Need help for new truck

[KAltizer]

Hello all I have been absent from the TDR for a long time!! Too long in fact BUT for me that is a good thing because I have had no issues and thanks to all of TDR for insight and expertise.

I am nearing my retirement in the next year or so and my 2003 is going to become my farm hand since it won't pass inspection due to the idiots spraying the roadways with brine and it has eaten my frame from the inside out just like the cancer it is. I have decided the it is time to buy a newer one and I really do not want an automatic at all, I like my manual it's simple and it does the job. IF I thought it were worth the money I would rebuild it from the ground up BUT at this point that is foolish for me.
I was thinking 2 routes to go, search and keep searching for a 2018 manual in 2500 or 3500 or buy a 2018 loaded and swap my NV5600 into it or a G56, I can do this due to the connections I have but I am not sure it's worth the effort if I got a 3500 with Asian.
As it stands today I could find a replacement in a matter of days with an automatic but I have a nagging feeling that I will need to do something with the automatic before it should actually need it. I have 270,000 trouble free miles from my manual only a clutch, and I have used it hard on some occasions. Since I have been looking at replacing my 3rd gen I noticed that they switched the front axle back to the old slip sleeve to engage the front axles. I don't like that never did, it was a dumb design back in the 80's and still is. Has anyone had any issues with the new fork slide design? can it be changed ? Honestly I haven't looked too deeply into it but when I saw it I just shook my head and walked away.
Being a mechanic's son and wrenching my own for 50 years it doesn't surprise me that some engineer passed this off as a "new" idea. My dad was a Gold Star Chrysler mechanic since the 60's he knew his stuff about pretty much any motor or transmission. Although I don't have him to ask questions to anymore at least I paid attention when he was working on something and actually remembered some of it. So that has saved me countless $$$$ by being able to do my own work and actually catch dealerships shady ways of collecting more money than is needed.

Anyway, I want to thank all the TDR members for keeping this alive!!! If anything became of the internet that actually made a difference for the good of the people it's the folks who created and have maintained this database of knowledge and teaching others how to fend for themselves.

I look forward to hearing all the complaints and the praises and hopefully some useful information so that I might be able to make my HARD decision easier!
THANK YOU !!

 

[bcbender]

Welcome back

I for one would not be afraid at all with an automatic... I had a 04 with NV5600.... my new 20 HO with the AISIN is hands down a better truck all the way around. The 68RFE we have in our 2012 HO is strong and had zero problems, integrated exhaust brakes.. I would not go for the lower powered manual truck these days as the problems you are worried about just are not there ... Havent had an issue with the CAD axle but I dont use 4wd that often, I assume it'll be just fine. FWIW, my new truck even gets better or same fuel economy with double the power.

 

[wyosteve]

The only rare/occasional issue with the front axle is the actuator which engages the 4wd. Not a big deal or overly expensive if it needs to be replaced. I had the NV5600 in my 04.5 and autos since then. Last 2 trucks have had the Aisin and I wouldn't go back to a manual even if it was offered. Just my .02.

 

[Topzide]

Congrats on the upcoming retirement! Don't let yourself lose any sleep over the autos. They've come a long way from the past! Find the truck with the bells and whistles you want and of course go the Aisin route for the extra power with the HO attached! I can appreciate what you're saying about a manual, but it's not the same anymore. The autos need a little more attention with the fluid changes but not a deal breaker IMO. Sorry to hear about the frame rot! Need to put the sprinkler under the truck after using in those conditions! I rinse the under carriage off after driving in that stuff. Putting a hot water hose bib in for just these issues. Also made a PVC wand to get into the nooks and crannies of the truck. Anyway, glad your still enjoying a CTD and looking for an upgrade! Find that TRUCK!

 

[lpennock]

I moved from a 06 with a G56 to an 18 with the Aisin. In 18 the power between the manual and the auto was my deciding factor. 675 ft-lb for the manual vs 800 for the 68rfe and 930 with the Aisin. There are a few things I miss about the G56 but really the only thing missing with the Aisin is exhaust brake in first gear and with my old knees I don't miss the clutch much. Go with the Aisin and you'll love all the improvements with the new truck.

 

[SnoKing]

I had a 2015 3500 SRW SB 4x4 Aisin Laramie for 5.5 years. Loved the truck, loved the 3.42 gears. Towed at 24.5k combined in the Western states without issues. Bobtail 80 mph was 1750 rpm. Only gone because of now gone DW's ALS and not able to get her from wheel chair into the truck.

The taller gears worked fine with the Aisin's lower 1st and 2nd gears. I believe the switch to lower gears was a compromise for the 68RFE.

 

[AH64ID]

I went from a 2005 NV5600 truck to a 2018 Aisin and now a 2022 Aisin. There are times I miss the manual but I have zero concerns about reliability of the Aisis, it's a true MD transmission.

I also am not a fan of central axle disconnect setups but I don't recall reading about any issues with it in the forums. I'd prefer true locking hubs but it is what it is.

