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

[Rman]

You need a 3/4 ton diesel pick-up to get groceries... . and you're bashing us because we drive stick shifts.



post edited for personal attack

 

[Hohn]

If *I* had a full aftermarket automatic installed, I would keep the truck, too!!! Sorry, dude, but they don't give you CRAP for the money you put into your truck. When you sink in the $$, be prepared to keep the truck, you will never get money out of it.



But I own the 6-speed. I love it. It's fun to drive. There are a number of simple reasons I got the 6-speed:



- had to with the ETH

- Seemed to be the strongest stock trans in a CTD

- Manuals are more direct, and hence, more efficient

- replacing clutch is MUCH cheaper than rebuilding auto

- Diesel engines need as many gears as they can get



I just couldn't talk myself into spending EXTRA $$ for a transmission that I would have to trun around and spend MORE $$$ on just to get it up to par. No doubt that an auto with a full (insert aftermarket vendor of choice) auto trans is a VERY nice ride. But for the cost of the $1200 option, PLUS the $$ for a full aftemarket rebuild, I can upgrade to an INDESTRUCTIBLE clutch, and still have $3000 left over for BOMBs.



It's not for everyone, but the DEE will reward those who are willing to put in the effort. To me, I had a hard time justifying all the negatives of the auto JUST BECAUSE I WAS LAZY.



Did I say "lazy"? I meant "the convenience factor"



HOHN

 

[rraulston]

the only ignorance and stupidity in this post Mr. Rhickman is posts like yours who try to put words into peoples mouths that were never said or implied. The only thing bashed was a used 1 ton sitting on a dealers lot. Its always a good idea to READ a post before replying to one... ... ... ... ... ... ... .....

 

[Dane]

1) Try the same test drive with 10K lbs behind you.



2) You don't use 1st on a 6 speed unless #1 applies.



3) With 4. 10s starting in 3rd is not a bad idea.



Gotta use your head when driving a stick vs automagic

 

[Heavy Metal]

Here's a better test drive for ya: take two stock 2001 CTDs, same number of drive axles, same final drive ratios- one with an automatic and one with a 6 speed. Roll down the highway (empty) at 60 MPH side by side and then both drivers hammer down at the same time. The results will be embarrassing. Do the same thing pulling a load and the results will be downright shameful. That's what these trucks are designed for. Wanna grocery gitter with a 6 speed manual that will get you to the next stoplight ahead of everyone else? Save yourself about $10,000 and buy a Ram Air Trans Am. Just so happens I've got one for sale .

 

[John]

Wanna grocery gitter with a 6 speed manual that will get you to the next stoplight ahead of everyone else? Save yourself about $10,000 and buy a Ram Air Trans Am. Just so happens I've got one for sale .

OK, I'll bite...



What year and what are the specifics on the T/A (all of them).







BTW, I'm more or less happy with my 47RE auto. equipped Ram (DTT enhanced). Although, some days I wish I had a 6-speed manual, other days when I'm stuck in bumper to bumper traffic I'm really glad I have an awesome auto!



And yes, I more or less use my Ram as a grocery getter. I wanted the Cummins engine... just because! Built the way my Ram is...



it doesn't do anything perfectly but almost everything really, really well!

 

[rdanley]

TO EACH THERE OWN



"AUTO" TO GO GET GROCERYS



"STICK" TO BRING GROCERYS TO MARKET



I WILL STICK WITH MY "STICK"

 

[Diesel Nut]

I love my 6 speed to death. I tow a 12500# 5ER and it's the only way to run down the highway. Like the others were saying, the clutch must have been bad. How many miles were on the truck? My truck you know for sure its in gear, and the clutch engages nice and firm and predictably. It does take some getting used to though. I traded in my 92 5 speed for the 02 6 speed and it took about 2 days to get the timing and feel right for clutching it, but after 27000 miles in that thing it's second nature. U probably just weren't used to it. It's a different animal.

 

[krs]

I've got the best of both worlds - DRIVE the stick and leave the auto to the woman.

 

[tazzen]

KRS,



you got the rite idea. i love my stick for work. but to do a little shopping it is nice to let the wife drive me around in her auto.

buy two . you cant go wrong than





ed

 

[Pit Bull]

rraulston

Sounds like you got a bad one to drive. If you are really interested in a 6 speed you need to drive a better example. Also don't ever start out in 1st that is a granny gear (unless you are hauling or pulling heavy). I've had both and I really enjoy the 6 speed. Feel more involved in the driving experience But since you do have the upgraded after market auto I would think you will take a big hit on the trade-in. Dealers never give you what that kind of upgrade is worth. Good luck.

