6 spd WOW!!

[smithinc]

well, thanks to the advice from about 25 people on this board i went and test drove an 04 6 spd. the truck had the 555 in it and i cant even imagine what the 600 feels like. the torque is unbelievable, i started in 2nd cause 1st felt too low empty. even the power in 6th was impressive. my auto must be robbing serious ft/lbs cause it feels nothing like this.



gonna get my order in tomorrow since there are no 6sp 3500 SRW's around here. I would like to have the 555 but i think if i order it will be the 600. dont know if that is good or bad.



gary

 

[RankRam]

Congratulations!!



What are your plans for the 03?



I would like to get a six-shooter but I'm not willing to take the loss.



Loss being the value on trade or resale and the divorce settlement, it all adds up pretty quick! LOL

 

[smithinc]

gonna keep the 03 for a while.

 

[EMD-Run8]

Try shiftin' 3-5-6 or 2-4-6. The truck just doesn't seem to care what gear it's in or what the tach' says. I usually only use the top 4 gears around town.

 

[KBennett]

Originally posted by EMD-Run8

The truck just doesn't seem to care what gear it's in or what the tach' says.

I traded my '03 SO 47RE for the 6-speed. The thing I like best is that it always has that feeling of the torque converter being locked up.

 

[DieselNewby]

Gary, I'm a new poster here so be patient with me please! I see your in MD according to your profile. I live in Northern VA and was curious how you like your 6spd in town? I live near DC and have to fight that traffic every day. I am looking to move from my '01 Dakota 4. 7 V-8 auto, to the 2500, 600. I am really undecided as to go with the 6spd (and save some cash, and fuel) or go with the 48re (faster acceleration, easier in traffic, and probably higher trade in?) If the truck gets too tedious though in traffic I'll probably stick with the auto option. Thanks in advance to anyone that can offer advice. .



Eric

 

[smithinc]

dieselnewby,

i dont have the 6 speed yet. i put my order in last week with tomeygun. i was a little hesitant about the 6 speed also since i havent had a clutch vehicle since 1998. the clutch is very easy to push in and in traffic should be easier to control due to being able to keep the truck in 1st or 2nd gear ( i usually do this with auto too) i do know what you are talking about with the beltway traffic and i really cant make a recommendation since i dont have one yet but i am looking forward to it.



gary

 

[klenger]

Trade-in value is a non-issue with a 6 speed.

 

[skillsaw]

DieselNewby

I have a 99 with 5 spd. I live in Traffic-ville New York. I will soon be ordering a new 600. There is no question that it will be a 6 spd. These trucks are thought out soo well, it shifts like a sports car... ... ... . well, a 7000 lb sports car. Never been disappointed in traffic with the stick. That's why they invented 1 st Gear!!



Good luck... enjoy

My Vote - 6 spd



-Erik

 

[FDavid]

The six speed is the easiest manual I have ever driven. With the electronic throttle it will not stall, even with a load. That means you can take off in gear without hitting the accelerator, even on a grade! The 6 speed also allows use of the jake exhaust brake, gets better fuel mileage, will take more abuse and HP than the stock auto, will not overheat, and best of all is not made by Dodge!

 

[jimnance]

Originally posted by FDavid

The six speed is the easiest manual I have ever driven. With the electronic throttle it will not stall, even with a load. That means you can take off in gear without hitting the accelerator, even on a grade! The 6 speed also allows use of the jake exhaust brake, gets better fuel mileage, will take more abuse and HP than the stock auto, will not overheat, and best of all is not made by Dodge!

The only issue I've had with the six speed is missing the gate for fifth and hitting reverse. Ouch! After you've done it once or twice you get the hang of it and it all becomes second nature.

 

[Iwant1]

I deal with traffic on my commute and the sixer only makes it more fun. I don't regret it a bit.

 

[Dean Upson]

The six speed is not a bother in traffic, the clutch is so smart, it nearly drives itself.



Dean

 

[GFritsch]

Congats on your new truck.



I think your choice on a six speed is a good one. Dodge's mechanical weakness in the past has been the auto. I hope the new auto puts this to an end.....



Having an old (94) 5 speed driving the new six speed seemed wierd. I was always shifting with way more power than I was used to. This is a problem that I will be glad to get used to.



Always started out in second in my current truck. Unless your off road or pulling a load 1st gear is not needed. This is the same on the 600 based on a test drive.



jimnance--- I tought about hitting reverse on a couple test drives, it is second nature to shift into what your mind thinks is 5th. SO, WHAT HAPPENS?



Anyway, smithinc, keep us posted on your truck.



Greg

 

[EMD-Run8]

Yep, all those for sure and plus the NV5600 is ONE HOSS OF A transmission!!!!

 

[gonzo2]

GFritsch, I've gone for an "extra" gear a couple of times now. Usually if I am distracted or yapping too much.

You kind of get a small grind but the lever is over far enough that you don't get any force on it and you realize what you are doing before (hopefully) any damage is done. When I first got it I went into sixth for reverse a couple of times but I'm used to it now.

 

[DieselNewby]

Thanks for all the info. I think I'll at least test drive the 6spd. I like the idea of being able to add an Ebrake and how strong that trans. is! I think they've done a good job with the 48re, but an auto with the Cummins just doesn't seem "right". Launching the boat will take some getting used to, but I'll live I suppose! LOL! I don't bomb my vehicles and I use the warranty whenever I can also so that isn't really an issue IMO. I'll give one a test drive this week sometime, I look forward to it actually, my brain tells me to go with a 6spd and my wallet is begging me to!

 

[LRoy]

I do the DC drive out of southern MD. (almost 1. 5 hrs today for 18-19 miles)



Once it breaks in a bit, the 6 speed is one of the slickest and easiest shifting manual transmissions I've ever driven. The clutch is very easy on the leg too. But you do have to shift a lot more then in a gas car or truck (even w/ 3. 73's).



If you're doing the drive now in a stick and are OK with it, go for it. If you're used to doing it in an auto, I would at least test drive an automatic before committing to the stick.

 

[geusterman]

Yeah, I really liked my 6spd in my 02 but ordered the auto in the 04 because I knew I would like it more and drive it more as my car. I got tired of shifting, drinking a latte and answering the phone while stopping again for traffic. Still liked it though... but my wife also likes the auto. Both have advantages but heard that the auto will handle 50 more horse without mods than 6'er. George

 

[CFAR]

Clutch tends to be a cheaper upgrade than a full auto upgrade.