 

[endoscott]

Went from a 2003 with manual to a 2014 with the Aisin, no way would I go back, you cant go wrong with the automatic.

 

[KAltizer]

Thank you all for the information, the Aisin was going to be my next question as in how well it holds up.
As for my bad luck with the frame, I always washed it using the car wash wand under carriage etc.. and it was garage kept since new. I am going off the rail now, I noticed in 2008 or 2010 which is around when they started using that crap in my area that ALL of my aluminum and my stainless coated fuel lines etc. the coating was pealing off prior to that it looked like it was new. I kept it cleaned especially in the winter months but nothing helped. I did find that fluid film and used it for a while and it did work somewhat. When I found the first spot it looked like the coating was just cracked and starting to rust a bit when I scrapped it boom right through. I spent $5,000 at a truck frame shop to have it "fixed" and the guy did a fabulous job couldn't tell where it was fixed, he said buddy it's only temporary can't tell you how long it will last. It did last 8 years but now she's gone, maybe I will find an old 50's Chevy 4x4 and swap drive train out with the grandson's that would be cool.

I do a lot of driving up and down 81 and planning to take some trips out west hunting once I retire. So while I like my manual and especially when I am using it in the fields that was the reason I was thinking about sticking with the 2018 and in case I wanted to swap out the auto I could do so. I guess I need to go test drive one first before I make up my mind because all I recall from the older auto's is how sloppy and sluggish they felt, not that I am grabbing gears in mine but you know when your foot goes down it's there immediately, no lag at all.

Also I highly doubt I will pay $$$$ for the new one unless by some miracle they drop a 10 speed in it then I might consider that. My boy and son in law both just got 18's and I looked at the "crap" under the hood and I just cried... The amount of total crap under there just makes it a mess... BUT everyone knows the government is always right, hahaha "the chickens is gonna come home to roost, Bobby" yeah and the sky is falling. Everyone that's as old as me and knows engines knows full well the USA can't sustain electric vehicles, we can't keep up with what is out there now and they want to make more and MAKE you buy one. I watched the videos on the lying Ford lighting hahaha, it's amazing what they come up with for excuses but when directly asked a direct question regarding it they can't answer because they know they are lying.

 

[Turbo Terry]

What state do you live where they salt the roads so much . Here in Alaska they use a lot of gravel

 

[Turbo Terry]

And folks use studded tires that just ruins our asphalt roads we have no concrete roads

 

[Turbo Terry]

And you will love a ho and 6 speed go drive one

 

[KAltizer]

And you will love a ho and 6 speed go drive one

I am on the East Coast near Lancaster PA and people here can't drive in the rain let alone the snow. Whatever they decided to spray years ago has a agent to make it stick to the roads. I did my own test on my Jeep where I just happened to been out on a trip when a storm rolled in and they had sprayed the roads the day before so the brine was dry and the Jeep had been in the garage previously so that crap was not on it and I had just had it detailed 2 weeks before. Anyway on the way home it starts snowing and probably an hour into the drive home the snow starts coming hard enough I had to put it in 4x4 and I had to laugh because the snow was sticking pretty good even with that crap on the roads. Anyway fast forward I got home safely and waited until 2 days later to take the Jeep to get cleaned since cleaning it would be pointless with wet roads and that crap still all over. I take it to my local car wash and get the works done, then I take it home put it in the garage it's dry now. The next day I go out to get in it and I noticed the headlights had a film still on it so I wiped it with my finger and it had this oily film on it. I ended up having to clean them with detergent and water then cleaning and polishing them again. NOW, on the 3rd Gen trucks the frames were coated to prevent corrosion but they also had bad spots where they needed drain holes which allowed road grim and crap to stay in the frame. Well to get right down to it, the stuff most likely gets inside the frame and then you can't really clean it unless you use some sort of degreaser but nobody knew that at the time. I recall GM stating to just wash your vehicle after a snow storm to prevent them from corroding which is a lame excuse because that crap corrodes anything and especially aluminum which I would love to see some of the Fords around here with the aluminum beds to see if they are starting to corrode by now.

On another note, my son just bought a 2018 6-speed and it's been fixed and has the mm3 monitor all I can say is WOW!!! If I can find one like that I am going all out to get one.

 

[petersonj]

my son just bought a 2018 6-speed and it's been fixed and has the mm3 monitor all I can say is WOW!!! If I can find one like that I am going all out to get one.

Good for you! With larger cylinder displacement than a 5.9 liter engine and with a variable geometry turbocharger for engine performance and exhaust braking, you will enjoy the 6 speed manual transmission AND, AS ALWAYS, you get to decide which gear to be in - not some computer.

- John

 

[Tuesdak]

I have to lock my 2018 Aisin in 1st gear in a stupid simple parking lot because the programming can’t decide what to do with first gear. Shifts up the moment I let off the throttle and shifts back to first the second I touch the throttle. Lug it a little I yell at it!

