6-Speed Manual Transmission

The New Venture NV5600 is a heavy-duty, close-ratio, 6-speed manual transmission manufactured by New Venture Gear. It was specifically designed for the 1999-2005 model year Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks equipped with the High Output (H.O.) 5.9L Cummins Turbodiesel engine. This robust transmission is constructed with a durable cast iron case and an aluminum bellhousing, and all forward gears, as well as reverse, are synchronized. Originally rated for a maximum input torque of 550 lb-ft, a 650 lb-ft variant was produced but not utilized in Ram pickup applications. The NV5600 features a favorable gear spread, with ratios including 5.63:1 for first gear and 0.73:1 for sixth gear. In 2001, upgrades were implemented, including an improved clutch, input shaft, and synchronizer design, to address earlier owner concerns, particularly related to towing performance and reliability. The transmission requires approximately 9.5 pints (4.75 quarts) of MOPAR manual transmission fluid, or 10 pints (5 quarts) with an optional filter, specifying MOPAR part number 4874464.