Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) keep looking for a manual?

[Ncostello]

This is my first post as a new member... . so here goes. After reading all I can about automatics vs. manuals, and the costs associated with maintaining, rebuilding, and improving each, I cant decide. I've been looking for about a year for the right truck and finally found one I really like... except its automatic. I dont mind automatics too much but after reading all the bad things that can and usually happen to them, I'm hesitant to even consider buying one. And the cost to swap in a manual seems to be too high according to the archives I've read. The truck in question is a 1998 2500 12V auto that was used on occasion to tow a camper, and not much else in terms of work. Its never had a problem, shifts fine, and all but I'm worried its waiting to cost me $3500 for a really good automatic rebuild. I dont tow anything. It will just be a daily driver... cause I enjoy trucks... especially the Cummins Dodges. Thanks.

 

[WadePatton]

Welcome Aboard!



oooooh, the rare '98 12v! If you can stand an auto, then go for it. Just save some $ as you go for the transmission upgrades. Forget converting it, that get$ $tupid and kills re$ale.



I'm soon to be spending $1000 or so for a bomb-proof clutch.



Personally I can't stand an auto so it took about 4 weeks of searching daily on the internet, over a 750-mile radius, to find my truck. Drove 16-hour round trip to get it. IT WAS WORTH IT.



2WD 3/4's are not common--then add the manual requirement--makes hen's teeth look plentiful.

 

[Ncostello]

Thanks Wade. .



I'm near Terre Haute IN... . home of one of Schied Diesels offices. I get all my work and many parts for our volunteer fire engines there. They got me interested in Diesel Dodges. Plus our newest engine pumper has an ISC 330 HP so the B5. 9 seems a natural progression for me. I already have an inline 6, but its a Ford 300 gasoline in an F-150. 200,000 untouched miles, manual shift. This is where I get my love of manuals and inline 6's. Now I just want it in a diesel format.



Anyway, I really like the manual dodges because... with the right exhaust, you really get that big rig sound unlike any other diesel pickup ever made. I'll probably never increase power from stock. I like reliability and longevity.



You are right though, 2WD 2500 5spd Club-Cabs are tough to find. Seems like all I can ever find on the internet are in Texas. They must not have the weather to require 4WD trucks. And I really have no use for a 4x4.

 

[WadePatton]

The first time I heard a straight-piped Cummins manual, I turned around looking for a dump truck.



That was when I said I've GOT to have one of those. That was also over five years ago.



And my truck did come from TX.



OH but you've opened the door now--get ready for folks with MO POWER to tell you how many flawless miles they have on their trucks.



At the absolute very minimum I'd have gauges and an EZ--and no muffler and BHAF.



I finally drove an EZ the other day. I don't think you could hurt a thing with that. It was fun, but I've already set my sights higher.



And being next-door to Shied, you'll BOMB it eventually!

 

[Got Smoke?]

Originally posted by WadePatton





I finally drove an EZ the other day. I don't think you could hurt a thing with that. It was fun, but I've already set my sights higher.

Got a 3500 on this end "supposed" to be getting a PM3 in anothe week or two.



That'll be fun to ride in, maybe even drive since I'm the one taking him to Tom.



At least for the first couple of weeks... . till he kills his clutch. :-laf



You know who I'm talk'n about Wade, I told ya about him. I'll try and get pictures if he and I ever go up there.

 

[illflem]

Ncostello, the stock ATs aren't really as bad as everyone makes them out to be, they are actually a pretty heavy duty unit. It's when you jack the hp above the design parameters that problems occur. Driving style also influences transmission life, manual or auto. I have 182k on my stock AT with mild mods and only 24k servicing. With a '98 you might have to settle for what you can find. Good luck.

 

[Ncostello]

Thanks for the advice everyone. Either way, I am getting one. Soon too. I cant stand the thought of buying another gas truck and pass up what I've wanted for 10 years.



Neil C.