How durable is the 5-spd with the 6.0L?

QUIKAG · October 28, 2003

I'm looking at a truck, extended cab 2500HD 2001 MY. Anyway, it has a five-speed and 6.0L motor. Vehicle has 33,000 clean miles on her. Appears the truck was used to tow a camping trailer when it was towing.

So, how durable and how easy is the 5-speed to use?

2001BLACKHD · October 28, 2003

I have a 2001 2500HD with the 6.0 and the 5spd. I love the truck!!. Mine has 40,000 miles and has been used to pull a camper as well as a few different sizes car trailers from small to a 30' enclosed. I have had no problems with durability.

QUIKAG · October 28, 2003

Thanks for the comment! I haven't driven the truck yet. Is the 5-spd difficult to shift smoothly, is the pedal pressure pretty stiff, etc?

BrentR · October 28, 2003

I also have the 6.0L with 5-speed on my 2001. I only have 21k miles, but so far no problems. As far as shifting is concerned, it's not difficult, but don't expect it to shift like a sports car either. Pedal pressure is no different than any other non-heavy duty 5-speed I've driven, just a little more clutch travel.

2001BLACKHD · October 28, 2003

The pedal pressure is not bad at all. My wife is a small woman and she has no problem driving the truck. First (LOW) is useless unless you are taking off towing.

The whole feel of the pedal and shifter is nothing like the old chevy truck 4 speeds.

GM did a good job!!!

jelisfc · October 29, 2003

I have a 6spd and my dad has had the light duty 5spds. The hyd clutch is a life saver. I remember my leg literally shaking if I sat at a light too long with my '78 4spd.

Larry · October 29, 2003

QUIKAG,

The NV4500 5 speed found in the HD trucks behind 6.0L is one of the best manual transmissions that GM ever used. I have one sitting in my garage that I swiped out of a balled up Dodge Ram that I going to put in my 78 K10. I have to change the mainshaft to GM style so the splines will match up to my original NP205 transfercase….or find a Dodge NP205 instead.

In my opinion, the NV4500 shifts much smoother than the ZF S6-650 6 speed. As far as clutch pedal feel, most hydraulic systems in the truck line feel the same….pretty soft. If the pedal is firm that is indicative of the pressure plate showing some age or hydraulic fluid contamination. Currently, GM has an issue with an issue with slave cylinder/release bearing assembly on both the NV4500 and ZF S6-650 producing a hard pedal after the truck has been driven on the highway for a while. The dealer will clean the main shaft collar so the release bearing has a nice smooth surface to ride on and replace the slave cylinder/release bearing assembly…if it’s under warranty. Had to have that done on my HD this summer under warranty.

I have a 6 speed in my HD and am not particularly fond of it. I would have liked to see GM use the NV4500’s big 6 speed brother, NV5600, instead of the awkward and goofy shifting ZF S6-650. Dodge was the only manufacture smart enough to use the NV5600. Ford and GM chose the ZF route.

QUIKAG · October 30, 2003

Wow, thanks for the great info, Larry. The price they are wanting is a bit higher than I want to pay, so it's on hold right now. I like shifting for myself and this 5-speed is sounding nicer and nicer.

BDBWTE · November 2, 2003

I have a 6.0 NV4500.. and love it to death. Same tranny that's behind the old bodystyle 5spd Cummins 24V... Good tranny you can beat it do death and it will still rock.

lhassler · November 12, 2003

I have a 2001 Silverado 2500HD with the 6.0L and the 5 sp. trans. The Transmission was quite stiff when new which I attributed to close tolerances. At 23,000 miles, the transmission now shifts very smoothly; the hyd. clutch is smooth and easy. With the refinements of this transmission/clutch combo, I personally don't understand the popularity of automatic transmissions in pickups. You won't regret this choice.