auto versus 6 speed

[DocDetonancour]

I switched from the manual to the auto this time. Like the auto much more. Ditto on blowing the rice burners off at the stop light, ditto on "trans should last a long time with the proper maint. ", ditto on "is the truck used for heavy towing usually"? Love the auto and will pay for the mods, if ever needed. MHO. . Doc

 

[HOCummins04]

Why doesn't Dodge get with the program, scrap the 48re... go with a Allison 5 or 6 speed automatic that is built like a tank... . Come on this is the way to go!



Erik

I seem to recall that the Duramax with the Allison is pretty pricey (relatively speaking). Seems like $4,000 plus for the Allison over the standard transmission (no pun intended) so that the total diesel upgrade in a Duramax is in the neighborhood of $10,000. Some solutions are good technical solutions but not economically viable solutions. Just something to think about. My . 02

 

[hasselbach]

I seem to recall that the Duramax with the Allison is pretty pricey (relatively speaking). Seems like $4,000 plus for the Allison over the standard transmission (no pun intended) so that the total diesel upgrade in a Duramax is in the neighborhood of $10,000. Some solutions are good technical solutions but not economically viable solutions. Just something to think about. My . 02

Well, close. My 03 Allison option was $2200 sticker, and 1900 on invoice. Best $2k spent. The duramax is a $5k option ($4k at invoice). Not sure what the cummins option is, since its in the base price of my 04. 5.



The Allison transmission flat out rocks. The auto brake downshifting on tow haul is superior to the dodge. The extra gear is nice, and the lower 3 to 1 first gear is great. But, yes, if you put the beans to the trans and upgrade much over 90 hp, you have to install a stronger converter and transgo or similar to the valve body, otherwise you will burn clutches. BUT I bet the same is said for the dodge transmission if you go much beyond 90 hp increase. I'm doing my dodge soon anyway to get rid of the crummy lose converter and reprogram the trans right.

 

[thejeepdude]

I seem to recall that the Duramax with the Allison is pretty pricey (relatively speaking). Seems like $4,000 plus for the Allison over the standard transmission

Actually it's "only" a $2000 option. I still don't want one! I would much rather put the $1300 difference between their auto and ours into the 48RE.

 

[hasselbach]

Actually it's "only" a $2000 option. I still don't want one! I would much rather put the $1300 difference between their auto and ours into the 48RE.

denial denial denial! Oo.



Trust me, I have both, the money is well spent on Allison. Even $5k spent on the dodge won't compare to the Allison :-laf



MEMO to Dodge, ask GM if you can buy some Allison transmissions or get a 5 speed in the works (copy Allison, everyone else does)

 

[BRayls]

I agree autos are great,and with the lock-up capability they are even better. but the stock TC are junk for upgraders,and marginal on stockers. but I have to say that I do not agree with the allison comment ,being they have more claims(warrantee claims) per 100 units built. so is that a better unit?do the research and see for yourself. bottom line the stock trans is good,tc is marginal for stock HP. upgrade take your chances,but you better put in a TC. I have to say I have seen the goerend bros . TC and with the lifetime warrantee,performs great. I would be buying that unit,for a few hundred more.

 

[PJ]

I have better things to do than play with a clutch and shifter. Real men just get in, start the engine, adjust the stereo and put the transmission in DRIVE!

When it breaks, put in a new one. Life is too short to always be looking for a gear. .

 

[Fireman]

I sold my auto and bought 6 spd. If you tow that is the way to go. IMO



Fireman

 

[Big Dawg]

I have a six speed in my 2002 and my girlfiend can't drive a stick. (Maybe this is a good thing. ) We had a conversation about buying a 2005 automatic this morning so she would be able to drive it. A six speed is a pain in the butt sometimes and for sure the auto is faster leaving the light but I feel like a real "He-Man" shifting those gears and hearing that engine sing. A little better fuel mileage doesn't hurt either. There are pros and cons to each. To the guy with the Maxipad... Your truck is definitely better than a Powerpuke.

 

[Flores]

I chose the auto mainly because my father has a bum knee and he drives it from time to time. After driving my cousins 04. 5 6 speed Im content with my auto. Heck ,if it breaks Ill upgrade or buy a new one.

