how hard is it to get a nv5600 mated to my 12v. does it need new drive shafts?

 

I dont think it will be hard to make it work but you will definately need to get new driveshafts made, although the 6 Speed is a good tranny, i would go with the 5 speed that was actually found in that year of truck, IMO its a better tranny and can handle more abuse if ya want to race the truck or whatever...another thing im not sure of is the 5600 is alot bigger and heavier than the 4500 and the crossmember that it rest on might need modified where as the with the 4500 it doesnt need it, my friend just did this swap and its alot of work but not really that hard to do, he has about $5k in it with buying the transmission and going with a SB DD clutch and bigger input shaft

 

The 5-speed will handle more abuse? Except for the whole fifth gear thing. For abuse I think the 5600 will take a little more since it's a beefier unit. The advantage the 5 speed has over the six speed is the fact that parts are more readily available as well as new transmissions. The 6 speed is built like a tank but if you ever have to rebuild it it's pricey.

As for driveshafts, the 5600 is 6 inchese longer than the 4500. If you have a driveshaft shop nearby they can lengthen the one and shorten the other for you for a lot cheaper than getting new driveshafts. You'll need to extend the speed senor wiring, and I think it needs a new rear mounting bracket. And of course a new flywheel and clutch. Make sure the 5600 you get is from an 01 or up truck. the 99 and 00 5600 had a smaller input shaft that doesn't hold up as good.

There are kits available if you feel the urge to actually do this. Or you could think about installing a g56 too. Course if your wanting to swap trannies why not go with a built auto? By the time you buy the 6 speed you can have a built tranny for around the same cost.

This guy swaped one into a 98. It will be a little different than your application but it gives you an idea.

http://www.mark74.com/ram_modifications.htm

 

Im just throwing around some ideas because Im getting alot of gear chatter out of 4th until it reaches 1500 rpm. it has me nervous and I want a six speed just like in my old camaro. Its pretty loud chatter and my dad wants to play it of as normal. I feel like im just a grand+ in the hole for a rebuild.

 

im taking out the 6 speed i put in my 94 i hate the stupid thing my nv4500 was a more bullet proof trany than the 5600

 

did you think that it felt like a lug in fourth gear. i think im loosing fourth it makes me sad

 

what do you mean

 

all my gears feel great and my fourth feels bad. lots of chatter and it just feels weak!