6 spd or auto?

[smithinc]

i am thinking of getting another truck.

I currently have an 03 5. 9 ctd dodge auto. i like the dodge and all the gadgets but dont care for the auto trans compared to the torqshift ( i also have an 03 6. 0 torqshift). I havent been in a manual trans for a long time. I have decided to get QC long bed dodge but unsure if i the stick is the way to go.



I do tow quite frequently up to about 11000 # and have a slide in camper of about 3200 #. I put about 3000-4000 miles per month on my primary truck.



Pros and cons of stick vs auto. either way i am getting 3. 73 rear due to the amount of time i am on the highway



thanks, gary

 

[DPelletier]

6 spd



Dave

 

[Jengle]

6 spd

 

[boonsur]

6 spd!



The convincing argument for me, New Venture builds trannys for a living (like Cummins builds diesels). Dodge dabbles in them.

 

[JRMora]

6 speed.



With all those ratios, you'll always have the right gear

 

[ndennis]

My vote is 6 on the floor. My 2000 Ram 2500 ETC and DEE has 103,000 on the original clutch with an Edge EZ and DDII's.

ND

 

[99guy]

At the risk of being the odd man out, I’ll say I’ve got one of each although the manual truck is the older 5 speed. But I gotta tell ya, this 04 with the auto is kinda sweet. I do pull a lot heavier than 11k with the stick and that’s why I wanted the manual originally. But, I’ve had around 12k on the auto a few times and it does fine, lots easier to drive too.

 

[EMD-Run8]

6 spd!! Clutch is very light and the transmission is real honker. You'll like it.

 

[RankRam]

6-speed!!!!!!!!!!!!! And an E-Brake!!!!!!!!!!Oo.

 

[KBertetto]

Definitely the 6 shooter. As stated above, New Venture builds these babies for a living... bulletproof.

 

[smithinc]

Originally posted by Bert&Holli

Definitely the 6 shooter. As stated above, New Venture builds these babies for a living... bulletproof.

where do you tach at 70 mph with the 4. 10's ?



thanks, gary

 

[klenger]

6 cylinders, 6 speeds.

 

[KD7GYJ]

Six speed, six speed, man alive, how did I do with only 5.



Go with the 6. Smooth clutch, smooth shifting, power to go.

 

[AKsmoker]

6er, and throw in a big butt ! what a truck!Oo.

 

[Fireman]

KD7GYJ



6 finger, 6 finger, man alive, I know how old you are



It took a while for that one to come back to me.



Fireman



Oh, yeah, 6 speed

 

[DPKetchum]

About 2300 rpm in 6th at 70 mph.

 

[JRihani]

Why can't I find any info on the NVG5600 on the NVG corporate website? All I can find is the transaxles and transfer cases. I'm just interested in seeing an "official page" for this transmission.



Ok, let me spill the beans here: I've never owned a manual transmission vehicle in my life. Although I've spent some time behind the wheel of my buddy's truck with a 5-spd, I've never had any prolonged exposure to shifting gears. How fearful should I be of taking the plunge into the world of the 6-spd as my daily driver? Although I commute 35 minutes each way every day, it is mostly 60 mph local highway cruising. I'm not really interested in "learning" how to drive the stick on my brand new truck, so besides borrowing friend's cars what can I do to get time behind the wheel of a stick-shift?



Any suggestions would be helpful. I know I'll be happier with the stick if I am comfortable driving it, but I don't want to set myself up to hate the truck I just bought.



Ok, I've admitted my shifting phobia... constructive advice only please !

 

[boonsur]

The Cummins would make a great first "stick" because it'll pull away without any throttle input (pretty hard to stall). Provided you don't have to get right onto a busy road, you can get used to the clutch, then figure out when to add fuel. Ask your friend to let you loose in a parking lot, backroad, etc. I think your answer will be clear (you'll love it).

 

[CajunDieselMan]

6-speed IMO. More control with a load.

 

[smithinc]

do you have to use the clutch after take off? when i used to drive dump truck i never used the clutch to switch gears only to get started.



gary