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Auto vs Stick for fuel mileage

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Am looking into buying an 05 and was wondering if there is much difference in fuel mileage ( unloaded or towing ) between a 6spd vs automatic. The two trucks i have to choose from are an auto w/373's or a NV5600 w/373's.

I searched high and low to find the NV5600 w/373's, it's sweeeet but i may have to compromise with the wife, she want's the auto :( it's nice too and cheaper because it's a demo.

Thanks Joe
 
An 05 with NV5600 and 3. 73's is pretty rare anymore. I recommend it. I get about 19 MPG local driving with mine.
 
JO'Leary said:
Am looking into buying an 05 and was wondering if there is much difference in fuel mileage ( unloaded or towing ) between a 6spd vs automatic. The two trucks i have to choose from are an auto w/373's or a NV5600 w/373's.

I searched high and low to find the NV5600 w/373's, it's sweeeet but i may have to compromise with the wife, she want's the auto :( it's nice too and cheaper because it's a demo.

Thanks Joe

I have the Auto and 3. 73's averaging 18 with mixed city and highway driving. I agree with previous post, its how you drive not what transmission you have.
 
Thanks for the input everyone, looks like there is not much if any MPG difference between the two. Wife wins round one :{ MPG was my sales pitch to get the 6 spd. I'll have to go with plan B, the 6 spd will tow our 11K fiver better :D

A little off subject, what is the difference between the 610 and 600 engine, beside for 10 :eek: Reason for asking is that the NV5600 truck is an early production with the 600 engine.

Thanks Joe
 
When you install a better(more efficient) torque converter and valve body, and you will, mileage will go up a little and nullify any advantage the stick will give you.

As far as the 600 to 610 torque rating I think it was either a minor programming change or a minor advertising change.
 
For durability, the stick will outlast the auto hands down, everytime. The auto is easier not shifting in traffic, but if you want it to last and not have to spend more money to make it stronger, go with the 6 speed. However, depending on how much grief you will get from the wife it may not be worth it! I drive mine 99. 9% of the time, and the wife can drive the stick if she has to. Consider all your reasons carefully, and only buy once... ... ...
 
That was my other concern about buying an auto. My current truck is an auto w/ 89% converter, billet and so on. I don't think i could drive a stock auto knowing what a difference just the converter makes. But that means spending another couple of grand. With the stick, worse case is that i have to upgrade the clutch some day if i ever decide to add mods. I plan on keeping this one stock :-laf

Joe
 
I'm pulling a 12K fiver with an EZ regularly, and the stock clutch is holding just fine. For fewer problems, I recommend the 6 speed.
 
6 Speed

Another vote for the 6 speed. I like the fact that all of the power that is put out goes to ground rather than a portion into heating transmission fluid which in turn tears up the transmission. My prior ride was a 95 PS, and I put the 5th auto in and traded it in on the current rig. Factory authorized and warranted (dealer installed) exhaust brake and there is absolutely no comparison when towing. I'll never tow anything with anyone's auto again. Get the NV5600 :p
 
I have a 2005 Dodge CTD QC Laramie 4X4 NV5600 and a Gear Vendors overdrive. The NV5600 is a geat transmission, it is a smooth syncronized transmission. The clutch is firm but not too tough to operate. I work in downtown Los Angeles, CA. and drive home in bumper to bumper traffic... I really don't mind the six speed.
 
hazw8st said:
I have a 2005 Dodge CTD QC Laramie 4X4 NV5600 and a Gear Vendors overdrive. The NV5600 is a geat transmission, it is a smooth syncronized transmission. The clutch is firm but not too tough to operate. I work in downtown Los Angeles, CA. and drive home in bumper to bumper traffic... I really don't mind the six speed.



That is one long commute L. A. to Utah!
 
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