What is the differance between the transmissions in the '03 and up 3500 trucks? Is it a situatuion where 5th gera in the six speed is 1:1 ratio or is it a situation where the 6th gear is actually another ovedrive? My buddy has a 3/4 ton '04 with a 5 speed and I am looking at buying an '04 3500 with either the 5 or 6 depending on interior options (I love the leather interiors personally) and I want to know the differance jsut out of couriosity.
Thanks.

OK for those who would lie to know I found it by my self.
The 6 speed is basically a regeared 5 speed.
Now this list is from an advertiser that is selling add on overdrive units. so look carefully at each grid.
Grid of gear rartios.

If you are buying a manual trans truck to actually work, get the 6 speed. The gear splits are lots closer and will keep you in the power band better than a 5 speed. As I'm sure you noticed, 1st and O/D are basically the same. The difference is that in the 6 speed you have 4 gears to get you from 1st to O/D instead of only 3. When my 5 speed trans dies in my 91 Cummins W250, I plan to swap to a 6 speed. I have towed with a friends 6 speed and it is night and day better than my 5 speed.
Travis..

Quote:

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If you are buying a manual trans truck to actually work, get the 6 speed. The gear splits are lots closer and will keep you in the power band better than a 5 speed

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The ratios in my NV5600 are perfect for towing due to the even spacing between all the gears.

Also, before all of the trucks started coming with high output engines as standard (early 04 down) you could only get the 6 behind high output engines. So if you are looking at earlier trucks, a 6 speed will get you a higher power engine.
Travis..