Auto vs 5&6spd - power and cost

[MHindman]

I have read the posts about the benifits of the two trans choices, but i have never really gotten the answers to these questions. Which choice, auto or stick, is more costly to prepare for bombing? Since i have the 5sp, i know about what i would spend to get the setup i would need. But as far as the auto, im clueless. I would also be interested in the power that both can hold? I would guess they would be about the same, but what would it cost to get the auto setup? I know off the start, autos are faster. I am just trying to get some info. I will be trading trucks in the next year, and I am planning on bombing to the max, but i need the cost of the trans choice, before i make it!! Let me know about your choices, and why you went that way..... thanks

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(Silver Bullet)1999 Ext Cab 4X4 5SPD, All options. Power Max 3(adjustable), K&N Filter, no muffler, Pyro,Fender Flares, Toolbox, bedrail covers, 450 watt Kenwood Sub, 33 12. 50 16. 5's, 3. 54's... Soon to have: 4inch, DDIII's, Southbend clutch.

[This message has been edited by MHindman (edited 05-16-2001). ]

 

[Deezal Man]

I'll chime in before everybody gets on the bandwagon to bash automatics.

Both trannies have a weak link, The autos despirately need a TC, and the manuals need more clutch lining. A few of the 6 speeds grind gears, and some of the 5 speeds loose 5th gear. To my knowledge the 5 speed problem has been taken care of. I don't know what has been done about the 6 speed grinding issue.

Having read most of the posts here, both have their problems and benefits. Like any automotive forum I've visited, the autos are highly criticized for their "issues"... . Yet no-one conplains about replacing prematurely worn out clutches. #ad
I guess that is because most guys can tear out a clutch in a weekend by themselves. Autos are a little more challenging and expensive.

Anyway, As with any vehicle, the automatic is by far the most expensive transmission to BOMB. Some auto's simply cannot be BOMB'd because they're junk. That is not the case with the auto in the Ram. Unfortunately the TC that turns it is manufactured from a cut and bent baked bean can.

A properly tuned auto will provide bragging rights at the drag track, but not necessarily at the road course.

Manuals are slightly slower at the strip, but provide better control on a road coarse.

Towing? Need you ask?? (Manual)

As noted in previous posts about trannies, we have quite a selection of guys who praise or despise either selection.

Guess it comes down to what you want your truck to do. I prefer to be lazy, so the automatic is a good choice for me. If I towed more, I'd own a 5 or 6 speed.

Naturally, OMO.

One MAJOR thing the manuals don't have is that killer cup holder #ad
#ad


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98. 5' Emerald Green 24v 2500 Auto/3. 54 4x4 SB QC 285. 75. 16's Bridgestone Dueler A/T's on 16" x 8" Alcoa's under Rancho 9000's. Everything but leather. PIAA 1200's, AMSOIL dual filter relocation system, Smittybuilt Stainless Steel Nerfs, Rhino Liner(Junk).

 

[JohnMcIntyre]

Originally posted by Deezal Man:
... One MAJOR thing the manuals don't have is that killer cup holder #ad
#ad

<font color = blue> Well said! #ad




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JMc

2001 Flame Red Sport 3500 QC, 5. 9L 24v Cummins, 4x4 Auto, 3. 54/LSD, 155 inch WB, Agate leather, HX35/14cms turbo, DTT VB,TC & "smart" PAC Exhaust Brake , Mag-Hytec transmission & Diff covers, SPA Dual Gauges,DD2s,DD4" exhaust, Rickson 19. 5" wheels, Roadmaster XX,Firestone Airbags, WAAG sidetubes with dually kickouts, Line-X, Grovers , Lance 1130 slide-in Camper, 60 gallon “stock” Aerotank, RS9000s, Reese Titan class 5 hitch. plus the ICE-bomb

 

[Okie-Go]

Deezelman,I think that is the best explanation I have heard without running either one of them down. Good Job!

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2001 quadcab slt 2500 HO 6spd. LWB,2wd,dk garnett red,cab clearance lights, trailer tow package,camper special, lock-right locker, 3. 54 gears,ez edge, 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

 

[Pete Peterson]

Now, I finally realize what it was about my 99 that I missed,,,, the cup holders #ad
#ad
... . Pete

 

[Ramboy00]

It is definitely more expensive to upgrade a TC and VB than a clutch but it is money well spent if you purchase from DTT especially if you want to retain the ease and convenience of an auto.
Phil

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'99 D3500, auto. ,2WD,3. 55 LSD, all options, Banks Power Pack w/K&N filter,DTT TC & VB, Mag-Hytec pan, '99 40ft. Alfa Gold Triple-slide 5'er
"Ignore your rights and they'll go away. "

 

[JimP]

Ramboy:

I read your post and see your towing a 40ft rig. I'm curious if you ever towed it with stock automatic. I tow a 34ft American Star with a 2001 quadcab 4x2,354 gear,automatic,
cummins engine. I joined the TDR after I ordered the truck. After reading about all the auto failure's on this roundtable, I'm
almost afraid to step on the throttle. I should have went with the 6 speed or GM with
Allison. I towed with a Ram V-10 auto for 60K
miles and never had any trouble. I would like to know if only bomed engine's have the problem. I hate to have spent 35K for a truck
that needs a trany upgrade right from the factory. If this is the case I think people
should get together and sue DC for putting this vehicle on the market and make them do
the upgrade,If that's what it need's.