 

[klaybus]

6 spd vs Auto

rraulston,

You had to get a bad test drive for sure! I drove an 02 HO 6SPD that I was considering buying & then chickened out on the new truck payments..... What a mistake! I bought my 99 used with the auto trans & as much as I love my truck I wish I would have bought that 02 I test drove. My brother bought an 02 with the 6 spd & he absolutely loves it. I wish I hadn't listened to the voices in my head that said buy a used one auto or stick..... With the costs involved with the auto trans upgrades whomever said $3000 towards bombs was right..... But you already know that running the ats auto. I'm trying to convince the ole lady now that I need $3499 for the trans upgrade & had I gone with the 6spd I think it would be alot easier sale on a SB clutch at $1000... .

The auto is nice but for the money & pulling & holding performance I wish I had done the 6 speed!



To each his own as several have said.



Clay

 

[Gonzo 1066]

Auto not!

Sorry about your bad time trying to drive a stick shift. There is a proper application for both units. If the primary use is general transportation and the ocasional haul the auto is the transmission of choice. My two trucks are not used as cars, when they are running they are towing near the rated limit. That is where the manual transmission shines. The exhaust brake may be a toy for smoeone that never tows however for those of us that tow for a living they pay for themselves in a short while. The exhaust brake just does not work well with the auto transmission. Towing heavy loads efficently and safley is the reason there are NO automatic transmissions in class 8 trucks.

 

[Futures1]

WOW

Somebody actually used 1st and 2nd in an empty 6 speed ???

 

[klenger]

Somebody actually used 1st and 2nd in an empty 6 speed ???

... and with a 2WD 4. 10!!!

 

[hammersley]

Give me a break ---

I've driven manuals as much as anybody and they're great for a lot of things - but let's be honest and forget the macho stuff about the manual transmission. If any of you guys out there can honestly say you haven't run into a real situation where an auto would be a great deal more useful - not meaning less shifting - but actually allow you to do something that otherwise would be very hard and or reduce the beating on your truck - well then you are in fact only driving to the market. I've been in a lot of very real steep places, that I had to back up and go sideways that I'm darn glad I had an auto rather than a manual. When was the last time you had to rock your rig - I did two days ago - stupid decision on my part I admit. This auto vs manual routine brings out the worst in people - some can't admit that there are real advantages in the other camp. Man are we pig-headed at times or what.....

 

[Hohn]

Don't get me wrong! There ARE times when an auto is a distinct advantage:



1) plowing

2) trailer maneuvering in confined space

3) Off-roading

4) Boat ramps??



You get the idea. I am not here to bag on someone for getting an auto (except in jest, fellas). My only point was that my final analysis led me to believe that the auto is sometimes an ADVANTAGE, rarely (if ever) a NECESSITY.



In the end, the auto is only about convenience. I will be the FIRST to admit that slugging the 6-gear in stop and go traffic isn't fun at all! But the advantages in other areas make up for it.



Driving a 6-speed doesn't make me more manly than some other auto guy. Just maybe a little wiser



Now if had to choose between a 6-gear and a aftermaket auto (with all options) for the SAME money, I would probably choose the auto.



It boils down to money for me: the stick is cheaper to upgrade, cheaper to fix, cheaper to maintain, and cheaper to own (better mileage, no ATF to change, etc... )



HOHN

 

[pwr2tow]

I bought my truck to work. I have driven both and for sheer pulling power the manual is probably the best, not by much but better. I will say I sure love the automatic for backing the stock trailer up to the chutes in tight places, and backing campers, stop and go traffic, city driveing, getting groceries, letting the wife back the boat into the water for me, trying to start out on a steep grade with trailer or camper in tow, etc. Each has there own special application with the auto being more versatile. The only time the manual really shines is when you have to pull a load on a steep enough grade to where you can not get enough speed for the auto to go into lockup, this can be disastrous for the auto. Fortunately with my upgrades I have not come across such a place. A stock truck would be a different situation on this steep grade. So each has their own place. By the way I know guys that buy $50,000-$60,000 cars just to buy groceries, and the same as us truck drivers to impress our friend and the ladies. Unfortuately i can not afford a $50,000 car.



Ron

 

[Pit Bull]

Were talkin about trucks right I thought trucks came with manual transmissions, so your wife would not take it away, and then you would be stuck driving her mini van That's why I got one with a stick :-laf

 

[Tomscreek]

6 Speed all the way!!!! (Tim Allen, rrr, rrr, rrr) , heavy duty diesel truck , rrr, rrr, rrr, 505 ft. lbs. of torque rrr, rrr, rrr, C'mon guys automatics are for girls!!