Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Switchover to Manual?

[PullinRam]

Well Some of you may have read in my other post that i just installed a #5 plate and I'm already experiencing some TC problems. Im being very careful with my heavy foot and trying to keep the rpms up when in OD to save the TC a little. If , when this trans goes south on me, would it be more cost effective to just swap in a NV4500 or 5600? Instead of spending the $3k+ on an ATS or DTT. I would much rather have a manual than an auto anyways since im an avid offroader. I mainly use my truck in the mud and to pull other trucks out constantly. This is just an idea that popped up when looking at full race trannies. Thanks

Jeff

 

[EBottema]

Ya screw that auto trans



Anyways, i've personally never driven the 5 speed but only the new 6speed in a cummins 600. Ive heard that the 5 speed is easier to get into gear and better for drag racing and im assuming its a better offroading trans. The 6 speed is better for hauling. You cant go wrong with the choice, a 5spd will prob be cheaper too!



erik

 

[Cumminsman]

i personnaly like the 6 speed. it's a truly heavy duty built trans. i have them in both of my trucks. they take a little getting use too. jmho. oh yeah i switched the 95 from a suncoast to a nv5600. all smiles here. nick

 

[jimk]

manual transmission

The 6 speed has my vote. The 1. 37 main shaft transmission. No fifth gear problems. I only use my truck now to pull trailers. No tps switch or electrical problems. I would like to install one if I dont trade the 95 off. jim

 

[Lsfarm]

Personal preference

This is a well-beaten subject. It really boils down to personal preference and the intended use of the truck.



I've had several stick-shift CTD's, both 5spd and 6spd. If I were to tow heavy on the highway 95% of the time with my truck, it would be a 6 speed. The ratio spacing is very good, and the trans is very heavy built. However the 6spd has syncro issues, and is not a nice shifting trans, pretty notchy and takes a bit to get used to [if ever]. The shift pattern is for towing heavy, not for around town driving. [1st/reverse location]



If I had to have a stick and drive it around town, it would be a 5 spd. They shift much nicer than a 6spd, but the ratios have gaps, and the fifth gear spline/shaft issue is expensive to properly and completely fix.



Backing a big trailer with any stick with a strong clutch usually causes some grabbing and bucking, if I had to move trailers around a yard regularly it would be an automatic truck.



For off-road driving I would only consider an automatic. Try creeping over rocks and logs, easing over inclines with a stick shift, you are slipping the clutch constantly, this is what torque converters are for.



With a good aftermarket transmission you won't have any problems towing up to the weight limits of our trucks, and the vehicle is much more flexible for all uses, both around town and off road.



I describe my truck/trans as an automatic-shifting stick shift truck, The trans is that tight and controllable.



I set up my customers' transmissions for everything from mild to wild, set up for the use that the customer intends and to drive the way they want it to drive.



The cost of a properly set up auto is not much [if any] more expensive than a trans / flywheel/ clutch/ pcm /clutch pedal /steering column/ instrument cluster purchase and swap.



I Know that many people feel that the only trans for them is a stick, but I've had several stick-shift die-hards tell me that if they were to have an automatic, it would be just like the one in my trucks. A good aftermarket trans is that good.



The above are just my experiences and personal opinions, obviously others have their opinions and beliefs.



Greg L. The Noise Nazi

 

[PullinRam]

Thanks for your opinions guys.



LsFarm you pretty much made my decision for me. After reading your post I realize that an auto is definately better for Offroad. Plus i remember my plan to buy a newer 3500 CTD after summer and a gooseneck trailer to pull my Off-Road rig to the shows and mudbogs. But for now i think im going to talk to the guy who built my trans and find out Exactly what "heavy duty" parts he installed and we'll go from there. If we both feel that the guts of my trans will hold the extra power then i'll go ahead and order a performance TC and possibly a valve body. Thanks again