First post, new '05 owner, longtime lurker. CTD assembled in March '05 and is a one ton LWB, SRW, manual trans. QC. Stock 4x4. Opinions, comments, advice are requested on these questions below ( I'm new to CTD and bought it sight-unseen, never having test driven any model except a Powerstroke Lariat f-350 auto).
1. how and when do you shift gears ( 2.0 k r.p.m. compels my effort and I try to 'blip' the throttle before releasing the clutch) ?
2. Why is third gear so elusive to me?
3. Does your G56 exibit a muted roar while in neutral ( with clutch out )?
4. Is the Cummins' 'rumbling shudder' a normal shutdown characteristic?
I appreciate any and all critiques and presume to know nothing ( I do like my truck and have put 1800 miles on in less than two weeks..no towing yet but am using Powerservice since first fueling and Kilby guard going on as soon as it arrives )

1.When it feels right, I always tended to lug them down(can you say torque)
2.?
3.?
4.Yes, the cummins is known for the shake and belt chirp on shutdown.
As far as the G56 tranny I haven't driven one with it.

1. i shift my truck from anywhere between 1500 rpm to 3200 rpm...
2. ??? [g56 i don't have]
3. ??? [never driven a g56 yet]
4. yeah. the isb's don't shut down very smoothly. it is a good idea to make sure all your doors are closed when shutting down. try it once and you will see why..

I can answer two of your questions. 2). I would immagine third gear will be easier to find after the truck is broken in more. I drove one with 35k on it and I had no problems finding 3rd. 4). Yes that growl shuddering is normal, it sounds odd but its perfectly normal for a diesel. Last of all, enjoy that cummins, its the best diesel out there! :ro)