Fellow TDR member in need of your opinions

[Deezal Man]

As many of you may remember, I have one of the very first 24v's to roll off the assembly line. Overall its been a great truck. Naturally its got its quirks. . Such as the ever popular slop box known as a TC. And what I think might be the TPS... kicking the transmission out of OD in rainy weather. . ???
But no-one can fix... because it doesn't show on the computer or act up at the dealer.

Its has close to 28K on the odo, been garaged its whole life. And last but not least... its paid for!!!

SO... . Am I crazy to be wanting a HO 6 speed?

I have new gauges and shocks in my garage just waiting to be installed. I think the only reason I haven't done anything is... . do I want a new truck or not?? Do I wait for the new model? Course I can't say that I like the pictures of the new RAM. . someone posted here.

Naturally I'm concerned that I'll take a beating on my 98. 5. .

Is it really worth the extra money I'll have to dish out? What am I really gaining? I almost never tow... so do I want the 6 speed or 5? For the same or less money I could probably install a bunch of upgrades to the motor as well as the transmission.

Side note:
Just got off the phone with a DC sales rep who said the 6 speed would be a pain in the neck if I didn't tow. . he thought the 5 speed would be a better match for me. I haven't driven either... so I don't know.

What should I do.

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98. 5' 24v 2500 Auto/3. 54 4x4 SB QC 285-75-16's on Alcoa's. Everything but leather. PIAA 1200's, AMSOIL dual filter relocation system, Smittybuilt Stainless Steel Nerfs, Rhino Liner(Junk), K&N air filter(For Sale)15 year AMSOIL dealer. Time permitting, Soon to include Ultra-lite Pyro,0-50lbs boost, Trans temp in the pillar. Rancho 9000's with in cab adjustment.

 

[Alan Reagan]

Wow, Deezal, tough call. I had a 98, paid for and it had an automatic. Then I ordered a 2001 ETH/DEE. It's not the fastest thing off the line with the six speed but I just returned from a 650 mile round trip last night and I really like the truck. When I traded my 98 I got a really good price for it and it was a 12V. I did it and I'm glad I did. I like the HO. I like the six speed when I'm towing and I like 20 mpg when I'm traveling 75 mph down the road. I like the 22 mpg when I do 60. I'd trade again.

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2001 HO 6 spd 2500, 4. 10 LSD, Towing Package, Electric Brakes, SPA EGT/Boost Gauges, Fog Lights, Real Backup Lights, Molded Running Boards

 

[RedRam1]

Deezel,

That DC rep is full of it! I've got a 2001. 5 H. O. /6 speed and have been very pleased. The 6 speed is great both empty and towing (~10K). Drive 'em both and I'll bet you end up with the 6 speed.

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2001. 5 2500 4x4 Quad SLT SB 3. 54 ETH/DEE

 

[Pete Peterson]

Here is the deal pure and simple, If you like the ETH/DEE then by God get one!!!!!!
You ain't going to get a second chance at living your life so go for what you want. My 99 dually was perfect and yet I traded for a ETH/DEE and have not looked back. They are all great trucks!! Pete

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01. 5 Loooaded up!!!!!

 

[dresslered]

Hey Deezal Man-
I can't really tell you what to do about selling vs. keeping especially with that last option (its paid for). But what I can tell you is that the 6-speed is anything but a pain in the neck! I use the truck mainly as a commuter over a winding mountain road and then busy city streets and it is a pleasure the WHOLE way! When I do load it up to GVWWR, then it is just that much more of a pleasure.

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David Dressler
2001 Driftwood 3500 Quad Cab 4x4, 155 inch WB, HO Cummins (ETH), 6-Speed (DEE), SLT+, 3. 54 LSD, Camper Special, Trailer Tow, Heated Leather, Sliding Window, Jacob's E-Brake, Rhino Liner, VDO Vision (pyro, boost, engine + diff. temp. ), Weather Guard Diamond Plate Saddle Box, Tork Lift camper tie-downs, Mag-Hytec, Mopar Tow Hooks, AND functional Halo light!
Bigfoot 3000 10. 11 Slide-in Camper. "Do it in a Dually"

(GVWWR = Gross Vehicle Whopping Weight Ratio)

[This message has been edited by dresslered (edited 02-07-2001). ]

 

[Barry]

Love my 6spd! Besides, you can't get the HO engine without it!

