New for CTD '05, etc

[Takomax]

Brohloff.



I didn't ask Cummins about MPGs as I didn't think about it. I get 19. 5 at 70mph on hwy and 18 or so in town. My MPG has been steadily improving with time. I now have 6k miles on her and she is getting better.



I drive her easy - usually keeping her in a 1500 -2000 rpm range.



-Carl (aka takomax)

 

[mattymac]

The upped HP/TQ sounds like it could be doable because I remember reading not to long ago in here that a totally new transmission plant was in the works for a 5 or even 6 spd auto. So the higher power motor is just waiting on the trans?



Hopefully.

 

[ERohloff]

Soon buying -

Thanks for the MPG feedback. Will soon be buying a 3500 Diesel something. Been a lifelong GM guy but have eliminated GM and Ford trucks. Really like the Cummin's ... ... Just trying to decide if to go with a good used '03 or '04 (for the better MPG) or the '04. 5 (for the new and the rebates) or go with a '05 and keep my fingers crossed re the MPG.

I know the MPG shouldn't be that big of a driving force - but sure would be nice to be closer to the 18-20 than the 14-16 range. Seems like a lot of the new trucks fall into one of these two camps - Maybe this difference is rear-ends, tires, transmission choice and driving habits... .....

Also trying to decide between AT and 6sp. Will only be pulling 6-8k #'s, 20% of the time. The rest empty semi rural driving. Been driving 45 yrs and 50% of everything I've owned has been sticks - so don't mind shifting.

brohloff...

 

[mberry]

BRohloff,



As a current auto transmission owner, please get the 6 speed and save yourself the aggravation.

 

[thejeepdude]

As long as you're willing to fork out some dough for a good TC/VB and some mild transmission reworking, the 48RE is just as durable as the NV5600, without having to row. I love manuals, but my truck will be a daily driver and I'd just rather not mess with it. Plus, my truck will be my sports car since I can't afford both, and the auto is faster.

 

[mberry]

Real sports cars have manual transmission's!!

 

[Dean Upson]

Re: Soon buying -

Originally posted by BRohloff

Also trying to decide between AT and 6sp. Will only be pulling 6-8k #'s, 20% of the time. The rest empty semi rural driving. Been driving 45 yrs and 50% of everything I've owned has been sticks - so don't mind shifting.

brohloff...

NV5600 w/ BD Shortshifter and you would be all set for the Jacobs exhaust brake if you want or need it.



Dean