Update: Well my 2005 5speed transmission arrived today. Ran the part numbers, it not a Tremec, good old NV3500. Awesome, paid $750 for another NV. I made a few phone calls and got some interesting news. I called Tremec direct AKA TTC (Transmission Technologies Corporation) at 1 (800) 401-9866. They told me US trucks never used there transmissions, they were only released is mexico. So, sad to say these are a order only item unless you got a mexico truck version.

They directed to me Rockalnd standard gear (http://www.rsgear.com/) who stocks these transmissions. You need to talk to George at ext. 116 in the performance department.

I wasn't able to reach him today, so I have no idea what these trans cost new.

 

if it makes less noise, feels better and is reasonably priced then im down after I blow this ho up. or I may go autotragic....

 

any reason why yall aren't looking to a 6-spd swap?

 

Direct drop in replacement... And towing capacity...

The T56 isn't exactly rated for towing...

 

pretty much what perry said. its a drop in replacement. you can still tow something. plus with a t56 you need bigger gears in the rear to move a truck with the gear ratios that it has.

 

There's no good work truck style replacement transmissions for the NV3500

 

The T56 is rated higher than a NV3500 in the torque department, and people have taken their M6 f-bodies into the 10's. I'd think for the average RCSB or ECSB towing/hauling an average amount of stuff (ie, not utterly maxing things out) than you'll be fine. Gears would be needed so you can get off the line with a load, but that's what 5.13's are for. Yes you'll have to do some work to make it fit, and I understand if one wouldn't want to do that as it is some work.

If you want a drop in (relatively) replacement you can still tow with that is beefier than the NV3500, there is always the ZF-6 or NV4500 tranny. Some fellow on here put one of the ZF's into his Avalanche I think.

 

The T56 according to TTC is "not recommended" for towing... and has a GVWR of like 3800 - 4000lbs...

So actually towing with it is kinda iffy in my books... Heck, my Blazer as it sits is 4400lbs... lol

I'd love a ZF-6, but there's no way in hell that'll fit in my Blazer, lmao

 

The ZF-6 and NV4500 are to large to clear a stock 2wd. The 4500 alone is almost 100 more pounds over the 3500 at 195 pounds dry weight. You would atleast need a body lift and have a need for that low 6.34 first gear.

 

I have built 4 T56's and the teeth are very narrow on all gears compared to a truck transmission. I would imagine the problem with towing would be heat soak over a long haul. The narrow teeth may not be able to handle the temperature rise. I have towed many many times with the most load being a 6500 lb. 78 Ford bronco on the interstate for 40 miles. I would alternate between 5th and 6th gear every couple of minutes to give them a chance to cool.