The 2003 through early 2005 manual transmission Cummins came equipped with an NV5600 6 speed, with exception to some of the early 2003 non-HO that still featured the previous 5 speed NV4500. The NV5600's have proven themselves in numerous applications, including behind a Cummins. However, as with all things, they had their limits. Whether it be an accumulation of use, heavy loads, or increased horsepower, these clutches do fail.
We offer numerous clutch options from both South Bend and Valair that will improve upon the reliability for your particular application. If you've got a stock powered truck and are just in need of a good solid single disc replacement, we have those. If you're running a full tilt pulling truck and need an SFI approved triple disc, we've got some options. And if you're like most and are somewhere in between, we have a ton of options to suit exactly your truck and your driving style.
Since mid-model year 2005, Cummins equipped Rams sporting a manual transmission have been equipped with a G56 six speed. The G56 has proven to afford a smooth, quiet operation in comparison to its predecessor, the NV5600. A great deal of this smooth operation has come due to the dual mass flywheel of the G56, as compared to the solid, one piece flywheel of most traditional clutches, including the NV5600. Unfortunately, while the dual mass flywheel delivers a smooth operation, it has delivered lack luster reliability, especially when the truck is subjected to heavy hauling and / or horsepower levels above stock.
In order to alleviate the failure issues of the G56, the majority of aftermarket clutch manufacturers convert the transmission back to a proven, reliable, one piece, solid flywheel. We offer clutch kits from the best in the industry, South Bend and Valair. For those at relatively stock power levels and do not overload the truck, both companies offer single disc, organic faced replacement clutches that are a great alternative to the factory dual mass unit. At the other end of the spectrum, if you've drastically increased the power of the engine, and even use it for sled pulling or drag racing, we also offer SFI Approved dual and triple disc clutches.
For the majority of people that drive their truck on a routine basis, and have made slight to moderate modifications to increase horsepower, we've found that one of Valair's or South Bend's street-style dual disc clutches is the best option. Because of the inner workings of the G56, once converted to a solid flywheel, a single disc does not have as much throw and holding power as what a dual disc can afford. Both companies have built lighter weighted pressure plates to accommodate the use of a dual disc as a daily driven and / or tow vehicle. With all clutch upgrades for the G56, you must also upgrade your hydraulics, and most of the clutch kits we offer, this is included.
As always, if you have questions about what clutch is right for you and your particular truck, send an e-mail to [email protected] or give us a call and we would be more than happy to steer you in the right direction.