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2001 2500 QC, ETH/DEE,4:10s, LSD, EZ with elbow(26. 5PSI) Boost/Pyro Guages, 4" Turbo back, BD Brake,Mag-Hytec Cover, Kleen Wheels, Energy Release, 70 gal. fuel, 20K Reese. 25,000 Miles on 01/30/01(RV Dealer)

 

[Grant]

Deezel Man I had the same problem with the TC lock unlock it almost drove me crazy until I finally figured it out. It only does it when it is raining right? That's the way mine was anyway. What is happening is your trans computer is picking up electrical interferance from your windshield wipers. Insulate your windshield wiper wires and your problem will disapear at least mine did. Hope this helps you it solved my problem. Oh BTW I forgot to mention I also have one of the early 98. 5 24v's

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[jstyer]

You're not crazy for wanting an ETh/DEE. I loved my '99 quad cab and only had 36K on it, but when the chance came to get a HO 6spd,I jumped all over it. I had even ordered a Git Kit and Temperature Guage for my '99 and now have them with nothing to put them on because I got rid of the '99 while the parts were in transit and they wont work on the 2001 ETH, but I WOULDN'T TRADE IT FOR ANYTHING!! I'm 57 yrs old and love my HO. You have to grab the brass ring when it passes you.

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'01 2500 QC 155"WB, White, 4x4, ETH/DEE, 4. 10 LSD, SLT, All power, Trailer , Plow Prep and Camper Special Group, Keyless Entry,Flip-up Towing Mirrors, Lund Window Deflectors and Running Boards, Profile Plus Bug Shield, Century raised top cap (thanks to the TDR Classifieds). Loved my '99 but couldn't pass on the HO 6spd. What a beast out of the box!

 

[Archive]

I just traded in my 1995 Cummins w/5speed transmission. I did not have any problem with the transmission except around town driving,I allways was either too high a gear for taffic or too fast to downshift vice versa. Definite PITA!
I drove that truck with all its querks fo over 6 years all over the country. I drove three different 6speeds. Two had power, one was a dog, but all three shifted great and now since I bought one I shift less arond town, more of a pleasure.
If you are worried about taking a big hit on your trade go online to Kelly bluebook or nada and see what its worth, then I found the Invoice price for a new truck (Dodge of course). Tried a couple of dealers locally got the run around. I then looked for the internet dealer close by and told them, this is a fair trade in price for my truck your truck at cost since Dodge gives you 3% of msrp when it is sold.
Sorry to be so long winded, but I hate to see people get screwed by dealers. We have to put up with there service departments

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2001 RAM H. O. 6Sp 2500 SLT 4x4 Quad Cab, 4Wheel Disc, 4. 10 Limited Slip, Mopar Bug guard, Mud Flaps and rubber slush mats,CD Radio, AC, Fog Lights, Lost Muffy, Silence Ring Gone, K&N, Van Aaken 245HP (Oh Ya),THE BOMBING HAS JUST BEGUN!!!

 

[Okie-Go]

I traded an early 98,automatic,built oct of 97,on a 2001 HO 6spd. I have never regretted it.

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2001 quadcab slt 2500 HO 6spd. LWB,2wd,dk garnett red, trailer tow package,camper special, anti spin 3. 54 axle, 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

 

[dmurdock]

I may be able to give you an interesting viewpoint... my first cummins was a 98. 5 with a 5spd. The only reason i sold it was that I needed a crew cab. My current truck is an eth/6spd. Between the 5spd and 6spd, I personally prefer the 6spd because the gears are spaced more evenly (no monster shift from 2-3 like in the 5 spd). Remember as far as shifting goes, your really talking about a 4spd or a 5spd, because unloaded you won't use 1st except to creeeeeep in traffic or start on a very steeeeeeeep hill. Between the two trucks, I like the '01 better, mainly for the 6spd, but if i had a 98. 5 that was paid off, I wouldn't even think twice-i'd add the mods i wanted and drive it into the ground without a second thought.

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'01 Eth 3500 4x4, Amsoil air filter, AutoMeter boost & egt on pillar mount. See My Truck and also be sure to read What tools & methods to use for an easy 1st oil change!!!
"Be happy you don't get all the government you pay for. " -W. C. Fields

 

[Wiredawg]

I love my 6-spd. I drive in D. C. traffic and do the shifting without even a second thought. But, if I had a paid for Cummins truck, I'd keep it, BOMB it and drive the heck out of it.

Tough call.

Wiredawg #ad


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2000 4X4 SLT QC 8' bed; 6 spd, 3. 54 ; BD exhaust brake and 4" exhaust syst; TST PM2; Airlift Super Duty rear air bags; RS 9000 shocks; pyro/boost gauges in 2 gauge a-pillar mount; back preasure gauge mounted under dash; KN air filter; Brown's Welding brush/grill guard, rear bumper & headache rack; nerf bars and aluminum roll top rear cover, Warn front receiver and Hadley air horns, 20K Reese hitch.

 

[E7mack96]

I traded my '99 QC 3500 auto for a 2001 ETH/DEE. Only had 31,000 on the '99 and I did lose a littleon it as it wasn't paid off, but I am hard on an auto and I felt it was about to puke. I really like my 2001. I am not as thrilled with my powermax 2 on it, though. Seeems to be missing some top end. Otherwise, Its' a good one to BOMB. If your '99 is paid off, you shouldn't be too bad off on the deal. Go for it, You'll enjoy the 6 speed.

