Manual or Automatic Transmission Opinion

[barracudabad64]

This will be my first Cummins diesel truck and I'm looking at getting either a 1st or 2nd Generation truck. I'm leaning towards a 12 valve engine but have been considering a Automatic over a manual transmission. I have always had a manual but being how this will be my last truck purchase and I'm would like to know what the majority feel about which is more trouble free. I see that most of the trucks available in the 1st and 2nd generation are automatics. I also notice that most new trucks are getting harder to get with manual transmission is this do to emissions and computer controlled systems or what? All opinions and thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Also I'm not doing any heavy pulling or loading, I have a 22 ft bumper pull trailer and a 16 ft car trailer that I use to haul my classic cars on .



Thanks for the help



George

 

[Grizzly]

Manual hands down. More especially pulling a 22' trailer.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Until this year when the Aisin could be bought in a pickup (3500 only), manual was the only way to go, for me. They all can stand some enhancements, which are mostly worked out by now. Properly done, the manuals, especially the NV5600 6 speed, are great transmissions.

 

[NIsaacs]

The 1st and 2nd. Gen. Dodge Cummins pickups are underpowered, stock. The early 1st gen used 3spd autos with the later ones, 4spds. The 2nd gen. were all 4 spd. The manuals will perform better if you leave it stock and stronger if you modify the power output. I would recommend the 2nd gen HO with the 6 speed. If you like the 1st gen. (and I do) get at least the 91. 5-93 with the 5 spd. and turn it up



Nick

 

[Bob V]

All second and 3rd gens up to 2007. 5 where 3 speed trannys with an overdrive. I personally feel this is not enough speeds to keep the Cummins, which has a relatively narrow power band, at the correct RPM. Especially when towing. 2007. 5 got a new set of emission standards and a 6. 7 motor with a lot of extra "stuff", and the 6 speed 68 RFE. This transmission has shown to be up to the task even with SLIGHT power enhancements. In fact, after 2011 you HAVE to have the auto to get the high output motor. If its worth the hassle of the extra emission "stuff" to get this transmission debatable. I tell EVERYONE who is looking at a pre 2007 Ram Diesel with an auto plan on rebuilding the transmission after you buy. Depending on your wants/needs the cost can be $2,000 to $6,000. But you are still stuck with a three speed with an overdrive. My 1997 and my 2005 where both manual trans and I would not even consider a auto in those years. Both had to have the clutches updated, the '97 twice. A good clutch is going to run close to $750 +, again, depending on your wants/needs. The clutch on my 2005 was so inconsistent with its engagement I never wanted to drive it, but that is another story. You already know about the 5th gear problems with the NV4500 trans, and even it had problems keeping the engine in the "sweet spot" when towing. A GSK (governor spring kit) will help with this, and the 24 valves do have a wider power band so its not as bad on those trucks. I personally think you would be happier waiting for a manual trans. You WILL find you "perfect truck"- right after you buy one you settled for

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

First Gen = 1989-1993

Second Gen = 1994-2002 (12 valve, 1994-1998. 4; 24 valve 1998. 5-2002)

Third Gen = 2003-2009 (5. 9L 2003-2007. 4; 6. 7L 2007. 5-2009)

Fourth Gen = 2010-present

 

[CKelley1]

second gen 12 valve p pump with a nv5600, run backwards from a auto

 

[barracudabad64]

Well thanks all for the help and advise. I can get by with my 6. 2 Chevy diesel until till next spring so no hurry to get a replacement truck. Thanks to you all I will keep looking for the perfect 1st or 2nd generation with the manual transmission. Hope you all have a safe fun filled summer.

George

 

[MarkEkberg]

For all the trucks I have owned/and used sticks are preferred. Biggest reason is the maint costs. You burn up a clutch on a stick it costs you $500 in parts, nothing in labor if your handy or some labor at a shop. If you turn up the wick on the motor it is same cost to upgrade clutch, unless you go really nuts with power.

Burn up a slushbox auto your looking at no less then a 3K bill for a replacement. If you turn up the wick it will run 5K or more for a auto to stand up to it. Autos are nice if your lazy, but expensive. Anything more then 100K on a auto your on borrowed time. Exceptions of the new Alli's and whatever Fords new one is.

 

[barracudabad64]

Mark Thanks for your opinion and information. I want a manual but they are hard to find so was just wanting some opinion from you veteran Dodge driver as this will be my first cumin's diesel and never owning a automatic truck was looking at a auto as a option but from all of the help here I'm going to hold out for a manual transmission.
Thanks and Hope your having a good summer.

