Built 4 speed auto vs. 6 speed manual

[DBusch]

My dad and i have had 4 Dodge trucks between us, and all have been 6 speeds except a 6. 7 6 spd auto that was traded back for a 5. 9 6 speed.





Looking to buy another truck, but am leaning toward trying a built 4 speed auto. Tired of chattering clutches and bucking while towing our 39" 26000lb gooseneck trailer. We have pretty much tried every clutch there is.



Is it worth spending upwards of 4K on a built 4 speed with converter? I was told they have higher line pressure and do not downshift constantly like a stock unit does. I was also told billet shafts were not needed for towing.



anybody with some real world experience with towing and the built 4 speed auto, please respond!

 

[fox]

The choice is strickly yours as to which.

I have a built auto and love it.

If I was using this truck strickly for towing, I would of bought it with the 6 speed.

Mine doesn't search as it is built, and holds a lot of power. Maybe 450 hp.

I have less than $4,000 in it but I did it myself.

The right clutch shouldn't cause you chatter isses.

My advice is to talk with DTT. I would get the better input shaft as it was being done. Not all billets shafts are equal!! Billet is a missued word.

Diesel Transmission Technology - DTT Performance Diesel Transmission and Power Accessories

 

[DBusch]

its more bucking than just chatter. once the truck starts to buck, you cannot stop it unless you clutch it and slam the brakes on. i have heard a "traction" bar for the rear suspension can stop the bucking.



so far we have tried a South Bend OFE, a South Bend DD 3250, and a Zoom ZVT with all organic disk. Some chatter more than others, but they all make the truck/trailer buck from time to time. Leaving a stop light with the trailer can be a real stressful situation. This is why i am leaning towards the built 4 speed. I would have a local guy Power By Poole do the work, and he uses all DTT parts as far as i know.

 

[JTruelove]

I have a DTT and love it. A friend on mine has a 6 speed... likes it, but after driving a built one he wishes he had one. I know to each is his own... hope this doesn't start a transmission war.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

the torque converter soaks up that bucking... you could probably put some traction bars on the truck that would help, but I say get the automatic and enjoy

 

[Regcabguy]

Dtt

Go with the DTT auto. If I would have had an extra five grand to upgrade the 48re,I might have ordered an auto. After owning a DTT equipped '99,the 48re was way too mushy.

 

[DBusch]

since i am buying a used truck, i can get a loan that will cover the transmission build, along with a FASS system. I already have the Smarty and a B1-03 turbo with full exhaust from my old truck.



If i do go 6 speed again, i want the NV5600 back. The G56 i have now has too much highway rpms. I just hate the way the NV wont let the lever into second gear at a stoplight. The G56 shifts so much better too.



I am leaning towards a 2004. 5-early 2005 type truck if i can find one.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

get the auto... the only manual I would consider is an NV4500

 

[JimB1]

The DTT website is great tutorial for understanding basics of built 48re's and auto transmissions in general.