Let me weigh in ...

I've owned an 02 HO with the NV5600 and I traded up to a new 06 w/ G56. The trans was not the reason I traded up, it was the lift pump and the factory's in tank answer that had me worried. Back to the tranny's.

At the time I traded in my 02 I could say nothing bad about the NV, I had just over 70K of mixed driving/towing and it performed without a problem. It had the gear clash at times but that was a known issue but it didn't keep the trans from performing as it should.

Enter the 06 with the G56 and I was nervous... early reports had this as a Getrag trans. I read a post somewhere about a trans and clutch company that tore down a well used G56 (tractor pulls w/ higher HP) and they said it looked in good shape and was well built.

My first impressions were on the test drive and the G56 shifting gates are more defined and it shifted smoother than my NV5600. I've now got just shy of 40K of mixed street and towing and have zero complaints.

I too at times look for a 7th gear... that's the only downside and you get used to it. I took a diesel mechanics course once where the instructor said these engines run best and will last the longest at 3/4 throttle... Now if I could just get a loan for my fuel bill

 

One more thing.... There were many thoughts and choices as to the best NV5600 gear fluid. I tried several and went back to the stock factory stuff. None of the choices were low cost.

The G56 gets by on ATF4 and you can find that reasonably priced from a number of stores.

Just thought I would share...

 

The '07 and up G56's has a .74 OD.

MikeyB

 

I can say the G56 I have has seen alot of hard boosted launches and hookes with the DD in it and has not had any troubles. Every so often it takes 2 tries to go into reverse but that is about like any stick for me. I would not be scared to another one as I am looking for that right now to pull my truck.

 

Good info. Thanks alot gent's. I'm pretty much sold on the buying an 07 with the G56. Now I just need to find the one I want to make the trade loss worth it.

 

The reason the G56 behind the 6.7 felt weird,is because it is weird.

I have an '07 with the 5.9 and G56. My dad has an identical '07 to mine,but with the 6.7

The clutches in the two trucks are worlds apart. With the 6.7 if feels like you're really slipping the clutch to get it moving. My truck is completely opposite. When my dad drives my truck, its like hes just learning to drive a stick. He almost kills it the first few times he leaves from a stop.

I test drove a few 6.7s to see if it was my dads truck,or something weird with all the 6.7s. Every one I drove felt the same.

I don't know why the difference in the two,but I HATE the way the clutch in a 6.7 feels.

 

Not all 07's have the 0.74 overdrive ratio. My 07 (build date 12/06) has the 0.79 overdrive. After coming from my 97 5 speed with 4.10 gears though the rpms with the G56 don't seem to bad. About 100-150 lower than my 97.
There is a thread somewhere that tells a way to figure out by the serial number on the side of the tranny whether it has 0.74 or 0.79 overdrive.
Will

 

I really like my G-56! Pulling very heavy loads I was able to get 200k before I needed a clutch. The 2disc clutch setup is like the stacks on the large trucks. With a little work they could be real great stock! I have done nothing to date since the new clutch except change fluid. Even with all the miles I have and the pulling it does and the several times I have power shifted and put the truck into the triple speed limit range it is still fine!

 

i own an 05 with the g56 and when i first drove it i would have bet my pay check it had 4:10s in it. its great towing but empty around town it can be a hassle.

 

Dodge / Cummins de-rates the "pickup" 6.7L's (6.7L & 68RFE = 350/650) (6.7L & G56 = 350/610) for a reason.

I owned a 2003 RAM 2500 w/305*555 and NV5600; it was a great truck, but after 51k miles, I wanted to try the 6.7L and 68RFE. I'm pleased with my choice.

Greg

 

I have had an 05 with the G56 for very close to a year now.
So far, I cannot complain. I countered the low gearing with some 33" tires, I am pleased.

I noticed the weak clutch when I installed an Edge though, as long as I keep it on level 3 or lower, it will not slip. I have some questions about the clutch but I will post it in the proper thread and not hijack this one.

I have never driven a dodge before this so I cannot tell you anything about mine that is better then the nv5600 or vice versa, i just know i like mine and as far as driving and shifting, it has done its job very well.

 

My biggest complaint about the 05 is the way the NV5600 shifts. Actually, I love just about everything about the truck. BTW, I compare it to the 1996 five speed I used to have.