new truck order

[RKramer]

I am getting ready to order a new 2002 Dodge 2500,regular cab 4X4 with a Cummins Diesel. I don't pull a trailer or camper but have owned Diesel engines for 20 years and like the economy and durability if taken care of. My question is this, I had planned on ordering the 3. 55 limited slip gear ratio but don't know if I want the 4 speed automatic or the 5 speed manual. I presently drive a 1990 Dodge Cummins that has the 3 speed automatic with a 3. 07 limited slip gear ratio and get around 18 mpg in my driving. My driving is 70% highway (65 and under), 20% city and 10% pasture. If driven right with a light foot should the 5 speed get better mileage than the 4 speed automatic. I just want some insight from people who have owned and driven the new ones.

 

[SEmerson]

the 5 speed will get better milage for sure. So it is just a matter of if you like to shift or not.

 

[RKramer]

I guess I need to see if I can find a 5 speed with the 3. 55 gear ratio and see what its like. I drove a Cummins with a 6 speed and the 4. 10 ratio and its a lot of shifting for town driving. My truck before the 90 Cummins had a manual but the gear ratio was in the high 2s so the shifting wasn't a problem but you can't order one now with any higher ratio than 3. 55 For my driving with the exception of the time in the pasture I didn't think I wanted the amount of shifting that would come with the low gear ratio but if that transmission usually gets better mileage in my kind of driving its worth considering. Appreciate the input.

 

[bigbrassmonkey]

mileage

when my dad drives it, he's 64, he gets 24 mpg, When I drive, I get 16-17, but I drive ity like a Porsche

 

[LSMITH]

If you are driving around empty all the time the 3. 5 gear would definatly be a better choice for you. If I were buying a new one I would get the manual transmission. The amount of highway driving you listed would make even the 6 speed a breeze with the 3. 5 gears. The simplicity and reliability of the manual would be why I would get it over the auto. I have never been satisfied with the auto in my truck and if you don't upgrade it you have to live with it.

 

[RKramer]

What was it about the automatic transmission that you don't like and what type of upgrades are you talking about. I have the 3 speed automatic in my 1990 Dodge and the only complaint I had was the possible lack of economy. As I said I don't tow a big trailer or camper so I don't have any problems there and the trailer I do tow handles the small trailer with no problem.

 

[OILBRNR]

The biggest beef in the auto's is the TC. They are real loose until lockup. Once that happens your good to go, and milage really isn't going to be that different than the manual. I get 19 on my daily mostly highway commute to work, and close to 21 on extended highway trips. Heavy stop and go will lower it to around 17.



Starting in 2001. 5, the TC locks in 4th AND in 3rd. My buddy here at work has one, and it is much better than my '99 in stock form was. In first, second and third pre lock it is no where near as tight as my TC built by DTT is.



Since it doesn't sound like your going to do any modifications to the engine, I wouldn't hesitate in getting the auto. Otherwise, think about it, as you'll pay what $1,100 for the option plus your looking at another $1,200-1,500 to beef it up like I have, i. e. more effecient TC and modified valve body which increases line pressures to reduce the possibility of internal clutch slippage.



Still, those ETH/DEE dudes have to spend over a grand for a better clutch if they turn up the juice too... and isn't that combo engine/6 speed over a grand?



Anyway, go drive a new auto and see what you think.