Tony

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2001 3500 QC 4X4 Cummins H. O. & 6 Speed, Powermax 2 and needing more power!!!!

 

[WCrovo]

No question for me. Got rid of my 99 auto for my 2001 ETH/DEE. More power, bigger pumpkin, superior brakes, fun to drive with stick. I took a hit on my 99 but have no regrets. The new truck is everything the old one was not. I still get a big ol smile when I drive this thing, I love shifting the 6 speed, even in town you will be surprised at how little shifting you will be doing with the 6 speed. If god had a truck it would be a ETH/DEE.



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2001 2500 tow, camper, SWB, ETH/DEE, 3. 54 Bright white,4 wheel discs.

 

[Bigsaint]

I also have a ETH/DEE and love it. Don't worry about the shifting, you won't be doing as much as you think with the 6 speed. I live in a rural and extremely hilly town and usually drive in 4th or 5th. There's alot of rpm range in those gears. My only other advice to you is to get the 5 speed if your sole intent is to Bomb same, the ETC is much better suited to Bombing than the ETH. If your going to stay stock, go with the ETH, you won't be sorry.

Scott W.

 

[David_VT]

Well, the long awaited has finally arrived. My wife asked a small question which was a giant leap for her... ...

"How much do you think we can get for the Suburban?" (it's a '91 3/4 4x4 dog that has been paid off for 5 years)

Maybe the light at the end of that tunnel is finally 'on'.

Hmmmm ETC,ETH. . New, Used?? Hmmmm Maybe another 99 from one of you all jumping to the new trucks... Hmmmmm

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99' SB 4x4 : DDI's, HOT PE, SPA dual gauge, ESPAR, Line-X OTR, Ladder bars, AMSOIL, etc (GPS,Cell,CB,... . )
Green Monster

[This message has been edited by David_VT (edited 02-08-2001). ]

 

[Deezal Man]

Bigsaint,

You are not the first person to mention that BOMB'ing is better suited for the 5 speed rather than the 6. WHY?

Either way, my BOMB'ing would be limited to a box and injectors. . OK... maybe I'll toss in a 4" exhaust system as well. .

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98. 5' 24v 2500 Auto/3. 54 4x4 SB QC 285-75-16's on Alcoa's. Everything but leather. PIAA 1200's, AMSOIL dual filter relocation system, Smittybuilt Stainless Steel Nerfs, Rhino Liner(Junk), K&N air filter(For Sale)15 year AMSOIL dealer. Time permitting, Soon to include Ultra-lite Pyro,0-50lbs boost, Trans temp in the pillar. Rancho 9000's with in cab adjustment.

 

[NVR FNSH]

I had a '96 5spd with 4. 10s & now have a '00 6spd with 4. 10s - my dad 'stole' the '96. There really isn't much difference in the amount of shifting required around town. I get up to 1:1 (4th or 5th) and pretty much leave it there. Towing is the big difference between the two. How hard/expensive would it be to swap in a 5spd?

IMO - I wouldn't trade in your current truck. If it serves your needs then spend a few dollars on it and drive it for the next 10 years #ad
. I've never understood these guys that are trading in a 2-3 yr old truck just because something new came out - unless the truck truly had problems. I guess I just don't have their financial resources #ad


Brian

 

[dresslered]

I bow to you Bigsaint! #ad
#ad
#ad

 

[RKohn]

Opinions - Sure, here's some...

You're Crazy.
You're Short.
You're Fat.
You're Butt Ugly.
Oh, you meant about the truck...
#ad
#ad
#ad
#ad
#ad


Just kidding D-Man. #ad

You're not any crazier than the rest of us. Forget what everybody says and go drive some trucks. Think about what you're gonna do with it and only drive ones equipped accordingly.

You said you don't tow. How fast do you normally drive? Chances are you don't need 4. 10's unless you want monster tires.

The big plus for the 6 is the larger clutch and HP, but it ain't exactly free. What HP can you BOMB to for the same $'s?

Do you wanna shift an extra time if you do a lot of city driving? I've got 5 and usually use 3 of them. Start in 2nd, mash the pedal to the floor and keep it there, hit 3rd hard, and wind'er out in 4th. I like the sound, and it scares the crap outta those little ricerockets. #ad


IMHO

Hate long posts?
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Me too!!!

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Y2K Red Stealth Sport 2500 4X4 QC SLT+, 5-spd, 3. 54 anti-spin, 265-75-16 LTX’s (There ain’t no such thing as options, cause ya gotta have it all, including: DC’s dead cow/vinyl interior and don’t stop anti-lock brakes. ) Stock, but not for long. Oops, too late. What silencer ring? (More fun than my 98 SST)