it grenades it's a lot harder finding replacements then the 4500.


Yes 5.9s in front of a stick always had the Nv4500 behind them. Just there never was a stick 5.9 in the 1500s.


NV5600 has an integrated bell housing specific to the cumming/V10 so there is no just bolting it up to a small block V8.


If you're stock engine, not lifted on big tires. A NV3500 would be just fine behind your 360. Don't let no one tell you otherwise.

 

5 speed is plenty, you'll never use 6th gear. It's a waste of money and the larger case makes things difficult. Go with the 3500. You can find them at salvage yards or Craiglist and parts are always around. The auto to 5spd swap was been done a lot and you'll find lots of info on it.

 

Yeah, I've been doing a lot of reading on the swaps. Just figured I'd look into options. I do plan on trying to up the torque a bit and run 35s. Would a 3500 hold up to that? I don't exactly have a lead foot either.

 

If you can find one, the 4500 would be better for that application. Or, re-gear the diffs. (which you should do anyway with 35's.....) With the 3500, go with 4.56, (easier on the trans.) with the 4500, you could get away with 4.10s.... but, would still probably like the 4.56 better.

 

I'm really holding out on the parts truck I found on CL today. Found an exact replica of my truck, just not lifted and way more beat up, but 5.9 and a 5 speed 4x4. Only wants $1k, But I dont get paid for another week yet. I think im gonna hold out for a 4500. I'm just fighting the same battle as finding my box, "5 speed swap for your Cummins!!" so the price is goes up.

Did find a nv4500 out of a 92 for pretty cheap though. Would that work in our rigs?

 

That truck should have a 4500 in it... unless it was converted from an auto?? (3500 NEVER came behind the 5.9, at least, not from the factory.)

 

Yep, shes a 4500.