always use 2nd to start unless towing. I agree it is tougher on clutch but engine sure has no problem. started in 4th instead of 2nd once by accident while turning left in heavy traffic. truck rolled into traffic lane and i throttled it (i never use go pedal while started loaded or unloaded) as I realized what I had done and it accelerated without too much protest!

got 198,000 on it so far...

 

I always start in 2nd gear unless I have a load or am on a steep uphill. As far as being hard on the clutch...My factory clutch took a lot of abuse with my Quad box. It used to slip regularly in 5th and 6th gears. When I replaced it with my SB, the factory piece still looked new. I have some pics in my gallery of the stocker.

I can let out the clutch in 2nd without touching the throttle. It isn't a whole lot different in speed that my SRT4 in 1st.

-Muzzy

 

TPilaske,

I have the NV-5600 in my '03. I usually start-off in first because it has been recommended to preserve the clutch (owners manual & Peter @ South Bend Clutch). However, first gear starts are really slow & you almost immediately have to shift into second. If I'm at the front of the traffic line at a stoplight, I will, sometimes, start-off in second so as not to hold up traffic behind me.

I have an Auto. in my '91.5 W-250 & the 6-sp. in the '03. I, definately, like the 6-sp better for towing. In town, stop & go rush hour traffic, the auto is more convenient. The 6-sp. is more fun to drive. You are actually "more involved" in the driving process. Two of my friends have Duramax/Allison Chevy's & wouldn't be caught dead with a 6-sp or a loud diesel. In their opinion, the more "insulated" you are from the driving experience, the better the vehicle. To each his own, I guess.

BTW, I noticed that you are from Flat Rock, MI. When I was a kid, my Mom used to take my brother & sisters, & I to the Flat Rock Speedway, on Saturday nights. That was a lot of fun. Especially, the Figure-8 races. God, that was a long time ago. I'm 59, now. I was back in MI, 2 summers ago & was surprised to see that the track was still there. Stopped & took pictures of it. I used to live in So. Redford Twsp near Telegraph Rd & Joy Rd. I've been out in Phoenix, AZ. since 1976.

Well, I guess this is enough of my rambling.
Good Luck, not that you will need it, of course, with your new truck. Hope you enjoy it.

Joe F.(Buffalo)

 

The G56 is geared a lot lower than the NV5600, I only use low for a very large uphill load, 2nd for a regular start and unloaded I can put into 3rd let out the clutch with no throttle and it works great.

 

you don't have to put in 4 lo to do this, you just have to walk faster.

 

Thanks for all the info... I just helped my buddy get his boat out on Sunday and it definitly pulled it better than my old 3500 Auto! I have been just starting in 2nd, seems to get moving alot quicker!


Buffalo - I grew up in Taylor... Redford's not too far away! I just moved to Flat Rock from Southgate at the beginning of Oct... I've actually never been to the Flat Rock Speedway... Although alot of people talk about it!


Tony

 

Tony,
I use 1st 90% of the time with my G56 and 4.10s. It is easier on the clutch and the gear spacing on the G56 is super. I found the key was using a shift point about 1700 rpm for smoothness and best rhythm. When the truck was new, the gearbox was very tight. It loosened up well after 8k miles. I really like the combination now. The gearing will be perfect when I change out my 17" wheels with 22.5" Alcoas.
Steve

 

You don't have a G56 they didn't come out until mid 2005 you have a nv5600 geared higer than the G56, also the G56 w/3.73 is geared lower than the NV5600 w/4.10. G56 is NOT available w4.10