G56 Observations
10-01-2006 | 09:13 AM
#1
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G56 Observations
I bought my truck before I realized Dodge switched form the NV5600 to the G56 and before I read any of the passionate arguments about the boxes in here. Anyway I figured I’d put my 2 cents in: 
My old ’93 Ram had a NV4XXX series 5-speed; I think it was a NV4000, or NV4500 or something. That transmission worked just fine for the 90K that were on the truck.
I’ve never driven a truck with the NV5600, so here are my observations about the G56:
The shifter itself feels like it is mounted on springs or something. It doesn’t have that solid stop when you push it too far into a gear.
The “pull-hard left” for reverse does take a bit to get used to, but works fine once you get the hang of it.
I noticed when towing in 6th great it makes a wining sound that is similar to an outside spigot running or something. If you put some pressure on the shifter it stops however. It will make the same sound when running empty when you lean on it too. I think it does something similar in other gears when it is cold as well.
I now assume G56 is “full” of oil when the transmission is level and oil is at the bottom of the fill hole.
The fist time I changed it’s oil I filled it to the filler hole with the truck level. Yesterday I parked on a hill and “filled/over-filled” it so we’ll see what that does. 
My old ’93 Ram had a NV4XXX series 5-speed; I think it was a NV4000, or NV4500 or something. That transmission worked just fine for the 90K that were on the truck.
I’ve never driven a truck with the NV5600, so here are my observations about the G56:
The shifter itself feels like it is mounted on springs or something. It doesn’t have that solid stop when you push it too far into a gear.
The “pull-hard left” for reverse does take a bit to get used to, but works fine once you get the hang of it.
I noticed when towing in 6th great it makes a wining sound that is similar to an outside spigot running or something. If you put some pressure on the shifter it stops however. It will make the same sound when running empty when you lean on it too. I think it does something similar in other gears when it is cold as well.
I now assume G56 is “full” of oil when the transmission is level and oil is at the bottom of the fill hole.
The fist time I changed it’s oil I filled it to the filler hole with the truck level. Yesterday I parked on a hill and “filled/over-filled” it so we’ll see what that does.
10-01-2006 | 10:15 AM
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From: Ga.
What kind of fluid did you fill it with?
Could you give me a location on the fill hole?
I just ordered a case of RP synchromax, we'll see how that works.
I have never driven an NV5600, but I can say that my G56 is the smoothest trans I have ever driven in a heavy duty truck. In 30K I have had absolutely zero problems and unless it breaks in half, I love.
Could you give me a location on the fill hole?
I just ordered a case of RP synchromax, we'll see how that works.
I have never driven an NV5600, but I can say that my G56 is the smoothest trans I have ever driven in a heavy duty truck. In 30K I have had absolutely zero problems and unless it breaks in half, I love.
10-01-2006 | 04:13 PM
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The fill hole is on the right hand side just behind the PTO cover. You will need a large hex drive to open it and the drain plug. I forget the exact size, however AutoZone sells a 3-pack of the large hexes for a ½ inch drive ratchet that work.
The G56 takes Mopar ATF+4, which Wal-Mart now carries. It isn’t cheap, like $4 and change a quart. Wal-Mart also has their own super-tech or whatever ATF+4, but I went with the Mopar brand.
Advance auto parts has a little pump that you screw on to an old gallon jug that I used to pump the fluid in to the trans. It comes with a holes and everything for about $5-10; you just supply the jug. I used a flushed out washer fluid jug. I think the trans holds like 6 quarts.
My transmission works real nice, I just hope it stays that way. My dad’s old ford had that whine for over $120K with no issues.
The G56 takes Mopar ATF+4, which Wal-Mart now carries. It isn’t cheap, like $4 and change a quart. Wal-Mart also has their own super-tech or whatever ATF+4, but I went with the Mopar brand.
Advance auto parts has a little pump that you screw on to an old gallon jug that I used to pump the fluid in to the trans. It comes with a holes and everything for about $5-10; you just supply the jug. I used a flushed out washer fluid jug. I think the trans holds like 6 quarts.
My transmission works real nice, I just hope it stays that way. My dad’s old ford had that whine for over $120K with no issues.
10-01-2006 | 04:58 PM
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From: Ga.
The RP stuff is supposed to be for manuals that call for ATF+4. It was just under 10 a quart locally so I hope it is as good or better than the mopar stuff. The reason I chose RP is cause this may very well be the first and last time my trans gets fresh fluid.
Thanks for the help
Thanks for the help
10-01-2006 | 06:23 PM
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I hear you, you can’t go wrong with good lubricants. I bought mine used and wanted to get fresh fluid in her ASAP, the Mopar fluid was the 1st I found. Maybe I’ll look in to RP for my next change. 
10-01-2006 | 11:24 PM
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From: Pittsburgh, Pa. & Columbus, OH.
I love the G56. I DID have the NV5600 and I can say that the G56 is far superior in my opinion. I like the over and left for reverse since it's the same as my Lambos and Bimmers.
The one thing I think is most apparent is the shorter more positive shifting nature of the G56 over the NV5600. I could not be happier with it.
Also, what is with XLR8R having the same message in so many posts ?
The one thing I think is most apparent is the shorter more positive shifting nature of the G56 over the NV5600. I could not be happier with it.
Also, what is with XLR8R having the same message in so many posts ?
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10-01-2006 | 11:51 PM
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From: McKinney, TX
10-01-2006 | 11:51 PM
#11
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From: Pattonville, Texas
I love the G56. I DID have the NV5600 and I can say that the G56 is far superior in my opinion. I like the over and left for reverse since it's the same as my Lambos and Bimmers.
The one thing I think is most apparent is the shorter more positive shifting nature of the G56 over the NV5600. I could not be happier with it.
The one thing I think is most apparent is the shorter more positive shifting nature of the G56 over the NV5600. I could not be happier with it.
10-01-2006 | 11:55 PM
#12
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From: Pattonville, Texas
... and don't bother callin' 'cause I'll be busy postin'....
So how was Taco Bueno?
10-02-2006 | 12:00 AM
#13
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From: McKinney, TX
My truck is the "Smarty" pants now...
And, im not racing you on any post count....I'll leave that to Big Blue.
Taco Bueno was, well, Taco Bueno.
Nah, not to bad.
that the G56 power-shifts VERY well... 