It likes to shift into first after sitting at a stop light just as you take off. Like it’s hung up in the current gear you stopped in. This can be harsh enough to shift cargo.

Slowing down for a steep driveway it can’t find first gear and will go into neutral: then after engine revvs will test the limited slip on dry concrete.

As some do this and others don’t IMO it’s a production tolerance with a “learning computer” making a difference. As well as programming and two computers that don’t get along so good.

The above is offset by the “Get out of its own damn way, NOW!” When you drop the hammer at 65 MPH or from a stop. The HO and Aisin simply get the memo and start accelerating faster than the in house transmission and standard output engine. This changed for 2020 as the 2020’s I drove would step out immediately from a dig. Going from your 2003 the delay to respond to the throttle is noticeable.

I suggest you drive both the standard output and the HO. Further with used prices so high buy a new one.

I miss my bombed 2003 NV5600, but, my knee don’t.

 

[SnoKing]

I have to lock my 2018 Aisin in 1st gear in a stupid simple parking lot because the programming can’t decide what to do with first gear. Shifts up the moment I let off the throttle and shifts back to first the second I touch the throttle. Lug it a little I yell at it!

It likes to shift into first after sitting at a stop light just as you take off. Like it’s hung up in the current gear you stopped in. This can be harsh enough to shift cargo.

Slowing down for a steep driveway it can’t find first gear and will go into neutral: then after engine revvs will test the limited slip on dry concrete.

As some do this and others don’t IMO it’s a production tolerance with a “learning computer” making a difference. As well as programming and two computers that don’t get along so good.

The above is offset by the “Get out of its own damn way, NOW!” When you drop the hammer at 65 MPH or from a stop. The HO and Aisin simply get the memo and start accelerating faster than the in house transmission and standard output engine. This changed for 2020 as the 2020’s I drove would step out immediately from a dig. Going from your 2003 the delay to respond to the throttle is noticeable.

I suggest you drive both the standard output and the HO. Further with used prices so high buy a new one.

I miss my bombed 2003 NV5600, but, my knee don’t.

And you have been to your dealer and there is no newer flash to fix the shifting issues?????

 

[Tuesdak]

Flashed twice. They helped past issues with having to wait for it to get out of first before rolling power on otherwise had harsh unpredictable shift.

The last re-learn the dealer did had it miss a downshift rolling about 35 MPH with tires screaming and then went into neutral until I let off. Not a pleasant 1000 miles.

 

[KAltizer]

Yes, now I am leaning towards either trying to find a manual and if not I'll stick with finding what I want in a 2018 and swap it out for a manual.
Thank you all for ALL the great information, I fully realize there are ton's of pro's and con's but I think I will stick with my manual for now ONLY because of how I use my truck and that for the past 20 years it has never been an issue where I can say that if I had an automatic I probably wouldn't had been so happy EVEN if I get tired of shifting.
THANK YOU ALL!!!!

 

[CJ8Rockcrawler]

I have to lock my 2018 Aisin in 1st gear in a stupid simple parking lot because the programming can’t decide what to do with first gear. Shifts up the moment I let off the throttle and shifts back to first the second I touch the throttle. Lug it a little I yell at it!

It likes to shift into first after sitting at a stop light just as you take off. Like it’s hung up in the current gear you stopped in. This can be harsh enough to shift cargo.

Slowing down for a steep driveway it can’t find first gear and will go into neutral: then after engine revvs will test the limited slip on dry concrete.

As some do this and others don’t IMO it’s a production tolerance with a “learning computer” making a difference. As well as programming and two computers that don’t get along so good.

The above is offset by the “Get out of its own damn way, NOW!” When you drop the hammer at 65 MPH or from a stop. The HO and Aisin simply get the memo and start accelerating faster than the in house transmission and standard output engine. This changed for 2020 as the 2020’s I drove would step out immediately from a dig. Going from your 2003 the delay to respond to the throttle is noticeable.

I suggest you drive both the standard output and the HO. Further with used prices so high buy a new one.

I miss my bombed 2003 NV5600, but, my knee don’t.

I have to admit that even though my 22 HO is really nice. I still enjoy driving my 04 with the NV5600 more.

 

[AH64ID]

Yes, now I am leaning towards either trying to find a manual and if not I'll stick with finding what I want in a 2018 and swap it out for a manual.
Thank you all for ALL the great information, I fully realize there are ton's of pro's and con's but I think I will stick with my manual for now ONLY because of how I use my truck and that for the past 20 years it has never been an issue where I can say that if I had an automatic I probably wouldn't had been so happy EVEN if I get tired of shifting.
THANK YOU ALL!!!!

I agree you would likely not have liked a 48RE in your 2003, but that's not a good comparison to a Aisin or 68RFE. I wouldn't enjoy a 48RE, but really liked my '18 Aisin and so far the '22 is doing great and I should be towing soon.

Personally I would look for a HO and give it time, if you don't like it after a while then consider a swap but it will take custom tuning and not be cheap.