6 Speed or Automatic

[Argus2k]

I've been looking for a 01. 5 SLT Plus 4x4 with an automatic trans, that is until i drove a six speed. Now I've located a dealer with one of each, equiped identically except one has the HO six speed the other is an automatic. They are about the same price. Is the resale better on one over the other? I figure the manual will be more trouble free than the auto. Post some opinions and experience please.

 

[Pete Peterson]

These Cummins are great trucks with the auto!! They drive and pull good. Now with that said let me say I have the HO with the 6spd and love it!!!!! I really thought I was getting to old and way to lazy to be shifting gears all the time but the bottom line is I really enjoy it. And the 6spd will really pull a load, out pulled my 99 auto easy. Regards Pete

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01. 5 Loooaded up!!!!!

 

[Barry]

I have had 2 6 speeds(2000&2001) I love 'em. This 6spd trans. is the strongest trans ever put in a Dodge so far. My 2001 has the HO (ETH) engine also and I would highly recommend this combo. If you plan on installing bigger tires, look hard at the 4:10 option. I would think the ETH/DEE combo has the best resale value. Good luck!!

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2001 2500 QC, ETH/DEE,4:10s, LSD, VA Magic Box, Boost/Pyro Guages, 4" Turbo back, BD Brake,Mag- Hytec Cover, Kleen Wheels, Energy Release, 70 gal. fuel, 20K Reese. 22,000 miles on 12/19/00 (RV Dealer)

 

[Bigsaint]

From what I've been told, the resale on auto's is always higher. My last truck, a 2500 quad cab 4x4 gasser was a auto. I had it for three years without any problems (it was also stock, not bomb'd). My new truck is a 2001. 5 six speed. I'm real glad, so far, that I ordered the stick. I think you have to decide on your personal preference which is right for you, based on your needs. With the six speed in 2001, you get the High Output engine, which provides more HP and torque than the auto. You could easily upgrade the auto to surpass the stock HO engine, but at the risk of voiding your warranty. That's a decision that you have to make, no one else. Both trans. require upgrading if you are going to pursue any serious power mods. Did you test drive both trucks ? I also am under the opinion that the manual would be more trouble free, but I don't have any facts to back that up and have to defer to the "experts" on that one. Hope this helps.

Scott W.

White 2001. 5 3500 ETH/DEE 4X4 Quad cab SLT,tow package and camper prep,Husky liners front and rear,DiPricol pyro,boost and oil temp gauges,Edge EZ,Mopar tonneau,Lund bug shield,PM tractor utility back up lights,Penda bed mat and blow by bottle is bye bye !!! I love the smell of diesel in the morning, it reminds me of... . VICTORY !!!
<A HREF="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1231655&a=9089608" TARGET=_blank><font color=red>My Truck</font></A>
<A HREF="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1231655&a=9089604" TARGET=_blank><font color=red>THE SAINTS</font></A>

 

[Okie-Go]

I had 98 with auto. I traded at 75,000 miles for 2001 HO 6spd. I just thought I liked the auto, I love the 6spd. the only time it could be a problem is stop-n-go traffic. The 6spd has more power. it seems like this truck handles the trailer better but I am sure the HO engine has a lot to do with that. My opinion; Standard shift for pulling and hauling, auto for just normal driving.

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2001 quadcab slt 2500 HO 6spd. LWB,2wd,dk garnett red, trailer tow package,camper special, anti spin 3. 54 axle, speed liner,oversized stainless steel chicken slide,66 gallon in bed aux. tank,K&N air filter,Reese 20k hitch, Terry 2000 EX 30ft. double slide 5er, 2000 20ft gooseneck for haulin jeep, firewood and huntin stuff. 5X12 tagalong for haulin the 4 wheeler. Okie Newton

 

[wyosteveOLD]

I agree with Okie-Go. I have a 2001 ETH 6 spd. This is my 5th Cummins. 2 autos and 2 5 spds. The 6 spd. is by far the best of the lot for towing.

