Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) To manual or not to manual

[DavidTD]

For a daily driver/tow truck - I prefer a manual.



For a daily driver/race truck - I prefer a nicely built auto



For total combo truck? Glad I don't have to make that decision.



One thing for sure though, locking the converter and hammering it down low like 1000 - 1500 rpm will kill a stock converter quick. A nice auto with better (but not too much IMO) fluid coupling to me feels great and is very durable for the average hotrodder. Our trannies were built to have a high stall converter (more rpm=quicker boost = less smoke = happy EPA), and low line pressures ( nice smooth shifts). Only problem is it really took away from the Cummins' ability to use it's low end torque unless it was locked up. It also generates heat when in fluid under a load and makes the lock-up clutch engage with +500 or more rpm's to overcome. All of these things are what makes the trannies bad. Fortunately you have some vendors here that can fix that.



Good Luck,

 

[Forrest Nearing]

go with the hand shaker...



I'm very biased here, but the only place for an automatic transmission FOR ME is a competative/dedicated drag racing vehicle...



I hate automatic trannies... every hot rod I've ever built had a manual transmission in it... every hot rod I've ever built was also built to be driven everywhere... did I give up some time and consistency at the track? yes... did I care? NO! I wasn't drag racing for points or money in a particular class... just having fun...



in my truck? well, I can barely afford it, never mind trying to keep it together as a drag racer...



these 6cyl turbo diesels just don't SOUND right to me unless there's a manual transmission behind 'em...



I prefer the lower cost, the control, and the feeling that I'm driving a TRUCK that only the manual transmission can give...



I don't even like driving automatics in bumper to bumper traffic... with a full manual valve body MAYBE, but with the low gears of the transmission and the diesel engine, you don't really need to ride the clutch pedal that much, and 75-85% of my miles are highway miles anyhow.



but there are plenty of arguments either way... the cost/hassle of converting a truck will be up there, but still not as high as a built automatic...



in the end, you really just have to ask yourself what do YOU want in the truck because YOU are the one who's gonna be driving it! (and paying for it! )



Forrest

 

[DuallyDean]

Originally posted by DavidTD

For a daily driver/tow truck - I prefer a manual.



For a daily driver/race truck - I prefer a nicely built auto



For total combo truck? Glad I don't have to make that decision.

Well said! I own both an auto and a manual, same year ('94) and the transmissions used to be in the opposite trucks. Your biggest decision is going to be based on it's intended use.



My dually was bought new with an automatic, and in the early days there was no such thing as a Triple Loc convertor. If there was, I'd still be towing with an automatic. There is no turbo lag between shifts (and coincedently, no huge puff of pre-boost smoke), and it is just plain easier to drive in traffic. I used to have fun blasting those rice-burners with the soup can mufflers from light to light, but those days are over since switching to a stick. How can you accelerate (towing OR drag racing) when your clutch is disengaged?



Manuals are much more suited for exhaust brake usage, and in my case, allows a P. T. O. driven hydraulic pump for my gooseneck trailer with the dump bed--but those are the only things I can think of that trump a properly built automatic.



I had to put a high performance clutch in my stick (which admittedly is only about half the price of a Triple Loc convertor), but I skipped the upgraded 5th gear retainer and fully splined shaft (again, about half the cost of a well built automatic). But if you factor in all the conversion costs, the total bill becomes a wash, possibly cheaper when going from an auto to a manual, probably more expensive going from a manual to an automatic, when you figure different carpet, coolers and cooler lines, throttle position sensor, ect.



One more thing-- I find the auto was much quieter in the cab, no gear whine traveling up the shifter.



Guess it's like choosing between Blondes, Brunettes or Red Heads--nothing inherently wrong with any of them, its a matter of availability and personal preference!