Stock auto vs Stock stick?

[cgoder]

Can anyone tell me what is the most dependable trans for a stock cummins? I hear bad things about both trans, bad synso gears in 6 speed, auto 2 gear over heating? Any info would be helpfull.

 

[danandamy]

Well, everyone will pretty much agree that in stock form, the auto is the weakest of the bunch, although I will say my wife's auto survived her slamming it into reverse while she was driving down the road.

5speed you have the fifth gear nut falling off and such.

6speed has it's own things.

Just pretty much will boil down to what an individual wants. Myself, I've driven standards all my life but I wouldn't trade my DTT auto for one



Dan

 

[SixShooter]

most reliable?

I have a few questions of my own on this very topic. Lets compare a DTT auto 89%TC-80psiVB to a 5 speed with corrected 5 gear and good clutch. Which one would last the longest(say 8 or 9 years) and which one is the most reliable, with regular maintenance on both.

 

[Gray Ghost]

I would say the manual trans will last longer with proper care. I have a 5 speed, but wish I had a 6. I never use first and I keep reaching for another gear. Split between 3rd and 4th is kinda wide on a 5 speed. Since I never pull, it doesn't bother me too much. The truck just hauls a** no matter what gear and I'm stock.

 

[Floor It]

I have 6-speed and love it no problems either.

 

[hammong]

I think the auto and stick are going to hold up about the same with "regular maintenance" and an all-stock truck. Keep in mind, however, that what you spend in transmission fluid changes and band adjustments in the auto, you're going to make up for in clutch replacements with the stick.



The auto might have some issues in the long-term, but if you replace your clutch every 75-100K miles with the stick - the end "cost" may be comparable.



Greg

 

[MikeR]

Sorry guys. We can only assume the truck is going to be used for what it was designed to and compare stock to stock We can't assume everyone has the cash or desire to build an ultimate powerhouse trans from the start.

The stick would win hands down. Even if the average clutch lasts 100k,the stock auto doesn't last much near 100k either. A stock auto rebuild is still $2,000 bucks and a stock clutch job $800 bucks.

The auto needs 30k mile fluid changes and adjustments,the stick has 100k fluid changes and no adjustments. On top of the $1000 dollar option the auto costs over the stick,it will cost alot more in the long run to own the auto.

You can install an exhuast brake on a stock stick truck,the auto doesn't work with an e-brake unless you put in a switch to lock up the converter,and then the e-brake use will slowly destroy the trans because the trans wasn't designed to turn the engine.

Your brake pads last twice as long on a stick truck because you don't have all that 'dragging' mass trying to push your truck when you're trying to stop the rig.



Lets look at hot shot companies that rely on the trucks just as they come off the showroon floor... the vast majority buy sticks. Operating cost means everything with their trucks and they don't pump money into building up trannies.



I'm sorry I have such an opinion against automatics. I have one of each trannies,and this is the biggest "I told you so" to myself after I said I'd never own one.



-Mike

 

[WestTN]

100,000 on a stock clutch?

I am surprised at the number of people who believe a stock clutch will only go about 100,000 miles. On my old truck, the stock clutch hub came apart at 38,000 when inadequate spot welds failed and let the hub springs fall out. It was replaced with another stock clutch. That one is still in the truck today. It has about 186,000 miles on it and I DON'T take it easy. The total fuel is turned up, the rate adjustment is turned up, the rpm's are turned up, and it also has a Banks 'cooler, and custom exhaust. It is a lot faster than my 2001 ETH and is driven that way frequently. The clutch still holds the engine at full power. Oh yeh; the Getrag is still original too, oil leaks and all.

The thing to realize is that you just don't have to slip the clutch on the Cummins like you do on other engines.

 

[cgoder]

Whats up with dc?

Thanks for all reply. The bad part of all of this is who wants to spend 35000 on a truck and have to build up the transmission or replace clutches and pilot bearings. Anybody know if DC fixed the pilot bearing on the 6speeds? I read a post saying for 2002 they fixed the problem. Im also concerned if for some reason i would have to sell whats better resale stick or auto?