Just drove a HO 6-spd, FORGET IT

[MikeR]

azcummins,

I agree with the posts above that there must have been a problem with the ETH because the ones I've driven are very strong. Also,the truck isn't broken in when compared to one that is. But my advice... keep your 5spd. I'm going to pi$$ everyone on this thread off,but I ended up liking the 5spd for BOMBing better. I got rid of my '99 ETC 5spd for a '00 ETC 6spd,and now I realize it was a big mistake. Sure the 6 is nice to drive,but when it comes down to hot-rodding,the 5spd beats it.

I know John and Evan are sick of hearing me say it,but I wish I had my '99 5spd back... I can't afford to get rid of my '00 because I'm in too deep(mods-wise) and my pay off is low.

-Mike



[This message has been edited by MikeR (edited 05-25-2001). ]

 

[Mad Max]

To continue:

To beef up a DEE:

Add one Clutch... we'll say $1,600 for giggles.
Optional Eaton/Fuller PTO filter Kit about $30 and One five gallon bucket (lifetime supply?) of Texaco 1874 MTX about $50.

To "BEEF" an AUTO:
Converter
Valvebody Mod
Temp gauge, coupler and fittings.
GALLONS OF QUAILITY FLUID
One DEEP MH Pan
A clutch lockup switch would likely be good add, but probably not a need.
Then I think BD has a Line Pressure gizmo that cranks up line pressure to get better shift performance, but I don't know if such an item would be a must once a Valve body mod has been done, I imagine it wouldn't hurt.

I'd wager one would spend fair bit more beefing up an auto compared to the dee when HP/TQ #'s deviate wildly from stock.

I'd also expect overhauling a DEE to be a bit less expensive than the auto (which could be an issue with how long our trusty Cummins run. )

In defense of the auto, at the outer limits, the auto can be configured to better deal with Insane Power Levels. See HVAC as a case in point for this. (he switched from 5spd to auto) But most aren't looking for such extreme output.

It's all relative to one's intended use, physical abilities and personal preference.

Max

 

[Cobra]

Hey guys,

Tell me again about ETC/DEE and ETH

I know i'm a little slow on the uptake. I have a 2500 4x4 with the ISB. Help me understand.

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Bill Kute

 

[Archive]

I would not go back to my '95. My '01 ETH did not seem like a race truck. The way Dodge has setup the long flat torque curve, it would seem slow. I thought the truck was very strong but not as fast as my TST modified '95. After a few miles it started gaining power. But I still was not happy with the torque curve. Thanks to you guys I picked up a black box and now it goes just fine. The disc brakes should have been implemented in '96, I love them. Sorry Bob, I had to do it. #ad


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2001 RAM H. O. 6Sp 2500 SLT 4x4 QC, 4WDisc, 4. 10 LS, Fog Lights, Silence Ring Gone, Autometer Pro Comp 60# Boost & Pyro, Banks High Ram (Red), Cummins Red V. C. , K&N RE-0880, Skyjacker 2. 5 lift Class 2, 7218 Dual steering stabilizers, DT Pro Fab Trackbar(sweet), EGR Flares (nice fit), Centerline Comet III 16x9. 5 with Goodyear MT/R 315/75R16, Smittybuilt SS nurf bars, ExTang BlackMax tonno, Jardine Exhaust W/5" SS tip, " DON'T LET FEAR STOP YOU"

 

[David Wheeler]

Bill, I don't remember exactly what they stand for... but in short... .

ETC is the standard Cummins Turbo Diesel. ETH is the "high output" Cummins Turbo Diesel
DEE is the stock 6 speed transmission (only available with the ETH engine).

Hope that covers it for you,

David

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2001 3500 SLT, 4X4, ETH Cummins/DEE, LSD, 3. 54, Quad Cab, Long Bed, Agate, Camper Special Group, Towing Group, Additional Body Molding on Bed, Line-X bed-liner.

"REAL TRUCKS RATTLE!!"

 

[Todd T]

I'm with Mark on this one, when I bought my truck last august. I drove both, and also considered going back to a 12V again. do some simple math and the answer is in the results. my truck with the PM3 and exhaust will kill a ETH with the same mods easily.
how you ask, run em long enough and its EGTS will kill it for me.

I paid $1600 less for it. combine that with the 6 speeds shifting problems it makes them not worth looking at. plus the computers dont adapt well to mods, the clutch wont hold as much HP/TRQ, aftermarket clutchs cost more, have to change transmission fluid as part of your maintance MORE aften, etc, etc, etc.



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Todd,
2001 Q-cab SB 4x4 5spd 3. 55's,PowerMax3 adj. , A pillar Boost/EGT,4" turboback exhaust,custom built aluminum airbox W/K&N-RE0860 through the cowl, 310HP/675ft-lbs and more to come...

