Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) just test drove a 6spd, talk about junk..

[rraulston]

well, i went down to the dealer and checked out a 2001 6speed they just got in. A 2wd 1 ton. I creeped up to the street in first and went. But i didnt go anywhwere!!! Cars are comming up fast!! I shift to second then third then fourth. Ime getting tired about now. Cant tell if it is going into gear all the way on each shift so i let the clutch out slow each time. I was thinking about trading my 99 3/4 4x4 W/ats auto. NOT!!! How do you guys put up with not feeling the transmission engauge/go into gear?? This truck had 410 rears but dang... ... I took off in 3rd at the next lite. Salesman would have killed for my truck. Says he has a long line for a 2500 4x4. The good news of the day is my unknown need for a manual has vanished. If half of you guys with manuals tried my truck, i bet you would trade yours off for an auto. Especially if you drive in town alot. P. S. this thread aint about any brand of auto... . we arent going there... ... Its about sitting back and watching you work too hard shifting while you watch my tail lights and me relaxin... ... ... RRR

 

[mgoncalves]

Different strokes for different folks I guess.



I would never buy a diesel with an auto, personally.

 

[Mad Bomber]

Auto

I drive a P. O. S. van for work with a auto I enjoy driving my clutch and look forward to getting into it to each there own. The clutch upgrade is a lot less than a auto. The southbend clutch was only 750. 00 Eric

 

[Rob Thomas]

Originally posted by rraulston

Its about sitting back and watching you work too hard shifting while you watch my tail lights and me relaxin... ... ... RRR

I won't be watchin' your taillights. It's a truck, real men know how to shift for themselves.



BTW, a 6-speed+ 4. 10's+little stock tires, add a blade to the front, and you have a bull dozer... ... ... ... . 3. 55's rule!



But like said above, to each his own, good luck with the slushbox.



Later, Rob

 

[Sixpack]

Is someone trying to stir the pot?

 

[new2dodge]

:--) my 5sp gives me no trouble off the light. in fact i'm usually the first one off the line at red light you were probably slipping the clutch to much or the clutch was bad. i've had autos and loved them but they aren't the clear ticket for a high torque motor like the ctd

 

[Ram4Sam]

He couldn't fool you!!!

"Salesman would have killed for my truck. Says he has a long line for a 2500 4x4. "



Of course we all know that a car saleman would never make up a line like that, just to make a sale. Good thing you were too smart for him!



Sam

 

[DMcClellan]

About 3-4 years ago I could hear myself running down the manuals, loving my automatic, then I test drove a 6 speed HO, knowing full well I would not be interested at all. It was on the lot, salesman said go ahead, give it a test drive. I've had that truck a little over two years now, my 3rd CTD, never like a vehicle as much as this truck. I only wish I had two more gears, I'm always wanted to shift into "7th" on the freeway, so much power left at 70 mph.

 

[rrausch]

Personally I think you are smart. I would never trade my '95 ATS'd 2500 for a stick either. With over a ton of flagstone in the bed it comes off the line just fine... stops a little slow though

 

[HOCummins04]

Bought my 6 spd used. First HO/6 Spd I drove had a bad transmission in it. Dealer bought at auction from Florida. Truck was for sale in WV. Insisted on talking to previous owner. Glad I did. He said it was bad. He used lemon law to get another just like it. He had 3 good ones before this one, and the one he now had was a good one.



At same dealership, I drove a SO with Auto that was brand new. It was incredible the difference in how much power the 6 spd had left at highway speeds vs auto. I realize this is all stock, but the comparison is valid for stock, which my truck still is (at least for now).



I too find myself reaching for 7th. The engine just does not want to quit. It just seems right to shift the transmission in such a truck (to me).



Clessie sure did right buy us.



BTW, bought my truck at another dealership that I found on autotrader.com.

 

[BillGotthelf]

To each his own. I've always had auto and put some decent power through them too. My 2003 is a HO 6 speed for x-brake and towing-its definitely different-but I'm used to it now but I won't be drag racing the 6 speed any time soon.

 

[parcher]

My last truck was an automatic/gasser 440. 727 popped twice dealing with the torque (rv cam, 10. 25:1 compression, head work, etc). Both times I broke hardparts in the trans probably due to Dynamic valve body (truck would chirp 2nd in drive). I wanted torque and durability so I got a 6 speed no regrets.

 

[jjohn]

Auto Manual

I want one of each!

 

[Scrappy]

6 spd junk!

How much did you say that you paid for your ATS auto transmission? Try to take an Auto, spend $2K (the price of a South Bend F. E. W. clutch) and try to hold 500+ Hp. ! That is all that I will have to spend to reach my goal. I'm not driving it as a race car so I don't care if you can beat me from light to light .

 

[rraulston]

now, now relax boys, i never said yours was a POS, i said the one i tested was. And ime glad it was. It saved me from making a mistake of trading mine in. I absoloutely could not feel the shifter pop into gear. I kept pushing and pushing and gritted my teeth everytime i let the clutch out. See, i tow NOTHING. Just joy ride in town all day. (And yes there is a waiting list for used CTD at my dealer. I was on it for 2 months and finally got the one ime driving now. ) Stir the pot... ... ... i own the pot... ..... RRR

 

[EricBu12]

That clutch must have been slipping. i know Mine did at 20K I got the SB Con OFE and now it is a positive engagement. I did a trackor pull and did 232 ft. I now have 331 HP at the wheels with just 2 boxes. Stock inj. stock turbo, 4" ex. and thats all.



Manuals are locked up , Autos slip.



I drive truck for a living so I like shiftin. I can speed shift without the clutch. It takes practice.

 

[Sticks]

Should have given it more time. I can't believe steal... dealers want you to base a decision on a five minute test drive. If it were me in the same boat, I would have insisted taking the truck for a weekend, unlimited miles, and get used to the transmission before I made a decision.



My stock ETH/DEE crawls in first (as it's supposed to) walks in second (I have yet to feel the turbo kick in in second), sticks me to the seat in third and fourth, and hits the 75 speed limit in fifth. Granted I have the 3:54's, but still...



Don't be afraid to run the rpm's up to 2500. 1800 - 2500 seems to be where the power band is.



Give the 6 speed a chance

 

[RustyJC]

We pull a 13,500 lb 5th wheel and are running 21,180 lbs GCW (21,500 lbs GCWR). I ordered this truck to tow, not to race. I couldn't ask for anything more than it gives in towing service - except maybe a 7th gear. I had a 96 3500 automatic that we used for towing - never again. On hills, invariably 3rd was too high and 2nd was too low - danged wide gear splits.



As we say in Texas, different horses for different courses.



Rusty

 

[Tomscreek]

I wouldn't buy it either, sounds like there's something wrong with it. Can't tell when it goes in gear?? Never heard of such a thing. Mine works perfectly and there's certainly no confusion as to what gear it's in or if it's in gear. Even my wife loves driving it.

 

[plongson]

Blasting manual transmissions... GET THE ROPE!!!!!