Nervous:
Jimp




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[rickhans]

Nobody has answered the question yet as to what it does cost to mod the Auto. I currently have a posting looking for a used 2500 with Auto to add to my family fleet. I too want to know the cost. I have been following this for over a year, the pro-s and con's to Automatics, and want to budget in a fully modified Automatic, exhaust brake, and mild to medium bombing. That is one reason I want a used one, and preferrably a 98 12 Valve quad cab, must be a 4x4.

Does anyone know the costs?

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98. 5 24V QC 4x4 SB 3:54 5sp

 

[OILBRNR]

Well, I think your looking at about ~$1600 for DTT's TC, VB and R&R. To do the exhaust brake, others will have to responed. How much is the clutch upgrade with labor? Plus you have to factor in the initial cost of the auto.

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'99 2500 4x4 • SB • QC • 3. 54 • LSD • AT • Leather • 16x8 M/T Alcoa Challengers • 285/75 BFG A/Ts • Mag-Hytec • Westach Guages • Line-X • Luverne Nerfs • Tommy Gate

Towing:
'99 28' Airstream Excella (~7000# dry)
'69 24' IMP Inca Twin Screw (~6000# wet)

 

[Deezal Man]

Nobody has answered the question yet as to what it does cost to mod the Auto.

Like OILBRNR said, I'd figure about $1,500-$2,000 to upgrade the VB & TC. Doing anything less... . is... well... less.

Naturally this figure is dependent upon who does it and where you are located geographically, Including your distance from a metro area. ($$)

If you are looking for an exact figure of just the parts, I'd recommend talking directly to DTT. As with anything, prices change. Since its not a light piece, shipping is a cost consideration as well.

I don't know what it would cost to install a HD clutch in either the 5-6 speeds. Either will most likely be less than half of the auto's cost.

As I said, the auto is NOT an inexpensive upgrade.

Ya wunna play... ya gotta pay

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98. 5' Emerald Green 24v 2500 Auto/3. 54 4x4 SB QC 285. 75. 16's Bridgestone Dueler A/T's on 16" x 8" Alcoa's under Rancho 9000's. Everything but leather. PIAA 1200's, AMSOIL dual filter relocation system, Smittybuilt Stainless Steel Nerfs, Rhino Liner(Junk).

 

[rob10858]

we have performance upgrades in our auto and manual 2000=2001. 5 psds, gmcs, and dodges. trust me, the manual trans are much more adaptable to the power increases than the autos. all of the new computer sensors and sending units on the autos are very, repeat very, tempermental to any kind of torque changes. it seems to me that the computers on the autos are much more protective of their components, and can even shut the truck down when reading an overtorque problem, and thats what they are intended to do. when you use a chip, tc lock, etc, you are overriding what the factory presets are there for. without proper backups, on either tranmissions, youre going to have problems sooner or later. weve yet to have problems with the six speed manuals on our dodges
[about 345 hp] but our psd man and auto have given us alot of problems. you get into the throttle and push them hard and then all of a sudden, all the lights on the console will come on and the trucks will just shut themselves off. after restart, they'll be back to normal, but when they shut down it can be scary.

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[JohnMcIntyre]

Originally posted by Rick Hansen:
Does anyone know the costs?

<font color = blue> Rick H, check my sig file below #ad
#ad
and then email me your phone number. I believe TDR protocols "discourage" public price discussions in the forums. I'll share the numbers. .

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JMc

2001 Flame Red Sport 3500 QC, 5. 9L 24v Cummins, 4x4 Auto, 3. 54/LSD, 155 inch WB, Agate leather, HX35/14cms turbo, DTT VB,TC & "smart" PAC Exhaust Brake , Mag-Hytec transmission & Diff covers, SPA Dual Gauges,DD2s,DD4" exhaust, Rickson 19. 5" wheels, Roadmaster XX,Firestone Airbags, WAAG sidetubes with dually kickouts, Line-X, Grovers , Lance 1130 slide-in Camper, 60 gallon “stock” Aerotank, RS9000s, Reese Titan class 5 hitch. plus the ICE-bomb

[This message has been edited by JohnMcIntyre (edited 05-23-2001). ]