 

[joesoot]

If we all look at our purchases from the "ease and economy of BOMBing standpoint"
we'd all have 12Vs with the "BIG P PUMP".
The ETH is still relatively young in our Dodges. I'm sure withing the next 12 months some of our vendors will pull a few cards from their sleeves... as their are some bragging rights as well as money to be made.
ETH-ers keep yer heads up and sit tight.


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2001 2500 4x4 ETH/DEE
3. 55 LSD, Straight pipe.

 

[J D Young]

I bought a 6 speed HO in 12/00, my first shifter since my Toyota in early 70's. Had fun for about a week. IMO, I don't want to "row" to work. Saw an auto in March, same truck, same color. Bought it, lost $6K for 10K miles, put an EZ on it, and there is no question it will outrun the D. S. out of my old 6 speed. Pulling heavy all the time, 6 speed is the way to go. Typical city/suburb crap unloaded, shifting sucks.

 

[WCrovo]

There is a Jack for every Jill. I've had both a 99 auto and my new ETH/DEE. I tow alot and there is no comparison. Period. I love driving my 6 speed anywhere anytime. Just got back from Myrtle Beach SC and this thing was a pleasure even with a head wind. Stock it dose awesome, come on now you can't tell me the auto will pull like my stick. The two Dodges were as different as night and day. The six speed is no drag racer around town but it romps on the hiway with a big load.

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

 

[larryq]

"Row To Work". .

Hahahahhahahahahah

Oh My God... ...

That's got to be the funniest thing I've heard all week.....

#ad
#ad
#ad


I almost Peed my pants!!!

FUUUNNNNYYYYY!!!!

I've still got tears in my eyes!!!

WOW... . Can I Use that one?????

Larry #ad

 

[JSchooley]

Just had to stick my nose in on this one.

I've had a 97 5sp which was very strong but had too big a gap between 4th and 5th.

A 99 Auto which I chipped to get back to the power of the 97.

I am in the middle of a long pull with my new HO 6 sp. It pulls almost as strong stock as by 99 did chipped. Fuel economy is much better, from 10. 5 to 13. 5 towing, 21 solo. The 6 sp gears are spaced very nicely for towing. And at 61 I still don't mind pushing the peddals to paddle it down the street.

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John S. '01 Silver QC LST 2500 6sp 3. 54. BD E-Brake. 50 Gal Aux fuel/tool box.

 

[JSchooley]

Just had to stick my nose in on this one.

I've had a 97 5sp which was very strong but had too big a gap between 4th and 5th.

A 99 Auto which I chipped to get back to the power of the 97.

I am in the middle of a long pull with my new HO 6 sp. It pulls almost as strong stock as by 99 did chipped. Fuel economy is much better, from 10. 5 to 13. 5 towing, 21 solo. The 6 sp gears are spaced very nicely for towing. And at 61 I still don't mind pushing the peddals to paddle it down the street.

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John S. '01 Silver QC LST 2500 6sp 3. 54. BD E-Brake. 50 Gal Aux fuel/tool box.

 

[jstyer]

I switched from a '99 auto to the 01. 5 DEE/ETH and the difference is unbelievable. I don't know how much the Git Kit helped but I just got back from Ozark, Missouri to West Virginia and I want to tell you that there wasn't a speed limit I couldn't break pulling the 35' 5th wheel going up mountains. Didn't need to downshift at all. Don't know how you got hooked up with such a lemon. Go back and try another one somewhere else. These trucks are AWESOME!!!!!

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'01. 5 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, PacBrake,Banks Git Kit, Banks pyro & boost guages and VDO fuel pressure guage, 35 foot Hitch Hiker 5th wheel.

 

[Hammer]

Well since I enjoy "rowing" at work as much as I do going to and from(since I drive truck and run 5500 miles a week),,The 6 speed looks like alot of fun to me,,My slightly modified 12 valver a 5 spd and a soon to be in my garage 6 spd HO,guess I can say I'll row with the best of them,,Now if I can only figure out how to mount some friggin wheels on my canoe and get somebody who's got game with a oarless canoe(to simulate and automatic canoe)we can race out front here at my shop and let the best rower win,,Can you just picture that,whoooooo!!!!!!

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98, Flame Red, Quad Cab, 2500, 4x4, 5spd, Autometer and Cyberdyne gauges,Edelbrock Performer IAS shocks,TST#10 plate,16cm housing, B-D Exhaust Brake,Timing Advanced,K&N,Totally Amsoiled,Cat Muffler and Silencer ring ALL M. I. A. ,A BOMBING IN THE PROCESS!!

 

[Hammer]

Man you guys are killing the hopes of a soon to be HO owner,,I drove one locally and thought they scatted along great for a stocker,,Are we sure some of us did not forget how our trucks rans in the factory configuration,,I'm not sure how much work its going to take to equal a modified 12 valver cause I'm new to the electronics game,,Seems like you got a bad truck and need to find another for a better or second opinion,,One thing I do know,with all the companies out there trying to one up each other on new technology for these trucks,its only a matter of time till they toy bucket is as full as the 12 valvers is... ...

