AT vs 6spd / Color

[TCDiesel]

Thier is advantage both Auto/6 speed stock. When you start to mod the weak link in the 6 speed is the clutch, the Weak link in the 48re Is the TC stock and modded,So upgrade the TC/VB The Auto hard to beat.

 

[KD7GYJ]

I have owned three CTD's, one automatic, two 6 speeds. My last two trucks were the 6 speeds and sorry to say, I wouldn't purchase an auto unless they made a 5 or 6 speed auto, then it would be a difficult decision for me.

 

[ERohloff]

Thanks for all the input ... ... . invaluble!

Was pretty much think'in the 48RE but my heart still with the stick.

Drove a '73 Chev 350/3 spd column shift 17ys. Dad and brother in ND still driving it today.

Also drove a full size 85 Dodge Ram Wagon, 318/ manual 4 on the floor, 11 yrs and presently drive a 5 spd Tacoma 4x4. Love the shifting and control. My Tahoe and GMC PU scattered in between were AT's.

... ... ... ... . SO now you guys got me thinking again. Maybe I shouldn't have asked - Ignorance is bliss (Just kidding).

Again thanks for the feedback... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... Will let you know what I do.

bob r / MN

 

[DPelletier]

Thier is advantage both Auto/6 speed stock. When you start to mod the weak link in the 6 speed is the clutch, the Weak link in the 48re Is the TC stock and modded,So upgrade the TC/VB The Auto hard to beat.

True,

Of course it costs WAY more to upgrade the auto than to replace the clutch in the 6 spd. You generally also have warning that your clutch is going and when you slip it you can let off the throttle and nurse it along, usually for quite a while. I've driven a truck without a clutch when it went on me in order to get it home. Try that with a grenaded automatic transmission. You're right, with some mods the auto can be a great transmission even for big power applications, but to suggest that replacing the VB and TC is akin to replacing a clutch is a bit of a stretch. I looked into the DTT transmission before I sold my 2001, but decided that it was too much money and I'd be better off to put it towards a new truck.



Dave

 

[TCDiesel]

The upgraded Auto comes with Much higher cost ,But when it comes time for Performance and operater Needs the upgraded Auto excells in every category. It the Price tag that Most Owners can"t Justify. The ONLY complaint is the cost after that it"s all grinds and smiles.

 

[MichaelWright]

I shift all day long at work in my other truck. I bought the auto becase I was just tired of shifting, my first auto in years. Besides, the wife refuses to drive a stick. She has a hard enough time reaching the pedals in truck as it is, and refuses to mess with a clutch. Auto was a no brainer for me, knowing full well I would beef the transmission anyways. It has been a good choice, just tired of shifting and getting nagged.



Mike

 

[DPelletier]

The upgraded Auto comes with Much higher cost ,But when it comes time for Performance and operater Needs the upgraded Auto excells in every category. It the Price tag that Most Owners can"t Justify. The ONLY complaint is the cost after that it"s all grinds and smiles.

I would agree with you if by "Performance" you are talking about acceleration esp. when empty. For towing heavy the 6 spd works better regardless of cost.



Again, I don't hate automatics and there are lots of circumstances where they are a better choice. Nonetheless, I feel pretty confident stating that the 6spd is stronger, more reliable and a better choice for towing heavy. (That doesn't mean I think the 48RE is weak or unreliable) The biggest downside to the 6spd is the fact that you have to shift it. If I lived in a larger city and spent more time in traffic, I might consider an auto too. Or if my wife wouldn't/couldn't drive the 6spd that'd be another good reason to have an auto. Or if I was towing livestock and wanted to keep things as smooth as possible, or... ... . well, you get the idea.



Dave

 

[JKlopp]

Im one the California people who are taking the 6 speed. Just got my new 05 yesterday, Had to order it to get the six speed. Does not have the getrag trans but does have the 325/610 CTD.

 

[DJOliver]

I have both. 2003 has auto and 2004 has 6 speed. For towing the 6 wins hands down--for city driving - I like my auto(work truck). What other reasons would there be for making the choice? Since away from the job I use my personal truck to pull my boat to go fishing I opted for a six speed. If I had ot chose between the two--it would be the hand shaker!!

