Man, I am still not sure which way to go, manual or auto tranny? I like the manual for holding gears while towing etc. but do not like it for off the line acceleration. If I went with the auto it would get reworked by ATS I'm sure. I have heard of problems with both the manual and the auto so not real coffident in either at this point. Still I ponder.
Well, with the addition of my dad's truck (details in sig) along with mine....I've been able to compare both the manual and auto under various conditions in basically the same truck. The 6spd is a nice box that shifts smooth but for around town I really prefer my truck with the 47RE. THe 6spd is a little tiresome in stop and go traffic and doesn't have the pick up and go of my auto truck. As far as towing it is a little nicer. No worries of stressing the trans and plenty of gear selections. Regardles though, we couldn't manage to hold over drive (6th gear) on a fairly steep grade pulling a 7K snowmobile trailer, we had to drop to direct drive anyway. With the auto, OD is pretty much out of question pulling hills. The argument of better fuel mileage pulling hills with the 6spd since the trans can handle being left in OD is fairly mute to me unless the conditions are right. We had to go down to 5th to get the RPM's up on more than one hill anyway. For my driving conditions, and since I don't tow on a very regular basis, I prefer my auto truck and my next truck will be an auto also. But, my dad's HO 6spd is fun to drive when there isn't traffic and is slightly nicer towing.
Dodge :doah: I should clairify, manual VS built auto, because I'm sure It will blow up at some point.
My vote is for a manual tranny. I love the convenience of an auto but I just can't see any reason to by one when you know the motor will out live it. Think about it, you're already talking about mod'ing it to help it survive the motor. :doah: That said, if you're looking at new trucks do some checking on the 6 spds. I read just a quick remark by Nonesuch on AustinK5.net that there was a problem.
I'm trying to think outside the box I guess about the tranny lasting as long as the motor, I guess it's all realitive, a bicycle should outlast the entire truck but will it be as convient as driving a truck - no, even though the bike will cost less and last longer you still go for the truck. I'm trying not to get caught up in getting something that is more of a hassle just because it will last longer. opcorn:
Well my Silverado is the first Auto I have ever bought in a truck and I must say it does very well..I'm spoiled. Being a daylydriver too makes the Auto that much more enjoyable and alot less work in traffic. Ofcoarse I have the Ally and it realy is a great tranny....even fer a slush box waytogo
New or Used? I'd go built auto if new, the manuals they're putting in the trucks now are apparantly not built to last behind a motor that puts out as much torque as the Cummins.
I dunno, the new one uses a dual mass flywheel and I've not heard many good things about those behind hi torque engines.
Why are you considering a built auto? Do you have big power in mind? The 48RE will be FINE behind the ISBE as long as you don't hop it up. If the auto was that weak that it couldn't even last 100K behind a stock Cummins than they would be doing something else transmission wise. They aren't as stout as the Allison in comparison but I have seen and heard of too many people getting 100-150K out of their autos, with both the 47RE and 48RE trannies, with leaving everything alone. If I was going to buy a brand new Dodge I wouldn't chip it up anyway because that will void the warranty. Run the truck stock until the warranty is out then consider hopping it up with black boxes, then at that point, getting a bombed tranny would be worth it. As far as a manual vs. a built up bombed 47/48RE, thats easy. With Bombed trannies you can pull in OD all you want basically and the trannies can handle far more power than a stock clutch can. Add in the stand alone computer like ATS's Commander and you can dial it in PERFECT. Thats my plan, and why I didn't buy a 6 spd truck, when I actually need a built tranny.
You know my vote. I just see no reason for going manual in a daily driver and general over all driving function/pleasure. The auto is easy in and around traffic and city streets, if you need help driving on a long trip you have more options, fuel mileage is not all that much different between Alli and manual (not sure on others, but the Alli is better unless you really pay attention and know what you're doing on a manual), it keeps the turbo spooled while accelerating or if you need to down shift on a grade, if you injure/break a leg you can still drive, and on, and on... Of course, well known down side is the expense should something go wrong, but that's no different IMO than EFI vs. Carb or any of the myriad other "options" we choose.
Do yourself a favor and drive a bombed auto - the 6 speeds are great but rowing gears is a preference thing - some like it, some hate it, especially in traffic. Auto's that are built right are a joy.
If your looking for a TowRig only then go Manual. Now if your gonna use it for a DD and don't tow that heavy then Auto is for you. I own a 5spd and it's no fun in traffic but it's a purpoes truck for towing. My DD is a 97 GMC 2500 2wd 350 Auto and it's like driving a couch with a steering wheel waytogo rotfl imp: .
hahahaha, funny you say that. On my way back from Moab to Calli we made a sleep over pit stop in Vegas. Well it took us 11hrs to get to Vegas so I was a bit thirsty. I drank alot of booze/beer while out at dinner(we walked from our hotel room) while walking back my drunkass decides to take a short cut so up and over this lil wall I went. Landed on the heel of my foot then fell on my back. By morning I could not put any pressue on the bottom of my foot and my heel was blue. I had to drive my 4spd 72 K5 from Vegas to Modesto like that. Luckly it was my right foot so my big toe worked the throttle all the way home..hahahaa damn drunks rotfl
I agree about an auto in a DD is so much more driver friendly but for Me the manual out weighs the cons with all the pro's while towing. It is my belief that a truck should have a manual tranny when it is time to do work........No worries about over heating it or killing it self while hunting in and out of gears and lock up. But if you are going to hop up the auto tranny with one of those ATS upgrades that might make it worth it in the long run - Seems to me it is all about how much money you are willing to spend for fast take offs at the lights and lack of manaully shifting gears. I'm getting close to a 100,000 on my truck and it is comforting to know that I do not have to plan on a tranny rebuild with in the next 50,000 that will cost four grand. Just so Ya'll know , I'm voting towards the manual tranny ..... Tom
Welp, until I drove the manual and auto back to back I was set on the six speed, most of my cars have all been manual and thats what I prefer, but a truck tranny is no where near as quick and fun to drive as a car manual. This truck will be my DD and I will tow around 7,000 pounds, maybe 10-15 times a year which shouldn't be a problem for an auto. That being said, in addition to a tow rig and a dd, it also has to be the sports car and custom chopper that I probably will never have, basicly it also would be nice if it was fun and fast to drive, and being on this site all the time I'm sure I would be forced to do a little bombing here and there. opcorn: If you couldn't tell I am leaning toward the auto, mostly for the get on it factor from a red light. waytogo
I think that pretty much answered it for you. I think you fall into the auto catagory with DD'ing and moderate towing in mind. I think you would be pleased with the auto and would be very impressed at how well the ATS equipped auto handles the power of the ISBE. waytogo