 

[PJ]

Maxipads???? Not following this comment . I would think that you imply that automatics are for women. Correct me if Im wrong but I took the comment as a slam. My truck is an automatic, my past 5 trucks have been automatics except my 90 1 ton CTD which had a 5 speed that was the noisiest SOB Ive ever owned, not to mention that I couldnt keep clutches in it. . IMOP, Ill take an automatic anyday and I have no need for Maxipads :-laf

 

[RankRam]

Maxipads???? Not following this comment . I would think that you imply that automatics are for women. Correct me if Im wrong but I took the comment as a slam. My truck is an automatic, my past 5 trucks have been automatics except my 90 1 ton CTD which had a 5 speed that was the noisiest SOB Ive ever owned, not to mention that I couldnt keep clutches in it. . IMOP, Ill take an automatic anyday and I have no need for Maxipads :-laf

Big Dawg is talking about the Duramax trucks, or as I like to say the Duramini.

 

[PJ]

I knew the slang for Ford was FURD but the Maxipad for Duramax was beyond me. Oh well, I guess Im just getting too old

So,,, what to the Ford and Chevy guys refer to the Cummins as? Real truck?

 

[Matt400]

Auto built like a tank with a better torque converter

 

[turbod]

I thought long and hard about the 6speed or auto question when I finally decided to order a new truck. I had to have the auto in my 96 CTD rebuilt at 75000. But that is not what made me finally decide to go with the 6speed. My truck is a daily driver but on the weekends I put a slide in camper (3000 pounds dry)and either tow snowmachines in the winter or a a small boat in the summer on two lane Alaska (not flat) roads. I wanted better control over the truck and the ability to think for myself what gear to be in as I can see ahead what is comming up, an auto can't really do that. Also I plan on installing a exuast brake as I went through 2 sets of brakes 2 rotors and 2 calipers in 90000 miles with the 96 CTD. I don't mind shifting, and my UPS work truck is a 5speed spicer so I'm used to rowing the shifter. I think its actually fun sometimes to use all the gears in the CTD. The 6speed when new was stiff and a little hard to find gears when you wanted to shift fast but is now getting smoother with 2000 miles on it. The clutch pedal is easier than a F150 6cylinder 4speed I had 10 years ago, this 6speed is easy to drive!



I'm glad I decided to go with the 6speed!

 

[Big Dawg]

PB Johnson2...



You have not been slammed...



But you do seem to be a little bit on the "sensitive" side...



"So,,, what do the Ford and Chevy guys refer to the Cummins as?"



Medium Duty Commercial Truck Engine?

Better?

You tell me brother... :-laf

 

[PJ]

PB Johnson2...



You have not been slammed...



But you do seem to be a little bit on the "sensitive" side...



"So,,, what do the Ford and Chevy guys refer to the Cummins as?"



Medium Duty Commercial Truck Engine?

Better?

You tell me brother... :-laf

Question was already asked and answered. Then I get another smart a$$ asnwer that Im a bit sensitive? How about my reply to you Big Dawg. Kiss my sensitive a$$

 

[PJ]

Question was already asked and answered. Then I get another smart a$$ asnwer that Im a bit sensitive? How about my reply to you Big Dawg. Kiss my sensitive a$$

Below is the un edited reply I received from this kid:

This thread is located at:

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=109711&goto=newpost



Here is the message that has just been posted:

***************

PB Johnson2...



You have not been slammed...



But you do seem to be a little bit on the "sensitive" side... Maybe you need to make a swing down the feminine protection needs isle next time you're at Wally World... That wasn't a slam either...



"So,,, what to the Ford and Chevy guys refer to the Cummins as?"



Medium Duty Commercial Truck Engine?

Better?

You tell me brother... :-laf

***************

 

[hasselbach]

I thought this was a thread on auto's vs 6 speeds. . How did tampons get in this?



I am going to do my auto pretty soon, is suncoast or ddt a better option for reprograming and a converter that is tighter?

 

[Ken F]

I am kicking myself for not getting the 6-speed.