George

 

[Simplysmn]

6 Sp Auto is the way to Fly with the new auto tran's they have in theses truck Why have to shift all the time your not going to be hauling 30,000 lb's behind you day n and day out why not just enjoy driving your truck . Put the truck in Drive and go atleast that's how I do it .

 

[Grizzly]

6 Sp Auto is the way to Fly with the new auto tran's they have in theses truck Why have to shift all the time your not going to be hauling 30,000 lb's behind you day n and day out why not just enjoy driving your truck . Put the truck in Drive and go atleast that's how I do it .

No offence, but some of us like going through the gears. I have always had a standard shift. Even on my cars, until I purchased my newest car, which is an 03 Toyota Avalon. I ordered it new with an auto because Toyota would not make it with a 5 or 6 speed manual.



Having said all that, if I were to order a new Dodge truck today, which I'm not, it would have the 6 speed Aisin. The only manual Dodge has now is the G56 with the DMF, which is inferior to what I have now. IMO.



george

 

[barracudabad64]

I think a lot of us that are die hard manual drivers are going to be stuck with automatic's as we up grade to newer trucks as it is harder & harder to find trucks with manuals being offered.

George

 

[Grizzly]

I think a lot of us that are die hard manual drivers are going to be stuck with automatic's as we up grade to newer trucks as it is harder & harder to find trucks with manuals being offered.



George

Yep, I agree. On the other hand the new Aisin is really worth considering. What I am being told by the experts is that it's a better transmission than anything else out there, including the Allison. I believe it's time for us manual transmission die hard's to make the switch to the 6 speed Aisin.



george

 

[Simplysmn]

Hey George no Offence taken I drive auto's because I have bad knee's and they don't miss very well with shifting but the Auto's have done nicely for me so I can't complain .

 

[barracudabad64]

I'm considering real hard at looking into the 1500 Dodge Diesel when it hits the dealership this fall. So if I do get one I'll be getting my first truck equipped with a automatic. I never thought that I would get a truck set up like that but I don't pull that big of trailers so the 1/2 ton will work fine for me. I sure hope that it is a nice a truck as all the advertisement we are see claims it is. I'm still going to keep looking for a 1st or 2nd gen with low miles and a manual.

George

 

[Sticks]

Regrettably I will not get into a new truck by choice. Keeping my last of the 2nd gens. All this emissions crap is a nightmare, and they are no longer any fun to work on.

Granted the newer trucks certainly have some power, and the transmission and integrated exhaust brake into that variable turbo is nice, but wow, what a chore to fix them.

It used to be my response to anyone who asked my opinion on the Fords - "Get rid of it before the warranty expires". Now I will say that about both Dodge and Ford. Not much experience with the Duramax versions, other than don't tweak the power and you'll be fine.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

It is true that the new Rams are harder to diagnose and repair, especially without the WiTech computerized diagnostics. However, they have great reliability. The systems that were new ten years ago have been refined substantially as weak spots were found, such as #4,6 injector lines, injectors, turbos, etc. When I got the 2004, I thought, if the better brakes save me one accident, it is worth it. Today's advanced airbags, traction control, brake assist, etc. could save your life one time. As for adding power, isn't 385 HP with 850 ft-lb "enough" vs. becoming your own warranty station and adding injectors, box, turbo, etc. to the older ones? Check out the massive components under the 3500--brakes, steering, suspension, etc. Now you can get the Aisin which is too good for a mere pickup, like the Cummins engine is. Gee, with all the upgrades to the new 3500s, they AREN'T mere pickups any more.

 

[barracudabad64]

It is hard for me to decide which one I will get like already stated the new trucks have a lot of the weak spot taken out of it, I guess for my self it is going to come down to how the new 1/2 ton strikes my fancy and of course what the price tag ends up being on them. I'm still going to look real hard for a 12 valve with the manual if I find a really nice one before the 1/2 ton hits the market I will probably grab it other wise I'm just going to keep my options open. The new 3. 4 tons are really nice but I just don't need the extra torque and horse power so the early 12 valve 3/4 tons or the new 1/2 ton will suit my needs just fine. So the search and waiting continues.

 

[Missouri Mule]

If you keep the nv 4500 5th gear at good speed the 5th gear nut should stay where it is. I'm closing in on 300,000 on mine nut hasn't loosened up yet. I have a friend who's husband drives like an old lady (shifting into 5th gear at 35 or lower) that has had the nut come loose twice. I told her I don't shift into 5th until I'm at 50 mph(and down shift at same speed) and if I have load in the bed I don't up shift until I'm doing 60-65 mph.



Look for 96 to 98 12 valve!