 

[Gonzo 1066]

I am on my 3rd Cummins 1-auto, 1-5 speed, 1-ETH 6speed. I love the ETH 6 speed #ad
#ad
!!!!! It tows better, #ad
hillclimbes better, #ad
the exaust brake works better,and shifts #ad
MUCH MUCH #ad
better than the 5 speed. I think it depends on the use you have for the truck, A everyday driver that you tow once and a while I would buy a automatic. If you tow a lot or are towing heavy in the mountains, the 6 speed with an exaust brake is THE answer.

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1995 2500 5 spd US Gear 2 speed,PackBrake, bombed,big turbo, injectors CUMMINS POWER!!. 2001 ETH 3500 PackBrake, gagues,otherwise stock. 1972 "1066" International Harvester 414 ci diesel pulling tractor, big pump,turbo and injectors. Alcohol injection,BINDER POWER!! .
GONZO

 

[Wiredawg]

I love my 6 spd. I tow heavy (15K lb) and this trans really delivers great performance. I drive mine in D. C. traffic, and still love it. #ad
I never get tired of shifting. You get one and you'll lovee it too.

Wirdawg



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2000 4X4 SLT QC 8' bed; 6 spd, 3. 54 ; BD exhaust brake and 4" exhaust syst; TST PM2; Airlift Super Duty rear air bags; RS 9000 shocks; pyro/boost gauges in 2 gauge a-pillar mount; back preasure gauge mounted under dash; KN air filter; Brown's Welding brush/grill guard, rear bumper & headache rack; nerf bars and aluminum roll top rear cover, Warn front receiver and Hadley air horns, 20K Reese hitch.

 

[M1A2]

My 94 automatic had 157K trouble free miles on it when I traded it in for another automatic. If you pull reasonable loads, say under 10,000 lbs, and don't over BOMB an auto you will have no problems getting the same. Maintenance is important also, always change the fluid and filter. Type of driving, city vs highway, should also enter into the decision. Bottom line, they both are good when mounted behind the CTD.

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1999 FLAME RED 2500 SLT, QC, 4X4 AT, 3. 54 AGATE LEATHER

 

[RamminRick]

DIESEL + MANUAL TRANS = "TRUCK DRIVIN"

I have had both, loved the auto when I had it. I lost a whole nights sleep the night before I went to the dealer and bought the stick. I kept wondering if I would really like shifting gears again and for how long would it be fun. I will never again buy a diesel without a manual trans. This is the way it should be! With the power of the Cummins you don't shift much anyway. It also the easiest stick to drive... just let out the clutch and the ECM gives it enough throttle to pull out, even on a hill. Bad news is it is easy for your wife to drive! I told mine that it is real hard to drive!
I did go with the 4. 10 gears because I knew I wanted bigger tires.

 

[WCrovo]

I agree with almost everything said. I got the ETH/DEE combo with 4 discs for a couple of reasons. I had problems with the auto and brake pull and I figured I would get used to shifting. So far even if I would of had no auto problems I love the stick, even in traffic. Shifting the 6 speed is a blast and the power is awesome compared to my 99. So far I have towed only once but the diff was greater than I had imagined. This combo has exceeded my expectations. I LOVE IT!!!!! #ad
#ad


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2001 2500 tow, camper, SWB, ETH, Bright white.

 

[_Bill]

Did someone say 6 speed?

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2001. 5 2500 QC 4x4
Cummins ETH 6 Speed
RAMPAGE!

 

[Ranger Dick]

With the 6 speed you're getting ten more HP and 45 lbs/ft of torque. Plus you get the good HX35 turbo and the Six speed is the shortest throw manual I've ever seen in a truck. For the about the same price I think the ETH/DEE is the better combo, at least my opinion. As for resale, ask yourself this question: are you buying the truck for youself or someone else? Good luck you'll be happy with either one

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01. 5 ETH/DEE QC, 2500 4X4, 3. 54 Everything but leather

 

[hammersley]

Here's my two cents. I have to commute in heavy traffic - and sometimes that is, well you know - a mess. The 6 spd can be a chore in this situation. I choose the automatic mainly for this reason. Also I thought my wife would drive the truck more than she has so far. Grandchildren have put a dent in that last year. At times there are some real off road advantages to the auto as well. Being able to apply power very gently, in many off road conditions can be a great advantage. I've driven a stick as much as most folks, and there are situations when you have your rig 6 ways to sunday, and being able to apply steady EASY power, can be a great benefit. Now this last one is really dumb - but the drink holder for the auto is one heck of a lot nicer than the manual. I know as my youngest son has a 2001 5spd.

