DTT -vs- NV4500...again.

["Mad Max"]

Alrighty then - So, okay - I 'been on the fence between a NV4500 conversion and a DTT. I know the DTT's are the only way to go if you want a bulletproof auto. I know the NV4500 is the way to go if you want a stick. I'm going to have a 7000lb 4x4 dually, a 28', 6000 lb enclosed trailer, and ~ 5000 lbs worth of toys inside. Ultimately 18,000 - 20,000 lbs and 700 lbs of torque (so far Pastor Bob... )



So here's my question for y'all that have been there and towed that: I need to know if any of you guys running the DTT's would bat an eye at hauling that much, and more importantly, using the transmission to maintain stable speed down a BIG, long grade, like I-70 over the Rockies. I do not want to have to use the brakes to maintain 50 mph over 5 miles of downhill, and I don't ever want to have to worry about grenading the transmission when I wanna go UP that big 'ole hill at 70 mph at max boost passing 'Strokes and 'Max's.



Second - can a 2nd gen transmission's w/ lock-up converter be mated to the 1st gen engine? What mods, if any, are req'd? I'm not afraid of fabrication or wiring, so long as it's maintainable forever.



So, any worries? Either way it's $$$, but I'm really liking my auto and the little pushbutton on the tip of the handle - way too convenient!



Thanks peoples!

- Sambo

 

[Marty1]

Sambo,

I've had both within the past 6 months... . well sort of... I have a 5600 not a 4500.

I had a DTT transmission installed & loved it except I wasn't happy without lock-up. You're not going to get away from brakes towing loads like that unless you have an exhaust brake & without the lock-up torque converter you can't have one.

When I was towing over 10,000lbs if I had my foot into it on a big hill the transmission temp would go through the roof... I just wasn't happy with the transmission.

Shifting? Fantastic. I believe DTT builds the best transmission available & that being said, if you're planning on spending $5000 on an auto from DTT... convert your truck to lock-up torque convertor.

From what I understand all you need to do is install the later engine to transmission adapter plate which gives you the extra 1 3/8" for the bigger lock-up convertor.

Call & talk to Mark at PDR... he's just converted to a lock-up converter & I've been in the truck since... it's the difference of night & day.

As for manual? I love my 6 speed... wouldn't trade it for towing but in town it's a bit of a pain... on the highway towing it's untouchable.

 

[DPelletier]

If you're going to convert, I'd go all the way. Get a NV5600.

Dave

 

[sparks57]

Just get the NV5600 and call it good. End of story.

 

[Marty1]

I sure love mine but there's lots of guys out there that just don't want 6 gears under any circumstances.

The guys that tow for a living or tow regularly know the advantage & I certainly prefer mine to the auto while towing.

In the city... I'd like an auto DTT lock-up transmission.

You certainly won't win any races with the 6 speed!

 

[sparks57]

That is so true... I don't race autos because I always loose, and in heavy traffic I wish I had an auto...



But then I snap out of it and remember that I love rowing!

 

[DPelletier]

I don't race my truck and it sounds like Sambo needs a tow rig, but I agree, autos are better for racing.



Dave

 

[DPelletier]

PS, Marty1 - I saw the pictures of your truck and I must say that its the nicest looking 1st gen I've ever seen. Course I'm partial to duallies, Alcoas and NV-5600's. ... ... . Just don't tell anyone on the 3rd Gen forum I said so!



Dave

 

[cwienenga]

auto vs stick

I don't know what all the fuss is over shifting. I drive semi part time and am a diesel mechanic. personally I would kill to have a 5600 in my 1st gen. , (and will if I get the money before I will spend all that $$$ for a beefed auto). I can't imagine what it would be like to pick the gear,let out the clutch and have the truck move without waiting for it to get around to it. not to mention the fuel being wasted in the slippage,or the exhaust brake,or the cooler lines or cooler or extra cooler or even guage. Keep oil in a manual trans and it's good forever with proper mainteneance except for parts defects. And if it breaks,you can go in and fix the part that's broke. Since I was a kid,if a auto brakes,it's and overhaul and one you can never do yourself. Most of the problems I see on the site have something to do with the auto's.

JUST MY OPINION,CAN'T YOU TELL!!

CLIFF

 

["Mad Max"]

Thanks for the replies fellas - Here's what I'll be doing and how often:

Serious towing - 30%

RV'ing w/ bed camper - 30%

Off road - 10%

Toying around scaring little kids - 25%

Parallel parking - 5% (or just park ON the cars)



Sounds like, in the big picture, it boils down to if you like to row or not. In my case the rig will also be 4wd for the weather, and I also plan on doing some light off roading in the Colorado back country (yeah, I know it'll be a bit long and wide, but so are the trails!), and I think I'd prefer to have the auto while crawling around. Doing the lock-up converter thing is absolutely a must if I do the auto - won't have it any other way. And if so I can also have the exhaust brake, and if I can get both I think I'll probably go the auto route.



I think I need to go drive a newer one again to get a new baseline on the sticks.



I appreciate the info y'all - big decision, but either way will be awesome! ... more to follow.

- Sam