MANUAL TRANSMISSION

The G56 Manual Transmission category showcases a heavy-duty option designed for truck use, specifically in Ram trucks from 2005 to 2018. This six-speed transmission features a lightweight aluminum case and an increased input torque capacity compared to its predecessor, the NV5600. Despite its robust design, the G56 faced challenges with increasing torque capacities in modern diesel engines, leading to its discontinuation in the 2019 Ram truck lineup.

Identifying the G56 is relatively easy as it was the only manual transmission offered in Ram 2500/3500/4500/5500 models during its production years. However, issues such as dual-mass flywheel failures, input shaft bearing problems, and lubrication controversies affected its reliability. Rebuilding the G56 required specialized knowledge and tools, making repairs costly.

The legacy of the G56 reflects a broader industry trend towards the decline of manual transmissions in full-size trucks, marking the end of manual transmissions in North American full-size pickups. Once favored for their simplicity, strength, and efficiency, manual transmissions lost ground to automatics due to advancements in efficiency and consumer preferences.

Common applications of the G56 include models such as the Ram 2500, Ram 3500, Ram 4500, and Ram 5500. Products in this category offer rebuild options and upgrades for G56 transmissions, catering to truck owners looking to maintain or enhance their manual transmission performance. Despite its retirement, the G56 remains a significant part of truck history, representing an era of manual transmissions in heavy-duty vehicles.