6 spd WOW!!

[gsbrockman]

Originally posted by LRoy

But you do have to shift a lot more then in a gas car or truck (even w/ 3. 73's).

The power band is so great in these trucks that I rarely feel the need to shift... ... and I'm in hilly Eastern Kentucky. Everyone said the 6-shooter would shift me to death... . WRONG ! Start out in 2nd (unless a trailer is tied to the truck) and work my way thru to 6th. Very little downshifting required on my part, unless Grandpa pulls out in front of me.

Greg

 

[XcumminsX]

I WIASH I GOT A MANUAL

 

[LRoy]

Originally posted by gsbrockman

The power band is so great in these trucks that I rarely feel the need to shift... ... and I'm in hilly Eastern Kentucky. Everyone said the 6-shooter would shift me to death... . WRONG ! Start out in 2nd (unless a trailer is tied to the truck) and work my way thru to 6th. Very little downshifting required on my part, unless Grandpa pulls out in front of me.

Greg

Sorry - I didn't quote him but I was replying to the question about stop-and-go commuting.



It is a lot more shifting then most other vehicles if you're doing the 0 to 40 and back, repeat for an hour or so type of driving.



As an example - getting up to 40-50 is shifting 2-3-4-5 for most of us. Gas cars or trucks often span that speed with gears 1-2-3.



I agree - once you're moving and stay moving there's no issue.

 

[JPM]

LRoy, I agree, very little power band, thats fun to be in. Yea, you can rev it to 3000RPM +, but it don't like it. I have a short shift kit on mine, short throws are nice , no feeling ,where you think you are, you are not. The over-run on the Cummins I have not gotten used to . Removing your foot off throttle WAY before the shift is not my idea of sports car type shifting. Makes everything real slow.

 

[GerryDrake]

Until this one, I haven't had a manual since my 84 CRX. This one is really easy to drive and rowing through the gears is pretty easy. I DO grab 5th once in a while when reaching for 3rd, but it isn't a major problem, and is pretty much operator error. One caveat I offer is that since the engine has so much torque and basically won't stall, I suggest putting some of that anti skid tape made for decks and stars on the clutch pedal. Mine slipped off once with wet shoes and I basically 'dumped' the clutch and lurched off. Would hate to have that happen when hooking up the 5'er... thus the anti skid tape... works great... .

 

[DieselNewby]

Still searching

Stil on the prowl for a 6spd to test drive. I'll find one though. I am going to Charlotte NC this weekend and I know a dealer who stocks lots of them down there.



The dealers around here don't keep them in stock. Koons is willing to sell at invoice, minus rebates for a 04. 5, 600, 6spd, or auto, SLT Long bed 4x4. They have found some they can bring in for me, but I have to buy before they'll bring em in. Not going to happen. I've been screwed like that before.



Plus, their invoice price seems about $1000-$1500 higher than Tommygun's price. Not really worth a one way plane ticket, but my brain says there is a number I'm missing somewhere.



I am having a hard time with spending $32k on a truck anyway, so more time is a good thing. . right? I need to do something soon though, the Cummins is beckoning me.

 

[SP Diesel]

DieselNewby,



Keen Dodge in Jarretsville, MD had a 6-speed quad shortbed 4x4 w/4. 10 gears that I test drove a month ago. Not sure if it still there or not

 

[RobbieH]

As said above, even with 7,000 lbs behind me I don't have to downshift unless I drop below 1500 rpm, which is around 50 mph with my gearing. It still passes great in 6th. I rarely use 1st even with the trailer unless uphill or if I just don't feel like taking off fast.

 

[DieselNewby]

Thanks

SPDiesel,



Thanks for the heads up. I am looking for a long bed but it may be worth a call for a test drive at least!



Thanks again.



Eric

 

[berg]

Sports car??? I got a 6 speed and it shifts like a truck! course thats what it is and that ok with me!! If you tow i think the 6 speed is the way to go. theauto would be nicer in traffic but not enough to give up my 6. My oppinion for what its worth!!

Originally posted by 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