Hi,

The automatic transmission specialist says that it's time for a rebuild. I think it's time for a manual transmission. What transmissions will my 1996 2500 ext cab 2X4 accept? Will a six speed fit? Who has done it and what are the problems? Does anybody need a used automatic transmission (Like new!)?

Also, I am a biodieseler/WVO user. If I go manual, would the transmission cooler be available/sensible for heating the WVO?

Thanks

 

The NV5600 is the six speed that you are probably talking about. They are having some issues with inavailability of replacement parts right now.

 

Got Diesel posted this awhile back about converting from an auto to a 5-speed.

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...ad.php?t=81275

I read it awhile ago, pretty detailed explantion.

 

IMO if you are just daily driving your truck go with the 5spd. They are alot cheaper to buy than the 6spd and move through traffic faster. The 6spd is the hot ticket for towing but it takes awhile to get through the first 4 gears.

 

If you have a 2 wheel drive there is no way to hook up the speedometer.They pick up the signal from the transfer case on the 6 speed 4x4s & from the rear axle on the 6 speed 2 wheel drive trucks.If you go with the 5 speed you can plug the speedometer wiring right into the trans.

Kurt

 

Hows the WVO thing going? I would very much like to modify mine to run on it. Is there an inexpensive way to do it? What do you use to make the switch from deisel to WVO? How about the return line - do you have to purge the system before you switch?

 

Hi,

I currently am using bio for the winter. I haven't set the truck up for WVO yet. My biggest problem is the single tank system that Dodge uses. It looks like I'll have to remove the 35 gallon tank and replace it with a smaller bio tank and a steel WVO tank that's as large as possible. Fuel tanks are all over. Every car and truck sent to the crusher has to have it's tank removed. The steel tank has to have a heater coil installed that's hooked to the heater hoses. The fuel line needs to be made into a "fuel line in a hose".
See Josh Tickell's book "From the Frier to the Fuel Tank" for details. You start on bio and switch to WVO after the water reaches operating temperature. You must also anticipate shut down and switch back to bio so the lines are purged of WVO. So you need a switch and valve assembly. Ask again this spring, I should have it done by then.

 

A trans cooler would work pretty good for a WVO heater excpet for regulation. What happens when WVO hits 200° on a hard summer pull?

 

John,

I think the WVO is fine as hot as you can get it. The people trying to use it for home heating heat it to 300 deg. F and it was 500 deg. in it's first life.

 

If you are looking at switching transmissions I think in the Performance & Accessories forum there is a post about somebody that is putting in a Spicer 5spd out of a military 2 1/2 ton in the place of their NV4500. Check it out.