What would you do???

[DWyatt]

OK, I’m searching for some personal opinions to help me make a truck decision. I recently traded off a ’00 5 speed for a ’01 auto. The ’01 is completely gutless compared to the 5 speed. This wasn’t concerning me because I really didn’t have anything to tow. Well, I just bought a 26’ 5th wheel which will gross about7 k when loaded. I’m scared to death of what will happen when I hook up to that trailer and head down the road. I’ve went back to the dealer with this truck with no help. I now have a few options:

1. Bomb this truck with a mild power box such as the EZ and hope this makes enough of a difference to comfortably tow my 5th wheel. Costs money.

2. My old truck is still sitting at the dealer and he’s willing to make me a pretty fair deal to trade back. I’m pretty certain I will be happy towing with it and if I add an EZ to it life will be great. I get money back.

3. I could also order a 6 speed. But then I worry about getting another dog. Will probably cost me some money.

All of this is complicated by the fact that I don’t really like shifting gears. But I really LOVED the way the 5 speed pulled a load. How do you guys with the 6 speed shift when empty. Are you able to skip a gear anywhere?

Thanks for the help.

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

I'd get the old truck back. You know it's history maintenance wise and how it pulls. You probably barely have that truck broken in! I know mine's just starting to stretch it's legs at 65,000 miles.



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-Steve St. Laurent - President of the Great Lakes TDR
'98 QC LB (CMNSPWR), 4x4, ISB, 5sp, 4. 10 LSD, TST Powermax, 275hp RV injectors, Joe Donnelly modifed Sachs Clutch, custom ladder bars, SW fuel pressure gauge, BD exhaust brake, Isspro turbo temp monitor, front Draw-Tite receiver, rear Draw-Tite class V receiver, BFG 285/75R16 AT KO's, (all the common stuff clipped)

 

[jmeehan]

I'd get your old truck back and just use it for towing. Buy yourself something with an auto for a daily driver if you don't want to shift all the time. You can skip a gear or two on the six speed but it's not recomended.

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ex Ford tech, now driving '01. 5 2500 4X4 QC LB ETH/DEE SLT 3. 54, Patriot Blue

 

[Tom W]

I suggest you find someone who has an auto with DTT upgrades and somepower mods and take a ride. If I were in the market for a new truck, I would buy an auto and get all DTTs upgrades, put some power upgrades, box, injectors, etc, and in my opinion have the ultimate in towing machines. Read some posts about Bill Kondolays seminar this past weekend. Those trucks are awesome. Just another opinion, hope it helps.

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Tom W in Austin Tx 98 24v 2500 Quadcab, auto, 3. 54, lsd, Rhino, white/driftwood, Banks Stinger Plus, Manix grill, nerf bars , DTT's TC, valvebody, cooler, Mag-hytec trans & diff, Pac brake.

 

[RKohn]

Just wondering, why'd you trade the old one in?

BTW - It's better to be shifty than shiftless. #ad

IMHO

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Y2K Red Stealth Sport 2500 4X4 QC SLT+, 5-spd, 3. 54 anti-spin, 265-75-16 LTX’s (There ain’t no such thing as options, cause ya gotta have it all, including: DC’s dead cow/vinyl interior and don’t stop anti-lock brakes. ) Stock, but not for long. Oops, too late. What silencer ring? (More fun than my 98 SST)

 

[Pete Peterson]

Darin, that auto will pull just fine with a few upgrades. The autos don't seem to pull as goods as the sticks but they really do a fairly decent job. A figure out the proper gear for the road conditions to where you can stay in the correct RPM range and then you will have a pleasant pulling experience.
Mild B. O. M. B. ing will help alot, I put the VA on my 99 auto and it turned that truck into a hotrod. Just don't forget the gauges if you B. O. M. B. Pete

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01. 5 Loooaded up!!!!!

 

[M_Pulling]

I have a 01 that I purchased in July. It has an automatic and I really can't complain about the truck. I had 5800 miles on it in October when I left on a 1500 mile round trip from Chico Ca. to Canada and back. I pulled a 28. 5 ft fifth wheel and I averaged about 11. 9 mpg. The slowest I went the entire trip was 50 mph that was comming back accross the Sisquews. On my way over hwy 299 the last climb before hwy 101 I passed a Ferd flower poking along with a two car trailer with one Suzuki Samari on it. As I went by he seemed to be saying I think I can, I think I can. My wife said she heard me muttering I know I can I know I can. All joking aside the Ford Powersroke looked like he was flat out having trouble climbing the hill. (maybe needed some waranty attention or didn't know how to work the diesel)

The main reason I originally purchased an automatic was because of a shattered right wrist that doesn't work like it used to. I have had no regrets at all.

I lied I do have one major complaint. That would be not being able to spend enough time in my truck with the 5th wheel hooked up.

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2001 2500 QC 4X2 Flame Red Clear Coat
Magalia Ram

[This message has been edited by M_Pulling (edited 02-20-2001). ]

 

[Briar Hopper]

If the automatic was $10,000 cheaper, I still wouldn't buy it. The 2 times I've bought automatics in trucks, they didn't last long, even with proper maintenance, and not pulling ANYTHING. I'll keep my 5 speed and stir up my own gears just fine, thank you.

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Tom
Secretary of the Great Lakes Turbo Diesel Registry GLTDR B. A. D. Boys

 

[PRout]

All 3 trucks would be fine w/ a few mods depending on the truck. They all have been proven.

W/ the auto, you'll probably want both transmission & pwr mods. The original 5sp, probably just pwr (if you dont over pwr the clutch). The new HO 6sp you wouldnt need as much changing in my opinion.

I'd think about what Id be happier with 5 yrs down the line, & choose that. Thats what will matter.

