6-speed or auto transmission

[FloridaEd]

I previously posted inquiry on the difference between HD 6-speed and regular one and appreciate the replies. It was my intent to buy a 6-speed and install an engine brake.



I'm camped at Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, right now. There are two fellows in the campground with 2005 CTD QC 3500 Dually trucks with 3. 73 rear end and automatic transmission.



Both of these guys came down the Peace River Canyon on the Alcan Highway. One of them is near the 23,000 GCVW with his rig. Both report that the use of the tow/haul feature on the transmission gives them significant engine braking and they were not uncomfortable on the northbound descent into this canyon... which has 6 to 10% grades. I was butt-puckered coming down that grade in my Ford. The 4R100 transmission was very little help... I had it in 2nd gear and was tap-dancing on the brakes all the way down.



After talking to them, I feel a lot more comfortable about buying my new CTD with an auto transmission. I'm just too old to relish "rowing" for the next 7 years. (I turned one of the guys onto the TDR and he said he expected to join when he got time. )



Thanks again for all the help. "Things will soon be fine when my diesel engine is in-line. "



Florida Ed

 

[formula]

Ed, are stating that you've decided on an auto trans or are you asking for suggestions on whether to get an auto or a manual?



At any rate, I will recommend a manual trans. For towing I feel that there is just no other choice



As for an engine brake..... If you're referring to a compression release brake, you can not get one of those, they're not made for our application. What you can get is an exhaust brake and those work quite well. I've been more than happy with my Jacobs eBrake.



For downhill grades you'll be much better off with the retarding power of an exhaust brake rather than relying on just engine friction and your service brakes



Now, for an exhaust brake on an auto trans..... that's another issue. If you search around in the 3rd gen forums you'll find plenty of reading on that topic.



Sean

 

[BHolm]

I also have a 2005 QC though mine is srw. I just came across I-70 through CO at around 22k combined. I was also very pleased with the amount of engine braking, allowing engine compression slow you, as opposed to an engine brake. It does work quite well, but at that wieght on those grades it is near its practical limitations. To run an exhaust brake on the auto, an aftermarket convertor, valve body and control for the lock-up are almost mandatory. At that stage though you have near manual trans control with automatic comfort. More money, for sure, very nice peice of mind when you need to rely on it often though.



I also have a 99. 5 F350 7. 3 4R100, I think you will be much happier with the CTD.

 

[HKruse]

Welcome to Whitehorse Ed. If you see a black 05 3500 SRW with Yukon plates that's me. I live on the south end of town on the AK hwy where most of the the RV parks are ... small world



Hauke

 

[Buffalo]

FloridaEd.

I don't know if this applies to you or not but, there is an interesting thread in this forum entitled "Transmission Temps". Most likely, you have already read it. If not, you may find it interesting, especially if you are driving in conditions like the people that responded to that thread.



Hope this helps.



Joe F. (Buffalo)

 

[formula]

For all that are interested in this topic you may want to read this thread:

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=133044



Sean

 

[Tim]

There is no question... 6 speed for me.