 

[danandamy]

I love my auto, it's my first automatic in 13 years. That having been said, for same money? I too would go with the 6 speed. More horsepower for the same money says it all.

Daniel

 

[Argus2k]

Thanks for all the replies. Some good stuff to chew on. As for resale, i thought about that after I wrote the post, I'm not buying this truck to sell it. But then I didn't buy my 90 or 96 cummins to sell them but that's I ended up doing. Loved them both. I'll be flying down to WA with my 14 year old son to buy and drive back to Alaska. So either way 6 or Auto, I will be a winner! #ad

 

[tom sweeney]

i'm currently on my 5th Dodge diesel... 4 auto's,and finally a 6 speed... . i find the 6speed an absolute JOY to drive. . coupled with 4:10's,even city driving (wash. d. c. )is a piece of cake. i too would assume the manual trans. would be less troublesome over time,not to mention less maintenence intensive... . just my opinion,i know i 'll never go bak to an automatic!!!. . good luck!!!
..... tom

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2001QC 2500HD LB ETH/DEE 4x4 4:10's LSD All options except cab lights,Xcelerator air filter,Forest Green/Light driftwood.

 

[BIG BOB]

Argus2k,
If you are heading for Spokane, email me and maybe we can meet for lunch or something.

Big Bob

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<font color=blue>"WHITE OBSESSION" 99 Quad Cab, White, SLT, 4x4, 5-sp, 3:54's, Raven cap (cab high), Rhino liner, Stainless Nerf Bars, Stainless Rocker Panels, Tow package, Pro-flap mud flaps with Stainless Cummins "C" add to rear flaps, Valentine One, Uniden PC78LTW CB, Hadley Bully Air Horns, HOT Power Edge, Psychotty Air Induction, Braided SS Fuel Lines, 4" Jardine Exhaust (Love the deep throaty sound), 285/75R16 Cooper A/T's, Navigator 55w backup lights. </font>

<A HREF="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1086000&a=9265455" TARGET=_blank><font color=red>My 99 Dodge Cummins</A></font>
<A HREF="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1086000&a=9815423" TARGET=_blank><font color=green>BD Dyno Days 10/28/00</A></font>

<font color=purple>
Things to come; The clutch has let me know it is going to need attention very soon!
Pyro, 50# Boost and Fuel Pressure gauges (have Ultra lites will install shortly), PE EZ timing module and injectors (have Bully Dog step III injectors just need to install them), have 2 KC Daylighters (Stainless with 385,000 candlepower each), have 2 KC Fog lamps(Stainless 100w each) and waiting for Bar II Stainless Brush Guard to arrive, then will mount guard and lights.

NRA Life Member! (Need to protect our rights and FREEDOM!!)<font size=-2>

[This message has been edited by BIG BOB (edited 01-11-2001). ]

 

[MikeR]

I think the resale thing is BS now. Yes,in the past,auto equipped trucks have had better resale values than manual trans trucks. But now that the 6spds have been on the road,dealers can't keep them on the lots.

I live right in the middle of Seattle traffic... we're the 3rd worst in the nation. Driving my truck in traffic is nothing like driving a gasser with a stick,it's waaayyy easier.

-Mike


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'00 2500QC,4x4,LWB,Dark Garnet,6spd,3. 54lsd,SLT,DD stage II,Psychotty air,10-level PM3,Jacobs ebrake,Isspro pyro & boost gauges,2wd-low,Airoquip fuel lines,Smittybilt nerfs,BFG 285/75 AT's,Midland cb,Clarion 6-disc changer

 

[Dane]

Easy! 6 speed cause it's a blast to roll your own, it's built like a tank and there's always the right gear available with so many to choose from. The driving experience is completly different with a stick VS automatic and the Cummins. Who cares about resale? I bought my Ram for me. Get the stick and the HO motor, it'll put a big smile on your face #ad
#ad
#ad


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2001 HO 6 speed Regular Cab SLT 4x4 3. 54 anti spin 2500. Used for the daily grind and sneaking away to some secret Baja beaches toting a cabover