 

[ceaman]

170,000 miles towing on a automatic... . I do it for a living... . wouldnt ever go to a stick

 

[crobertson1]

I'm another former auto owner. I really did'nt like it while towing our TT. So when I got our new truck, I never even thought about the auto again. However, if I had to drive my truck all the time, to and from work and around the city, I probably would've opted for the auto. Towing our TT is primarily why we got the truck, thus the 6 speed.



BTW, wouldn't having a wife that wouldn't drive a 6 speed, be a reason to get a 6 speed? Just kidding. No offense. Please forgive me.

 

[KYLE4]

6 speed all the way a southbend/ bd power clutch is alot cheaper than a built transmission and torque convertor

 

[scottmcd]

I'm on my second CTD, my 01 2500 was a 6spd, and I went with it again on my 04 3500 srw. I would not go any other way, towing or not. I do alot of driving in all conditions, and have no problems with the shifting in traffic. 1st is so low that if traffic is creeping along, you can stay up with it easily. My wife *itched to hi heaven when we picked up the 01. 350 miles into the trip home she started driving. Once she figured out that she didn't need to use 1st gear at all, she loves it. She takes it when ever I leave the keys around. They also sound better with bigger exhaust and intake... . Just my 2cents... . GOOD LUCK

 

[MichaelWright]

"BTW, wouldn't having a wife that wouldn't drive a 6 speed, be a reason to get a 6 speed?"



After a few to many adult beverages, having an auto is a god send.



Mike

 

[sedin]

auto vs 6 gears

Don't bother to ask a salesman, they will most likely tell you whatever will sell what happens to be on the lot. Try talking to service personel, ask what kind of warranty problems they have seen on both trannys and be specific as to model years. I did this and found the 48re to be at least as trouble free as the 6 speed. I loved driving the 6, but went with the auto because I only occassionly tow 8 to 9 thousand, want to install a remote starter, and resale, sorry shifters out there, but in northern MN most 6's are bought by professional towers in 1 ton duallys where in my opinion, the auto would suck. Also, be advised that the auto WILL NOT lock out OD as on the 47re. My truck is a 2005 2500 Quad Cab, Laramie, 8ft box, 4x4, 3. 73 gears, auto. Color choice is "deep molten red" very beautiful, but being a dark color, it shows dirt pretty bad

 

[Kennywould]

I have driven sticks most of my life, but due to one thing or another I have switched to the auto. Both trucks I own now have them but you do give up some control hauling heavy, especially trying to slow down, you have a lot more control with a stick vs the auto. I tow a skid loader with my dually and really have no complaints, you have to leave yourself a little more room for stopping I haul two other trailers with my 04' heaviest is the boat, about 7000 gross, no problems there either. I prefer the auto over the stick especially in high traffic stop and go driving, when I get the urge to shift I jump in the old International and shift till my hearts content! We will see how the 48re's hold up, both trucks are stock for now but turning over 20k with my 04' I'm ready to make a few changes!

 

[Kennywould]

By the way they are both silver, like that color for some reason, stays cleaner longer.

 

[C. Harlan]

6 Speed Gets my Vote, Hands down. Already did the auto thing.

With a 6'er, you dont have to worry about the transmission overheating when towing heavy loads. I already had an auto, and vowed to never own one again!



6 Speed, Bottom Line!

 

[mpfeiffer]

I love my 6p 3500 for towing. I have owned several other Rams (all autos) and my only troubles ahve been auto trans related. In fact, the only problem I had with my 93 Chevy 6. 5TD was the auto trans. (and a severe lack of power). I use the truck to haul several gooseneck trailers, with the heaviest load being 16,000 lbs. on a routine basis. In the winter use it to plow the 100-150 inches of annual snowfall we receive. In city traffic it is a little slower, but so what -- and on the highway, it cruises fine in 6th gear with almost never having to downshift to 5th. Just a much simpler setup, and cheaper to maintain.



Color? I prefer white or silver - easy to keep clean





Matt Pfeiffer

-- email address removed --

01 3500 HO 4x4 6-speed

 

[tractorseller]

Buy them both!

Problem solved :-laf .