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98, Flame Red, Quad Cab, 2500, 4x4, 5spd, Autometer and Cyberdyne gauges,Edelbrock Performer IAS shocks,TST#10 plate,16cm housing, B-D Exhaust Brake,Timing Advanced,K&N,Totally Amsoiled,Cat Muffler and Silencer ring ALL M. I. A. ,A BOMBING IN THE PROCESS!!

 

[RAMalama]

It's hard to enjoy the strong engine when your gears are done in 700rpms! I've got the 4:10 and I'm never in any gear long enough to see the motor show it's stuff. 5th and 6th on the highway hotfooting around is directly comparable to my abosutley stock 95 CTD with 4:10s. Remember 1st and 6th are the EXACT same ratio in the 5600 as they are in the 4500. You can verify that by noting top gear cruise speed vs rpms from the two trannys using the same final drive ratio. 2nd thru 5th are simply close ratio. I bought mine to pull heavy. My 95 (being stock) DEFINITELY showed the shortcomings of 5 gears. I am 19,840lbs on the 95. Over 20k in the '01. 5 The jump fm 2 to 3 was hurendous(sp?) when heavy and on a hill. 3rd to 4th was more of the same but at least if I couldn't make it, I'm stuck in 3rd and could go 30-35mph. Man I was hard on that truck. The 6spd should solve all of this for me. It's the most expensive 'gear splitter' I've ever seen but it came with a new truck! It's a lot of shifting empty or loaded but I wouldn't have it any other way. With an auto, who wants to be a passenger behind the steering wheel anyway!!!!
Oh yeah, THAT might get the 'ol forum going...
R/ Ian!

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2001 2WD Quad Cab HO 6speed 4w disc brakes. Less than 1500 miles. Bought 18MAY01!!! 35ft 14K-lbs triple slide 5er. Truck is completely stock so far...

 

[J D Young]

Originally posted by walter crovo:
There is a Jack for every Jill. I've had both a 99 auto and my new ETH/DEE. I tow alot and there is no comparison. Period. I love driving my 6 speed anywhere anytime. Just got back from Myrtle Beach SC and this thing was a pleasure even with a head wind. Stock it dose awesome, come on now you can't tell me the auto will pull like my stick. The two Dodges were as different as night and day. The six speed is no drag racer around town but it romps on the hiway with a big load.

Walter,
You are right, I can't tell you the auto will pull like your six speed, and I didn't tell you that. As I said, "for pulling heavy, the six speed is the way to go". No question about that! My situation is, I pull heavy about 2 times a month, the rest I am empty & just running all over Houston, hence the auto works best for me.

 

[COBRAJET]

PAYCHECK,

The PSD is a little quicker than the Cummins, but not by much. The Cummins tows great. It towed our 37' Montana this weekend about 150 miles. Empty weight is 10. 7K, gross is 14. 4K. It was probably right in the middle putting me real close to 20K combined. I averaged 12. 8mpg. The PSD is around 10. 5 with the same trailer... but the PSD is around 2500 lbs heavier and has 4. 10's. All things being equal the Cummins would likely get 1 to 1. 5 mpg better. It sure holds 6th gear up the so called hills we have here.

MoparMuscle,

The oil leak was coming from a core plug on the back of the engine. It appears to be fixed. It has not leaked a bit in 500 miles. . knock on wood... CJ

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2001. 5 ETH QC 4X2 Laramie, 3. 54's, EZ, Boost Elbow, DD2's, 4" Jardine, A-Pillar Guages

99. 5 PSD CC 4X4 DRW Lariat, Auto With 4. 10LS, HOT Superchip, Banks downpipe and BHA, 4" ATS exhaust, propane, triple guages, 4" Rancho lift with BFG 255/85/16 Mud Terrains, Reunel Bumpers with 12K WARN and PIAS 409/866

PSD Picks

 

[DonS]

Originally posted by RAMalama:
Remember 1st and 6th are the EXACT same ratio in the 5600 as they are in the 4500. You can verify that by noting top gear cruise speed vs rpms from the two trannys using the same final drive ratio.

According to my 2001 shop manual, the 4500's 1st & 5th ratios are 5. 61:1 and 0. 75:1, while the 5600's 1st & 6th ratios are 5. 63:1 and 0. 73:1. While they're close, they are most definitely not the "EXACT same ratio".

-Don


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2001(. 5) 2500 HO 6spd 4x4 QC LWB SLT+ Tow Pkg 3. 54 LSD, Shift-on-the-fly, Patriot Blue / Agate

 

[Rcpilotlv]

What About the list price of 975 or so for the auto? The manual 6 speed is 600! And you get the 15 HP Two, forgot to mention the added torque.