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

[akdiesel]

Alright you 5spd guys tell me how much you love that 5spd

And how much you hate it



Thinkin about converting to an NV-4500. I've always been partial to a manual. I intend on wakin' up the ol' 12 valve quite a bit more than it is now. Right now I've got a shuddering slump shift automatic with 86,000 on it and it isn't gonna last much longer, especially with the future bombing on the to do list



I've done some research on conversion cost and can get all the necessary (used) parts for about $1500 - $2000 plus a good h/p clutch.



I'm hoping that you auto bombers will speak up and tell me why I should stick with an auto, other than the typical advantage and dis-advantage to a manual.

 

[tURBOdIEZEl]

i love my 5spd not to mention how wicked it sounds at high rpm's & in between grabbin gears. ive never owned an automatic cummins, nor any automatic at that.....

cant really say i dont like a standard transmission, although it sucks in heavy traffic!

 

[akdiesel]

I was dead set on a manual until I put a t/con lock up switch in my truck, but then I got to thinkin $3k+ for good stout h/p auto?



My brother just this last weekend slid his stock plate full forward did his screw and afc hsg. loved tha added juice now 2 days later after a weekend of punching it every where he went his auto is slipping when locked up! And was thinking about doin the same, not anymore!!! I'm really thinkin about that 5spd!!!!!

 

[SEmerson]

I would just spend the money on a good auto. Easier to drive. The truck is worth more. And a 5 speed is going to need a good clutch too. A five speed is not perfect. A good auto will last a life time too.

 

[Jdimig]

akdiesel - i have an auto stocker as of now and im going to upgrade to the ats stage v and that will be roughly $4000, but i will have a reliable automatic the can hold over 600hp. not trying to bash on the stick guys, cause i like stikcs too. if youplan on doing an excesive amount of towing, then i would recomed the manual, but if you are the occasional tower, stay with an auto. the cost i would imagine would be the same as to switch out the auto for a manual, and get a better clutch for it at the same time. a modified auto transmission from any company will do the job flawlessly. i plan on towing with my auto alot more, and will be able to smoke those pesky rice buners, and other brands of diesel trucks as well!

whatever decision you make, hope you have fun with your truck!

 

[HoleshotHolset]

PM sent.



Matt

 

[lpearson]

It may be better in the long run $$$$$ wise to sell the truck you have with the auto. Then buy a 5speed truck. No down time, no labor, no messing up things and probably you'll come out the same or a little better in the $$ side.



Lowell

 

[Swayse]

I used to love the stick shifts, then I got a DTT full meal deal on my 97 because I wanted to race and stuff. Never go back to a stick, I love the DTT auto trans.

 

[krs]

I've prefered sticks all of my (long) life and still do for the control I can get making small moves that require finesse or just for the feeling I get going along with my hand on the shifter, but if you really want to FEEL the power of your bombed engine and win stoplight drags stay with a built up auto. You can't really feel like a locomotive if you have to pause to shift.

 

[Cumminsman]

i had a 95 auto. changed it to a six speed this winter. i love it as a six speed. i spent $3700 on a suncoast auto last summer. i liked the trans a lot. but a manual suits my needs better. my tow truck is a six speed and i love it also. it tows my gooseneck better than a auto ever could. i guess it's all in what you want to do... ... ... .

later, nick

 

[akdiesel]

I really appreciate all of your replies fellow bombers. I've finally decided to eventually get an ATS stage 5 package and one day I'll buy a 12 valve manual, then I'll have the best of both worlds

 

[EBottema]

if only we could live in a perfect world... first get rid of california and the liberals. second hand out CTDs for free...

 

[Neibe]

I love my manual and would order my truck the same way again but an auto will win in a race. A manual is off boost to much.

 

[TJMoor]

If you go with a nv4500 be sure and get a lockable 5th gear retainer nut kit ... and if you go getrag you may want to increase the size of the 5th gear bearing in the separater case,, nv5600 be sure and buy the newer one with larger imput shaft,, 1 3/8 and lager syncro asseblies. . They all are good and they all have little problems. . Autos shift faster and built well seem to last just as long... as a sourdough clutch.....

good luck

Terry

 

[RBratby]

i have driven a converted auto to 5sp and it drove just like a stock 5sp. im going to convert mine as soon as i get the trans. i cant wait for the thrill of shifting again.

 

[AWM]

I wrestled with this decision also, since I'm gonna' bomb the virgin '98, and since I already have a six speed, thougt it would be cool to have a hi-perf auto, also didn't want to mess up a nice truck ie: what do ya do w/ the old shift lever- sawsall?, DTT next month, Bob

 

[C. Harlan]

I would go with manual. . After owning an auto, I vowed to never own one again; simply due to the fact that I pull alot, and I need lower gear ratios to start out with, as well as easier steps between gears, where I have a good RPM for any speed. This was solved by removing my 5 speed, and replacing it with a 6 speed. I cannot stress how awesome this conversion is, and if you are really into hauling, or even just a bulletproof transmission which WILL NOT LOSE FIFTH GEAR, I would definitely recommend a 6 speed conversion. I am not trying to start transmission wars, but I just have no preference for an auto. Best of luck to whatever choice you go with!



-Chris-

 

[MToney]

Whats the cost involved in changing a 95 auto 4x4 to a stick beyond the cost of the trans? do the drive shafts have to be changed, modifications to the transfer case? Just curious as the auto in my 95 is less than desirable, has the shuddering in the 1000-1250 rpm with the converter locked up. I dont really want to wrap up a bunch of money in a rebuild. but the truck was too good a deal with only 65K on the clock. Mike

 

[Turbo Thom]

And it was said:



I would just spend the money on a good auto. Easier to drive. The truck is worth more. And a 5 speed is going to need a good clutch too. A five speed is not perfect. A good auto will last a life time too.



... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .



My My..... What you been smoking? You must be talking about a mighty short lifetime. An auto? Maybe with a $3500 up grade. With the 5 speed you just change transmissions. For that up grade I man put in three 5 speeds. Plus I shift when I want, not when it wants. A five is not perfect. How in the world did BillK go into business? Or ATS... ... What a statement.



. . Preston. .

__________________

 

[Hammer]

I was dead set on a manual until I put a t/con lock up switch in my truck, but then I got to thinkin $3k+ for good stout h/p auto?

I am thinking he hasn't made any calls for any HP parts for a 5spd ride,because if he did,he would have already thought that his slushbox was easier to keep. It doesn't matter which transmission you have you still will incur near the same amount to apply the power to the ground. PLUS,he will have the added cost of finding all the necessary parts to convert his slushbox over to a stick. If it was mine and a automatic,it would have the best piece made by whatever trans god you favor. One thing I feel he is thinking as I did read thru the lines of his post is that the 5spd trucks are bulletproof and all one can say is this... . NOTHING is bulletproof and they are ALL prone to breakage... ... ... . Andy