2006 Allison 6 speed question

[Jim Cobler]

Apparently the 2006 Allison has 6 speeds. Does anyone know if that was just a programming change or if it is different mechanically?

Of course, my interest is obtaining the 6 speeds for the earlier models. Can we do it?

Thanks,

[Idle_Chatter]

It's my understanding that the basic "mechanicals" of our earlier Allison can produce the 6th gear. However, that's just the correct combination of existing gears and clutches. How that is accomplished is an entirely different story. There are not the solenoids or relays or pieces and parts in our valve body to make it happen. There is not the programming in our TCM to make it happen and finally there is not the detent or mechanics in our column and shifter to support the 6th gear. Sorry - no free lunch - no simple reflash for a six-speed alli.

[Jim Cobler]

Thanks for the information. I always feel it is better to know than to be ignorant.

Jim

[Jim Brzozowski]

JUST when I deceide I want to get a new Z06 vette, you tell me there's an 06 dmax 6 speed alli. OH MAN????

[LanduytG]

Well I am not at libertiy to give details, but all I can say is my 04 will be a 6 speed as soon as a couple of parts become available. :D

Greg

[Buck]

Hey Greg!!!! No fair tongue.gif tongue.gif Don't tease use like that :D :D tongue.gif

[Jim Brzozowski]

Yeah, Greg, when you get liberated and throughly tested, I'd sure like to know more. I aways wished I had another gear when running empty. Can you say fuel mileage!!

[tanker]

I would think it is very possible for ours to be a 6-speed. The MD-3060-P is either a 5 or 6 speed depending which manufacturer uses it in their trucks, or on programing, as is the new 3000RDS. So I would think its there just waiting to be brought to life. ;)

[mark45678]

Greg L. do you know what the gear ratios will end up being after the 06 conversion is done or do you know if it ends up being a double overdrive? I have been holding off getting a 05 knowing the 2006 may have double over drive! I drive about 40,000 mile a year most of that is empty at 6700 lbs so I have no need to turn the motor at 2300 rpm. On weekends I pull a 7K camper or a 6K enclosed toy box 20 weekends a year

[OC_DMAX]

It will supposedly be a double overdrive. The six gear being around 0.6 This should help the highway mileage when cruising at 75 mph. The sixth gear won't do much for towing (at least in CA with a 55 mph speed limit), unless you went with a 4:10 rear end (if available)

[gravity420]

There's no 55mph speed limit in California. Most of LA is 65 and some of it 70. Other parts such as the 5 in the central valley it is 75 I believe.

[gravity420]

Oh, I see you meant towing, duh.

[OC_DMAX]

You got it,,, towing. You can always get away with 62 mph. On some of the major highways, if you go much abvove this, there may be a problem (depending on the "mood" of the local CHP).

At 62 mph, the DMAX is just starting to produce some power. Anything much below this and if you step on the "go pedal", the thing will down shift. By adding a second overdrive (0.6 gear) on the sixth speed Allison, this situation will only be aggravated. In some of the other states, where "anything goes", this will not be an issue.

[LanduytG]

If all you can do is 62mph then 6th gear won't be and issue. You will have total control of the the 6 speed allison. You wil be able to select what ever gear you want. Click here (http://www.lubricationspecialistllc.com/allison06.pdf) and you can read all about it.

Greg

[DmaxMaverick]

Originally posted by LanduytG:
Well I am not at libertiy to give details, but all I can say is my 04 will be a 6 speed as soon as a couple of parts become available. :D

Greg Come on, Greg. DETAILS! Are you planning to offer a "retro kit" sometime in the future? Or are you just teasing us? What's the secret? The Allison document is refering to what may be available on '06 M/Y vehicles, not a retro-fit for earlier models. If you are intending to sell a "kit", say so. That won't let any cats out of the bag. A 6th gear would be great for those unloaded highway trips. I agree that it would not be practical for towing/hauling, but sure would be nice when we are not.

[LanduytG]

Come on, Greg. DETAILS! Are you planning to offer a "retro kit" sometime in the future? Its possible but a few things have to fall in place first. I do know of at least one retro fit :D

Greg