Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) built auto vs manual

[PVanderlugt]

hey guy's, would like some input.

Truck is below in signature, 3. 55 with auto, mostly driven empty on highway, tow 4000# boat and 9000# TT in the summer on occasion. Sick and tired of the auto with it's sloppy TQ and goofy shifts. realize that 3. 55 and auto combo is not ideal for towing, but it seems manageable. . for the 10 times a year.

Thinking about getting a built auto from Goerend or doing a manual conversion. Cost wise is about a toss-up. manual conversion looks like kinda a fun project, but is it worth the hassle ?? would put in a late model G56 with the lower final ratio and that looks it would be an awesome towing combo,6 gears has to be better then 4. but again is it worth it for the 10 time a year. Have never driven a nice build auto to see what it would be compared to the crappy DC stuff. heart lots of good things about a built auto, supposedly no comparison. Anybody here tow similar with 3. 55 and auto and how does it work out???

Anybody any thoughts??

Thanks Pete

 

[Huff N Puff]

For me its the Automatic hands down

hey guy's, would like some input.

Truck is below in signature, 3. 55 with auto, mostly driven empty on highway, tow 4000# boat and 9000# TT in the summer on occasion. Sick and tired of the auto with it's sloppy TQ and goofy shifts. realize that 3. 55 and auto combo is not ideal for towing, but it seems manageable. . for the 10 times a year.

Thinking about getting a built auto from Goerend or doing a manual conversion. Cost wise is about a toss-up. manual conversion looks like kinda a fun project, but is it worth the hassle ?? would put in a late model G56 with the lower final ratio and that looks it would be an awesome towing combo,6 gears has to be better then 4. but again is it worth it for the 10 time a year. Have never driven a nice build auto to see what it would be compared to the crappy DC stuff. heart lots of good things about a built auto, supposedly no comparison. Anybody here tow similar with 3. 55 and auto and how does it work out???

Anybody any thoughts??

Thanks Pete

Diesels work much more efficiently,with an automatic.

tows really well to I've had 8,000lbs behind my truck,It would actually accelerate up mountain slopes.

 

[jkidd]

If you are not towing all the time, rowing through the gears at every 12mph interval gets tiresome.

If you are bored I have a 28% underdrive I will sell you for $700
pics are here Edge EZ 2002

not sure how the electronics on the automatic will like something behind it.

It will not work in 4wd.

I bought it and was told it was an overdrive... . It wasn't

 

[DCreed]

smarty's throttle input is known to make shifting WORSE. I've driven both types and a GOOD auto is waaaay better but if you MUST shift the parts list is long interior/apps/PCM/trans/transfer/driveshafts then you too can enjoy changing clutches and exercising your left leg and right arm in traffic. LOL! Call Dave and smile when you drive it.

 

[PVanderlugt]

smarty's throttle input is known to make shifting WORSE. I've driven both types and a GOOD auto is waaaay better but if you MUST shift the parts list is long interior/apps/PCM/trans/transfer/driveshafts then you too can enjoy changing clutches and exercising your left leg and right arm in traffic. LOL! Call Dave and smile when you drive it.

Thanks Dcreed, I know that Smarty is THE problem with the weird shifting, no weirdness with Smarty on stock, but the sloppy TQ and valve body doesn't help the situation. I think I have a good handle on the parts list for the conversion,but I am worried , never having driven an built auto that it would work just fine without all the hassle of the conversion. Yeah maybe Dave will get a call here soon and I'll make a trip to Iowa.

Thanks Pete

 

[AFoulk]

I've owned manuals all my life, including my ctd I own now. That being said, I think my next one will be an auto. I have so many days here lately where I guess I'm just lazy and don't feel like shifting. Its a real pain when your stuck in traffic too. I say get a built auto from Dave, I know plenty of people that are very happy with theirs.

 

[DLausche]

I'd say go with the built auto. I tow a 8,000 lb TT and have 3. 55 gears and have no problems with it at all. It always stays in gear and doesn't downshift unless the pedal is mashed all the way down. I usually tow in overdrive but I do drop down to 3rd in really hilly areas. I've heard many people with good things to say about Dave. I am confident you will be more than happy if you you go to him and tell him exactly what you want and what your concerns are.



-Deon