Manual versus Auto

[subby73]

So there's a 13 on my local lot that has the G56. I owned a 10 with the 68 for a year and a half towing 10K lbs in the mountains of Utah and Idaho. I can't seem to edit my sig right now but I've owned an 02 NV5600, 03 NV5600, 06 Ford 6. 0L auto, 09 GMC Allison, and the aforementioned 2010. I'm running a GMC gasser right now. Don't ask. Kids are expensive. Anyway, I only list those vehicles so you know I have had some experience towing with autos and manuals of different flavors. For some reason this 13 is calling to me. Going in, I know I'm giving up almost 200 ft lbs but I def spend enough time prowling and growling in deserts and mountains to make me consider the manual.



So question 1 is: Is the transmission temp of the manual taken into the computer? Is TM accomplished due to it? The question is prompted by a friend who has owned an 05 dually NV5600 and an 06 auto since new. He claims the 05 has always hands down out pulled the 06, not even a close race. I know the 10 I had never felt nearly as strong, especially off the line, as my 09 Duramax. Both were running 3. 73s. And the transmission temps would really rise when I couldn't get into 3rd, such as towing on mountain roads to a camp spot, like AH64 has stated. The Duramax just never did that. I guess what I'm trying to say is, it would be curious to be able to do a real world test of continuous power and torque throughput between a manual and an auto on a long, 6-8% grade. Woulld the difference between the 2 torque ratings be much closer at the top of the grade due to torque managment? I'm really not trying to talk myself into the manual. Ok, a little. But some conversation on the topic would be much appreciated.



Question 2: Has anyone else looked under a 14 yet? Check out the front diff. I think it's the same 9. 25 as previous but, wow, the increased gusseting! It looks massive! I can't find the ratings for the 14. Anyone? And they have gone from having 4 arms locate the axle front to rear to 2, similar to what Fords been doing since 05. I really wish I could see the GAWRs and such of the 14.



Monday I'm going to see if all the talk on the radio from this dealer has any substance to it, as they are clamoring about 10K off a new CTD! We'll see.



Thanks for any input!

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

go to www.rambodybuilder.com for specs. The front is a 9. 25 and that size has proven sufficient since 2003; it is reverse cut so full strength. The formerly used Dana 60, 9. 75", lost 20% strength by running backwards in a front end application. You can see my writeups on the G56 in Issues 68, 71. I recommend the 385 HP/850 ft lb Cummins with the Aisin transmission. There are a lot of them left over across the country. You can check inventory on www.ramtrucks.com

 

[RVTRKN]

As much as I hate to admit it, the Aison is the correct transmission, the G56 is adequate at best, but when clutch replacement time comes, it gets expensive for the solid mass flywheel conversion and it becomes a noisy *******. I just converted mine to the SMF, and if the new trucks weren't 50K, I probably would buy another with the Aison. Don't confuse your NV5600's with the G56 for capability, the ability of the G56 with the proper setup can be a good transmission but are not in the same class as your NV5600's.

 

[subby73]

Joe & RV, Thanks for the comments! OK, guess I'll have to wait a little longer then. This truck stickered at 47300, which is as high a number for an msrp as i can go. Was hoping to get it otd for a little over 40K. I'm not making anything near what most on this site must be making since it seems there are more people with 55-60K+ trucks than the ones I can afford. And the lots seem to reflect that as there are 5-8 loaded to 1 thats in my price range. And to be honest, I'm not sold on the 68RFE. The one in my 10 never impressed me. The 09 Duramax I had just before it would run circles around it and I'm talking same trailer and same hills. I just don't think it puts all the power to the driveshaft that it receives from the engine. And my temps would be hitting 220-230 often when pulling my 10K toyhauler on mountain roads due to slow speeds and no lockup. I had to utilize low range often. The final straw for that truck was the mileage. It was getting 17 empty hwy when I first bought it but I swear there was a flash or a real problem that suddenly had it struggling to get 14 on the same roads. Looks like I'll just have to keep saving my green so I can afford the 850/Aisin combo. Thanks again.

Subby

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

If you find an ST (Tradesman) with Cummins and Aisin it is still very well equipped and the rebates are good. The G56 is usually adequate but I'd rather get a lower trim level with the Aisin than a Laramie with the other transmissions. Contact me if you wish and I will see what I can find.