In 2004, the Ram 2500 offered a manual option only with the diesel engine. The six‑speed manual transmission used in those trucks is the NV5600, paired with the 5.9L Cummins turbo diesel. Gasoline Hemi models did not come with a factory manual transmission that year.
Manual transmission option and how to identify it
The 2004 Ram 2500’s manual setup is the NV5600 six‑speed manual, typically paired with the 5.9L Cummins turbodiesel. This combination was not offered with the gasoline 5.7L Hemi in that model year.
- Transmission model: NV5600 six‑speed manual
- Engine pairing: 5.9L Cummins turbodiesel (diesel option)
- Availability: manual transmission not offered with the 5.7L Hemi gasoline engine in 2004 Ram 2500
- Identification: look for a floor‑mounted six‑speed shifter and the diesel engine under the hood as indicators of this configuration
Conclusion: If a 2004 Ram 2500 has a factory manual, it is almost certainly the NV5600 six‑speed paired with the 5.9L Cummins diesel; verify with the VIN/build sheet or by confirming the engine and transmission tag under the hood.
Verification tips for buyers and owners
To confirm a vehicle’s exact transmission setup, use these practical checks before purchase or during maintenance.
- Check the VIN or build sheet to confirm the engine and transmission codes (Cummins 5.9L plus NV5600 indicate the manual option).
- Inspect the interior shifter: a six‑speed manual shifter is a clear sign of the NV5600 combination.
- Ask for records related to clutch replacement or transmission service, which can shed light on the manual transmission’s condition.
In short, the 2004 Ram 2500’s factory manual transmission, when present, is the NV5600 six‑speed designed for the Cummins diesel option; gasoline models from that year did not use a factory manual transmission.
Summary
The 2004 Ram 2500 offered a manual transmission primarily with the 5.9L Cummins diesel, using the NV5600 six‑speed manual. Gasoline Ram 2500 models (with the 5.7L Hemi) did not come with a factory manual that year. For certainty, verify the vehicle’s VIN/build sheet or inspect the under‑hood engine and floor shifter to confirm the configuration.