2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission 6spd or auto

[RDowns]

I am looking at some used 2001 and 2002 2nd gen 3500's. The 50k miles 6 spd HO is going for $26,000 and the 90k miles auto is $19,500. I would like to have the 6spd for the high output motor and longevity of the transmission, but saving $6500 is nice too. I can upgrade the auto later if it gives me trouble. Leaves extra money for the fishing boat I would like to have. What a tough choice. Give me your opinions

 

[DHayden]

Will you have the $6500 later when the auto goes south and you need to fix it? That's about what it will cost to make the auto handle as much torque as the 6 speed reliably. Maybe not quite that much but it will be a pretty penny.



With my bad knee sometimes I wish I had an auto, but the 6 sure is nice.

 

[DLMcpherson]

I've never owned a standard TD. 91, 94, 01, 02 autos, only the 01 with 411 gears had no problems with... . next one will be a six speed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[NVR FNSH]

Just make sure the 6spd shifts smoothly. My '00 6spd shifts like crap, worse than my '79 CJ-7 w/T-18 4spd, and this is the second transmission in the truck. First was replaced under warranty... ... "That's how their supposed to shift" according to DC. That might make sense if it would actually go into gear all the time.



Brian

 

[Grizzly]

If you are going to pull an RV or a boat, go for the 6 speed. If you are going to use your truck to deliver flowers you can use an auto, although I'd still get a 6 speed.

 

[C. Harlan]

6 speed gets my vote. I will never own another automatic.



-Chris-

 

[macdaddy]

Get the 56 honey, done the performance transmission thing.

 

[RT66DOC]

My vote - 5600. Course I'd offer him less then $26k. I usually open that dialogue with something like, "You'd think I was a real jerk if I didn't give you a chance to drop that price, wouldn't you?"

 

[RDowns]

Both of those trucks are negotiable on the price. I also priced a 2005 6spd cummins. I can get that for $34,000 after rebates plus tax and fees so that is going to be $ 36,000 probably. I have been driving my 1st gen for so long that I can't grasp the principle of (monthly payments). If I do anything maybe I will wait till a cheaper 6 spd comes on the market.

 

[jeepit]

Get the 6 speed. Nothing is more fun than rowing thru the gears. If you tow anything I would get the 6.

 

[Loren]

RDowns,



The reason I own two Dodge diesels is because I made the mistake of buying an automatic the first time.



Loren

 

[BTighe]

if price or a payment is and issue why not get a 5spd. i sure wish i could afford to buy the six myself but the 5 gets the job done. i dont tow heavy but the 3/4 gap was bad when stock. now i dont even think about it. i would never buy an auto unless i lost a foot. my point being, if you lean towards the 19k price range, go for the 5 and keep it standard. i think a 5spd with a gear splitter might make a better combo than the six. good luck to ya.

 

[K5IP]

I too think the 6spd is the way to go, but If price is an issue, I agree that a 5spd might be better than an auto. They do have 5th gear and ratio spacing problems but they might still be better than an auto.

However, I did have to spend $1000 getting new bearings and mainshaft in my 95 NV 4500 with only 100,000 miles. This on a stock engine and only a 7500 lb 5th wheel.

Still an OK transmission though.

Rog

 

[Regcabguy]

transmission

I am looking at some used 2001 and 2002 2nd gen 3500's. The 50k miles 6 spd HO is going for $26,000 and the 90k miles auto is $19,500. I would like to have the 6spd for the high output motor and longevity of the transmission, but saving $6500 is nice too. I can upgrade the auto later if it gives me trouble. Leaves extra money for the fishing boat I would like to have. What a tough choice. Give me your opinions

If my truck were stolen tomorrow, I'd replace it with a 6-speed 3rd gen. payments and all. The new trucks drive,stop,and handle better and even with their increased complexity are more reliable. A guy in my neighborhood with a 2001. 5 is on his 3rd VP44& 3rd lift pump on a stock truck. He didn't know that the track bar was history until I showed him the diagnostic procedure. The guys at the dealer keep asking if his using a "computer" on it (fuel box) and he tells them honestly, no. All in 68,000 miles. I like this paid off truck but by my signature it hasn't been a inexpensive experience. Good luck to you!

 

[dodge cummins]

the 6 speed is a excellent choice. the 6 speed nv5600 just like your cummins engine is also used in other medium duty applications. how many 47re are used in medium applications? none!

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I agree that the 3rd gen trucks are superior in braking, handling, 4 doors, etc. The 2004 got me out of my beloved 1997 12 valve, and that wasn't easy to do At $26K, you are real close to what some dealers could sell a new one for, especially if you will forego the leather, etc. 90 more hp than the earlier HO, no miserable VP44 or lift pump problems.



I got 2 bad knees but the therapeutic value of my 2004 6 speed ensured I'd recover so I could drive him (Rams are male sheep, Cummins supplies the . . . well, this is a family forum ).



For big power or towing a heavy trailer, the manual just needs a better clutch if anything. The auto needs thousands of $$$$$ in upgrades to delay the inevitable failures. If you are drag racing or physically challenged, you may need an automatic.

 

[MMeier]

Darn Joe, what got you started up on the 3rd gen trucks?? :-laf :-laf

 

[joemyers]

6 speed unless you are physically or mentally challanged.

 

[JBlock]

GO new why start with 3-4 year old six speed

 

[KKlingbeil]

As stated, stock truck with stock transmission, 6-speed is the way to go. Towing a lot or lots of power upgrades you will need a better clutch. The autos can be built to hold just as much, but it does cost a lot. I like my built auto, but still wouldn't mind a 6-speed in another truck. Good luck!!