Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) manual vs auto

[ffken]

it seems to me that the auto is not as reliable as the standard 5 spd. not trying to start an argument but what do you know? what kind of life should i expect out of my 5 spd? i don't tow very often and most of my use is at freeway speeds.

 

[DHatfield]

I perfer to row my own gears as I feel the reliablity of a manual is much better. The only thing that can go wrong is the clutch slipping.

 

[monkeyman]

Before I got my CTD, I had a 1996 V10 with the 4500.

I broke the main shaft, the linkage and many clutches.

The truck was modified but did not have the HP or torque I have now. This of course is my own thoughts as I like manuals but not in my truck!

 

[Scheibins]

I've spent about $1700 on my transmission and it's holding up nicely.

This is my first auto in 15 years and it's a change, nice not having to shift all the time, but I miss the control.



Don't the 5sds have a problem with lossing 5th gear?

 

[rmrc]

There's no doubt in my mind that these trucks are made to have a manual transmission. You have more control and they're more fun to drive!!!!



The only reason I have an auto is due to a bad left knee. Can't take the chance of getting stuck in bumper to bumper traffic.

 

[y-knot]

I think you need to quantify your original statement on the automatics. The factory stock automatics seem to not be as reliable as the 5-6 speeds. I think a properly set-up automatic is far better then any 5-6speed. But the key is to have it redone buy the right people with the right parts. The automatic transmission is fast, smoother, and will develop more torque (TC UN-locked) then the stick. They are far more enjoyable to drive and to tow with. The key is to have them built right, and while Dodge doesn't seem to want to rethink their product line, I can see why many would opt for the manual transmission. You have to spend 1100-1200 more for the auto option, then another 4 grand to fix it right. It is a sorry situation, but till they decide to acknowledge the problem and get current like the Ford and Chevy products, Dodge people are stuck.

 

[Duluth Diesel]

I Like my 6-speed. I've always hated automatics. I completely lothe automatics. My wife's furd taurus has the auto, and I hate it. Like butter on a hot plate when it shifts, and only 17,000 miles. Yes, you can build an auto to be reliable and tough, but save the money and get a stick, unless your drag racing and the manual shifts hinder your performance.

 

[RustyJC]

For drag racing or empty street driving, automatics are OK.



For heavy towing (a 13,500 lb 5th wheel), I'll take my 6-speed (and, yes, the previous truck was a 47RE, so I've tried it both ways. )



Rusty

 

[Okie-Go]

I traded an auto for the 6 spd. I have not regretted it. I sometimes drive in stop and go traffic in Houston.

 

[ffken]

what kind of problems should i expect or plan for with my 5 spd other than the 5th gear going out. why does it go out?

 

[Ncostello]

I really wanted a 5-speed for this truck. And thats exactly what I found and bought. I wanted the control, engine brake compatibility (if I ever get one), durability (stock vs stock) and ability to "mess" with the turbo noise while shifting.



But I would love to have a properly built automatic. Sometimes I just dont want to mess with shifting. I've had 3 manual shift pickups and 3 automatics. Thus... I'm always on the fence when it comes time to buy a new one.

 

[CajunDieselMan]

I had an automatic in my '00 2500 and it was fine until I hooked up my 5th wheel. It seemed to slip a lot and I was always worried it would overheat. I had no problems in 50,000 miles when I traded it for a 3500 6-speed. I love the 6 speed, even though the first 5 gears are useless after 45-50 mph because of the 4. 10 rear end. Having had both, I'd get the 6 speed again, but that's my preference, not a bad experience.

 

[RSchebesta]

ffken, we have 6 cumings in our family all are 5 and 6 speed manuals except mine, I beleive the manuals are much stonger and have a larger towing capacity, my 1999 215hp and auto trans would get the job done. But the tecnoligy is going into the auto trans now, I put a DTT TC and smart controller in my truck with many engine upgrades and now I am smoking my brothers truck towing. It realy boils down to about 4,000 dollars to do this job to your trans. Sooooo not sure what route to take I love mine now.

 

[JR2]

My Dad (Jack in Alaska) has the exact same truck as you do. Other than the 5th gear nut falling off at 70K miles he has had no problems. He has 120K on it now and just left Alaska headded for Cancun towing his new 14K lb fifth wheel.



You should have no problems.

 

[Mad Bomber]

The 1 thing about the auto verse stick is that the stick is MUCH less $$$ to upgrade than a auto. The auto is not much of a do it your self type of thing you can do. A clutch is very do able thing yourself.

 

[M Evan]

I think, if you spend around $2000 dodge automatic will hold very good too. I think go down to personal preference and necessity. My wife can't drive shift and one never know, maybe some day she will need to drive it, when something go wrong on the road. And I prefer automatic too.

M

 

[Hohn]

I bought my truck with BOMBing in mind, so that almost mandated the 6-speed. For the option cost of an auto and getting it built right (approx $5k) you can BUY SOME TWINS AND EDMs!!



Let's see... $1k for a beefy clutch or $5k for a beefy automatic with two less gears. .



It was a no brainer for me.



But I have to admit that slugging a 6-gear in stop-and-go traffic can be VERy tedious and frustrating.



Justin

 

[Mad Bomber]

Originally posted by M Evan

I think, if you spend around $2000 dodge automatic will hold very good too. I think go down to personal preference and necessity. My wife can't drive shift and one never know, maybe some day she will need to drive it, when something go wrong on the road. And I prefer automatic too.

M

Even better she'll never drive it Before my wife drove mine she said it was too big and did NOT like all that power, then she drove it. And now want's to drive it more:{

 

[M Evan]

Originally posted by Mad Bomber

Even better she'll never drive it Before my wife drove mine she said it was too big and did NOT like all that power, then she drove it. And now want's to drive it more:{

Some guys have pure luck to find a right one. I tried to teach my wife drive manual in early days , but after couple of time trying I decide I still enjoy my life and don't want to leave this planet so soon.



M

 

[Mad Bomber]

Originally posted by M Evan

Some guys have pure luck to find a right one. I tried to teach my wife drive manual in early days , but after couple of time trying I decide I still enjoy my life and don't want to leave this planet so soon.



M

My wife learned the hard way we bought her a new car and it was a stick. I said it's time to learn and I'll see ya at home.