I am looking at getting a 2001 3/4 ton Cummins, I prefer manuals and have heard bad things about the dodge auto's. I plan on running alot of power to this motor (Chip, turbo, intake, injectors, etc..) Which manual would be able to handle this much power i only wanna run around 400 hp and 800Ft.lbs but not all the time. I'm not sure if I need to buy a whole new tranny with this much power or just get the right aftermarket parts. Thanks for your help in advance. -Stew
A 2001 will have a NVG-4500/5600 and either is very stout to say the least . Don't worry about over powering the manual tranny's - what you will need to worry about is keeping the clutch alive. Note: If you do some homework you may find that the 4500 has/had issues with the retaining nut for 5th gear . This has nothing to do with too much power - it's mainly due to the harmonics of the motor at too low of an RPM while under load. HTH , Tom
So with an HD clutch the 5 speed will be able to handle the amount of power I have planned. Whats the max power they can handle without having to rebuild them with stronger internals? Thanks. -Stew
1. I would just look for an HO 6 spd truck if it's a manual rig that you want for sure. The 5600 is a lot better tranny than the 4500. Regardless, either will take monster power, way more than 800 ft lbs. far as I know guys are pushing the 5600 to nearly 1500ft lbs. Like Tom mentioned, it's the clutch that needs upgrading. A good clutch and you can forget about any other mods further back than the engine. Why do you want so much power? Not trying to push an auto truck on you but if you are looking for performance and not so much as to towing than the auto truck is where it's at. If you want to go fast an auto is pretty much your only choice. Regardless, 2001-2002's have fairly decent pep stock. I wanted big power when originally learned of what these trucks are capable of but after buying my '01 I am fairly satisfied with it's stock power, the HO 6 spd version would be slightly better when towing with it's 245/505 programming than my 235/460 auto version. As far as the autos having a bad rep.....a guy just has to relize that if he chooses to mod the motor it will effect the tranny more than the GM allison or Fords, it's a weaker tranny hands down stock than the other two. BUT......a performance clutch for the manual trucks is still $1K + for a high quality unit, add another grand to that and you can have very nice night and day difference upgrades done to the 47RE auto. Add another $2K on top of that for internal beef and it's nearly unbreakable. Long story short, if performance is what is desired the auto is the best route. It is a more costly route but the benifets out weigh the cost IMHO. For towing only, hands down to the very nice 5600.
Just wait till the bug bites you Robbie............stock they ARE impressive.............until you get a taste. In my case it was an Edge EZ, considered the lower end of the upgrade world.............and it is flat amazing how much power it added. Then you start thinking about other upgrades............injectors.............a Comp..............and down the slope of upgrades you go. Regarding trannies, Robbie, you're pretty much spot on - seems a good clutch combo is about $1300ish installed, auto tranny bombproofing for around $2800 or higher with TC lockout switch.
