I have always had a manual on all of my 2nd gen cummins trucks, mainly due to the obvious reason's we all know with dodge transmissions, to include failure, reliability, strength, and PRICE (auto), especially when you add any power to it.

So now I am trying to do a crash course on auto transmission in 2nd gens cause I am clueless on everything/anything with them. Man this is making me feel so dumb...

Gonna be trying to learn about lockup, torque converter stall, billet this and billet that, what auto parts, auto computers or tuners?, etc...

I am so so so tempted to put a nv4500 in this build, just for the availability and strength! Please reference 24v 1500 Cummins Thread check it out in the cummins swap section)

1999 Ram 1500 Shortbed 2wd Cummins Inspiration Video of what I'm going for

But I think Ill regret it in the end since this will be a play truck obviously. (Keep in mind I plan to try and keep power around or below 600hp) Ill just be spinning the tires irregardless in this light truck... NO -

I have rebuilt my NV5600 before (for my truck in sig) but I think rebuilding an auto would be way out of my league even with my extensive mechanic background with JD.

So Ill list just a few questions/thoughts to start with for the well versed auto guys.

1- Should I still go for an auto over a simple nv4500?

2- Could I rebuild an auto? (this could expand into another big discussion via what parts/brand etc.)

3- Who/where would you choose to send a core to and have them rebuild it for you? $$Suncoast - ATS$ Transmission - ETC

Edited 23 hours ago23 hr by Stanley

As for the NV4500 series talk to @Doubletrouble he's actually rebuilt his own transmission for a 5 speed. 5 speeds are easy to rebuild according to DoubleTrouble.

When I had the relationship with Dynamic Transmissions he showed me that in a 12 hour day you can rebuild a transmission fairly easy. The only special tool is a press for unloading the spring tension in the overdrive basket. Everything else is standard hand tools.

As for rebuilders. Be careful, you don't hook up with a guy who only builds racing transmissions. A lot of people opt for low stall converters and shift kits that may be rather harsh. Consider the purpose of this truck and what it's going to be used for. Be very clear to anyone doing your rebuild that they understand what the purpose of this truck is. Like out here, low stall would be bad, as it would operate the engine at too low an RPM, climbing mountain roads with a max speed of 15 to 25 MPH. Why I like my manuals, they don't care till your hauling heavy, then you'll see the trans temp rise. Racing is one thing daily driver is another, where you don't want to be too late for a shift or too early. That was one part of the 46RE I didn't like: 4th gear typically dropped in and locked up way too early.

Ive heard the nv4500 are alot simpler/easier than the nv5600. The 56 the case has to be dropped onto the whole stack of everything and its a pain the line up!

Im mainly asking those questions in the sense I am going only going auto, aside from the first one which was should I stick to my guns and go auto or go the simple route of the 5spd. Lol