What kind of oil and how much does the NV5600 6 speed require?

Happy Thanksgiving!

dieseldocter16's Sig:

2001 Dodge Ram 2500 SPORT CTD, NV 5600 swap, Valair DD from Mighty Diesel w/ stock 3rd. gen. hydros, leveled, Bilstein 5100's, boost elbow, FASS 150, S&B intake w/ AMSOIL filter, Recon smoked clearance lights and Line of Fire (thanks 07redsled), SBS diesel 5" T-pipe w/ 5" stacks, LED lights, Grand General train horn and Viair on board air
Big thanks to Tony at www.mightydiesel.com

synthetic 75 90 and it takes almost 4 quarts

hotcummins's Sig:

its a 12valve with a few performance adders

ok, can I use ATF-3 in the transfer case?

I think so

Dodge Ram Transfer Case Specifications


Ya know, I used to be dead set against Amsoil - but Ive come to realize that Amsoil is actually cheaper because of somewhat longer drain intervals. Not only that, but Amsoil is 1 stop shopping - they have everything you could ever need for your truck - you dont have to waste time running to 4 different places to find what you need. Theyve got it all. JMO.

Dr. Evil's Sig:

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98 12V quad cab 4X4 AND 2001 24V quad cab 4X4

That is not correct. I put in Redline MTL which is a 70W80 - its too heavy. Caused a slight grind when going into 3 rd gear - I really have no idea how much damage has been done here.

While the NV5600 is not as picky with oil as is the NV-4500 it still requires specific oil and you just cant run anything. You need a GL-5 rated oil and the OEM oil is from Texaco:

Ram NV5600 specs

I recently switched to Amsoil MTF (which BTW is a 5W30 wt), its cleared up the grind, and has preformed flawlessly:

AMSOIL Synthetic Automatic and Manual Transmission Fluid

BTW, this is not an emergency and it takes 9 1/2 pints - so buy 5 quarts and you should be good.

well all we have used in or trannys is syn 75 90 with no problems but i guess we all have our oppinnions

No - my advice is not an opinion its fact - immediately after I put the Redline in I developed a grind on the 3 rd gear synchro. And immediately after I switched to Amsoil the grind was gone. Also a fact is that you need a GL-5 rated oil for the NV-5600.

Now the fact that we live in very different climates, that might have something to do with it.

very true that is what the other tranny builder in my shop said to run so we do it might very well be different climates thank you for your input as well dr evil and hope you had a great turkey day

Thanks guys. Sorry for posting this in the wrong spot. I'm just trying to get everything together for the trans swap this weekend. I'm gonna try the syn. 75-90.

Actually, the NV-5600 is VERY picky on which oil you use! Use any of the heavy gear oils (i.e. 75W-90) and you will lock it up as the oil is too thick to get into the recesses of the bearings and other internals. The ONLY suitable oil you can use in the NV-5600 is Syncromech Manual Transmission Fluid, which is 5W-30! Some people actually use 5W-30 motor oil, though it's obviously not formulated for transmission use.

Of course, Mopar sells their version, but it's like $26.00 a quart! I've found the Penzoil version at the auto stores for around $9.00 a quart. I myself am using Amsoil's version as it's synthetic (imagine that) and ran about $10.00 a quart when I changed it last year.

Whatever brand you choose, for the love of Pete don't use the heavy gear oil in your NV-5600 as they aren't made anymore, are very difficult to find if your roach the one you have and will likely have to shell out close to $4000.00 if/when you find a replacement.

Here's a little trick I learned from the old diesel mechanic at the local Dodge Garage... It takes about 5 quarts to fill the case to the fill hole on the 5600 if you drain it from one of the bottom side-cover bolts. If you live or tow in hilly terrain, an extra quart in these transmissions is very beneficial as the input shaft and center support bearings can go dry and fail while towing uphill. The trick is to get the extra quart in there. You can either park your truck sideways on a steep ramp or in a ditch so the oil in the case migrates away from the fill plug or pull the shifter from the top of the case and pour the extra quart directly down as I did. The extra quart doesn't hurt anything at all and is cheap insurance against damage.

Please check the link below. You'll notice your trans on the list.

Hope this helps and good luck!

AMSOIL - Synthetic Manual Synchromesh Transmission Fluid (MTF)

dieseldude03's Sig:

2003 Ram 2500 Laramie 4x4, QC, long bed. Cummins H.O., 6-speed, 4.10 axle gearing, Jake Brake, Bully Dog RFI intake, Summit Racing 4" SS exhaust, Edge "hot" Juice w/ Attitude, Air Dog-100, HTT HTB2 62/12/65, 305-65R17 (33 x 12.50) ProComp Extreme All Terrains, South Bend Con OFE, fuel tank vent mod, various other gizmos. Member - NRA

"Some people are like Slinkys. Pretty much worthless, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs!"

I did that park on a hill trick before so I could get extra fluid in.


Sounds just like the info I gave. Thanks.

I know. I just thought I'd go a little more in depth with it as in his last post after yours and before mine he stated he was gonna try 75W-90 synthetic, which is a long ways from 5W-30. I know it's his trans and he can do what he wants with it, but it's an awfully expensive critter to make well if it gets sick on him.

No worries - Nobody listens to me...


Thanks for the support bud - it never hurts to have accurate information.

Not a proplem Doc. If there's one thing I've learned while driving a diesel rig, there's NOTHING on them that's cheap to fix, and if I can help somebody from having to dig into their wallet I'll at least try to steer them the right direction.