NV5600 Transmission Overview
Designed as a replacement for the 5-speed NV4500, the NV5600 transmission is a 6-speed manual gearbox that was produced by the New Venture Gear transmission collaboration, between General Motors and Chrysler. It was used in Dodge trucks between 1998 – 2005, and featured a much better gear spread and torque capacity than it’s predecessor. However, there were a number of NV5600 transmission problems that necessitated a redesign in 2001 of the clutch, shaft and synchronizer assemblies.
What Transmission Do I Have?
OE NV5600 6-speed Manual Transmission Applications
1999 – 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9L H.O. Cummins diesel
1999 – 2005 Dodge Ram 3500 5.9L H.O. Cummins diesel
NV5600 Technical Specs
Case: Cast-iron with aluminum bellhousing
Torque capacity: 550 lb-ft
Weight: 360 lbs
Fluid capacity: 4.75 – 5 qts
Fluid type: Mopar manual transmission fluid PN 4874464
NV5600 Transmission Gear Ratios
1st = 5.63
2nd = 3.38
3rd = 2.04
4th = 1.39
5th = 1.00
6th = 0.73
R = 5.63
Common NV5600 Transmission Problems
Rear bearing failure
Cracked transmission case
Synchronizer failures
What Transmission Do I Have?
Conclusion: NV5600 Transmission
While the Dodge NV5600 transmission offers an optimal gear ratio spread and improved fuel economy over the 5-speed NV4500, it may not be as reliable. Many owners have had to install a remanufactured NV5600 transmission due to a number of common failures, which include the rear bearing seizing and cracking the transmission case.
