Ordering new CTD - Suggestions?

[eridenour]

After 18 months of waiting, I'm giving up on a Cummins option in the Power Wagon. I'm told it won't happen soon, and my 78 GMC 350 (purchased in '87) 4x4 stepside NV 4500 is no longer enough truck. I've always wanted a diesel, preferably Cummins, and I'd rather have a root canal than talk to a car dealer. After 52 years, this will not only be my first new vehicle, it will be the first purchased from a dealer. My usage is daily driver with offroading and hunting, rarely towing. I'm looking at 2500 Laramie J package for manual transfer case, and one big question is Auto or 6 speed? I'm thinking auto for the . 410 gears. Any suggestions out there as to what to order or not to order from D-C? My plan after purchase is aftermarket suspension, tires, wheels, lockers and maybe winch (build my own Power Wagon).

 

[Horsepuller]

For your needs I suggest the auto trans, and I guess you want the . 410 gears because of the oversize tires you are going to add, if so that makes sense.



I have a 6 speed. For towing and hauling I love it, though I would prefer an auto if my truck was a daily driver.

 

[RCMerrill]

Hi Ray here i Bought an 2006 2500 SWB Auto 4x4 laramie 3. 73 gear & had the dealer put 35" tires on it If your not worried about millage . It looks great the tires look like it should fits nice. fits the wheel well just right. i put a reverse aultrasonic sensor for backing up it works great. no more backing in to things.

 

[TowPro]

As far as which trans to buy, that question is best answered by yourself. I have an auto now and hate it (2002). While the new auto trans might be better then the version I have, it still has a torque convertor and that is the part I hate. Sure you can replace it, for additional $$$. I ordered my 06 with a manual. (my 98 was also a manual)



Assuming the 2500 has 265/70-17 tires you will find the following rpm-speeds.



373 with 6 speed. 2000rpm=64mph

373 with auto. 2000rpm=73mph

410 with auto 2000rpm=66mph



Here is where I got this info.

 

[eridenour]

Manual or electric transfer case?

Right now I'm partial to the manual for simplicity, I want it to work when I'm way out in the boonies, and the Power Wagon comes with the Manual transfer case if that is an indication of off road durability and dependability.

 

[eridenour]

Thanks for the gear chart. Looks like the 48RE w/35" tires turns the CTD 2200 rpm @ 81 mph.

 

[C. Harlan]

6 speed gets my vote... As long as you can find an NV5600 somewhere... I would not be caught dead with a getrag... . Just past experience... Yeah, autos are ok, but hey. . Been there, done that, got the T-shirt and don't wanna do it again! BTW, Mine is a daily driver, and I love it everytime I row a gear. . Think about it... you get 2 extra gears, and YOU are the one who gets to decide when to shift gears. . Towing or no towing, 6 speed gets my vote, HANDS DOWN!



-Chris-

 

[C. Harlan]

Forgot to mention, it's cheaper to BOMB a truck with a stick Vs. auto... Something to think about as well!



-Chris-

 

[kelly4463]

My vote is for a 6sp alot more fun to drive Oo.

 

[JKinney]

6 speed I love rowing Oo.