I prefer the HO 6sp. But Im the only one that drives it.



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2k, 30k miles, QC, SB, 4x, 6sp, 3. 54, 285/75r16 bfg/at, stock air cleaner (reliable), silencer ring "in" (runs better), Sunnybrook 28' fiver, 16,780 lbs. 18mpg (unloaded), 12-14 mpg (loaded). VA, DD1's, PS Boost module & elbow, BD brake... also, Nitrous Oxide piped direct into the block (stealth - to keep the warranty), 10 gallon per minute fuel pump, ECM right out of Don Garlit's Top Fueler (he gave it to me) (for letting him ride in my truck), Super Modified DD1 Injectors ("Hand Honed" with a 1/4" reamer & my 12v Makita). More BOMBING to come. .

 

[BCFAST]

I say go back to the stick... you can then run an e-brake and be a safe puller! (and get better mileage to boot)

 

[DWyatt]

I went and picked up my old truck at lunch for a test drive. Kind of felt like an old friend. The power was still there like I remembered. The shifting of gears didn't seem to bad. I may be leaning that way. The manual just seems to use the low end power of the Cummins so much better.

 

[Deezal Man]

The main reason I originally purchased an automatic was because of a shattered right wrist that doesn't work like it used to.

I think that sums it up why the auto is the best choice in your situation. Like you, I also have an auto, only mines a 98. 5

You may have seen my post asking everyone if I was crazy to trade in my truck to gain the manual transmission.

The bottom line is money. If I had everything else I ever wanted. I'd probably have a 6 speed on order... That may still happen... if I can some how justify the expense. #ad


Anyway, I'm sure you know this, but a new Diesel always feels a little pig'ish against one that is broke in.

That said, Since you asked what I would do in YOUR shoes... First I'd buy a DTT TC, then if things were still pig'ish, I'd go for a set of DDII injectors and an PE EZ.

Let me refraise... Thats what I WILL do if I say "NO" to the 6 speed.

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98. 5' 24v 2500 Auto/3. 54 4x4 SB QC 285-75-16's on Alcoa's. Everything but leather. PIAA 1200's, AMSOIL dual filter relocation system, Smittybuilt Stainless Steel Nerfs, Rhino Liner(Junk), K&N air filter(For Sale)15 year AMSOIL dealer. Time permitting, Soon to include Ultra-lite Pyro,0-50lbs boost, Trans temp in the pillar. Rancho 9000's with in cab adjustment.

 

[dresslered]

I never "skip" a gear, but always start in second when unloaded. Considering all three trucks equally, I would really go for the six speed and ENJOY. Go drive one, anyway, and then weigh the alternatives. I wouldn't worry too much about getting a lemon as you have 3-years to get that resolved.

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David Dressler
2001 Driftwood 3500 Quad Cab 4x4, 155 inch WB, HO Cummins (ETH), 6-Speed (DEE), SLT+, 3. 54 LSD, Camper Special, Trailer Tow, Heated Leather, Sliding Window, Jacob's E-Brake, Rhino Liner, VDO Vision (pyro, boost, engine + diff. temp. ), Weather Guard Diamond Plate Saddle Box, Tork Lift camper tie-downs, Mag-Hytec, Mopar Tow Hooks, AND functional Halo light!
Bigfoot 3000 10. 11 Slide-in Camper. "Do it in a Dually"

 

[Big-D]

I'm pleased as punch with my auto ('99) and haven't bombed a thing yet. Pulled 4 horse trailer loaded along with the bed filled to the brim besides. Have loaded hay and all kinds stuff that is heavy with no problems. If you keep the rpm's between 2K and 2450 she pulls just fine. Try working with it a little now that you have the trailer. You might be surprised. I do agree with the others about DDT transmission upgrades and will head that way after the warranty period is up. Dave

 

[Blackcloud]

I personally would go back to the 5 speed. I have owned 3 different dodge cummins trucks that were auto equipped. They are fine as a daily driver,not pulling anything. Yesterday I purchased a new 01 with a 5 speed( and actually tested a HO 6speed,but didn't care for it or the extra $ for it). best of luck in your decision.

 

[LSMITH]

My next one WILL be a manual. 5 or 6 I have not decided, but I won't buy another auto behind a Cummins.

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99 2500 QC 4X4 AUTO SB 24V LARAMIE SLT 3. 5 LSD 285-75-16'S SPA Boost/EGT Everything but leather NRA Member Great Lakes TDR Member

 

[klenger]

I too ordered a new 2001 ETC 5 speed last week. I was prepared to order the ETH 6 speed, but it seemed to be quite a bit noiser. This was hard to really say for sure as I never tested the ETC and ETH side by side, but I finally opted for the ETC 5 speed because of the reduced noise, lower price, and less shifting required. I hope I don't regret the decision when I'm towing. Has anyone else noticed a difference in engine noise between the ETC and ETH?

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2001. 5 2500 QC 4X4 SWB SLT, ETC/DDX 5 Speed, 3. 55 (no antispin), camper group, trailer folding mirrors, RBR CD/Radio, LT265/75R16E AT OWL tires, trailer tow group, Patroit Blue / Agate.

 

[Pete Peterson]

klenger, the ETH is alittle noisy until it gets all the way up to proper operating temp. But once it heats up it seems to be equal the ETC in noise.

Shortshift, I totally agree that the ETH pulls just fine stock. I may pretty mine up a little but don't see any motor mods in the near future.


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01. 5 Loooaded up!!!!!

 

[K_Arts]

Darin... IMHO, stay with the Auto. Give Bill Kondolay a call and get the DTT setup. You'll be very happy with it

Kev

 

[dresslered]

Ya see, Darin. Easy decision! #ad