BAMFT

I still can't decide manual or auto in a new 3500 SWB Cummins HO and a 3.73 ratio. Shifting wouldn't really bother me, but an auto would be nice.

Is it true that the automatic gears match up to the manual for 3, 4, 5, and 6th. Meaning when you get a 6 speed the two extra gears you are getting are low speed gears? Do you gain anything on the high speed side for higher vehicle speed but lower engine RPM's on the highway?

Also is is true that the only differance between the 2500 and 3500 is rear axle springs and cab lights for a couple hundred dollars. Not much when spending 40G's. Will re-sale value be that much higher with a 3500?

Just trying to make the right choice. Will tow a 10,000# boat about 35 % of the time.

Thanks for the help.

bkrukow

I cant realy help much but if you are going to tow a 10,000# boat you will be fine with the 3.73 rear end in a 3/4 ton. Thats what I have and I have had around 11000#+ behind me and it was no problem. The truck sqauted to abought level and towing was not any problem at all. I put it in 6th and let it sit there. I even passed once withought downshifting. It was real flat and a long clear spot but it did it fine. I let a freind drive it with the load on while I ate and he is used to all of the powerstroke dullys where he works and he comented that he had to watch his speed cause it just wanted to go.

bhoeffner

I don't know about the other gears, but the auto has a better final drive ratio then the 6 speed. Good for highway cruising, but might be a small issue when pulling heavy.

big red psd cc

Auto get the 4.10
6sp get the 3.73

Nice label giving a higher gvwr, and springs. Wheels, brakes, etc are the same on the SRW.

caltom

NV 5600 Gear Ratio
1st 5.63
2nd 3.38
3rd 2.04
4th 1.39
5th 1.00
6th 0.73
R 5.63

48RE Gear Ratio
1st 2.45
2nd 1.45
3rd 1.00
4th 0.69
R 2.21

3.73 or 4.10s can be had with either transmission.

Overdrive gearing will effectively produce about the same rpm on the highway for the 6 speed and the auto due to the torque converter.

tenbrooks

automatic gets to speed faster because of turbo spool loss during shifting with the manual. something else to consider.

Steve-l

I love the 6 speed, It shifts very nice when the motor is up to temp. It is stiff when cold, but mine is still new. The 6 sp is very very strong and will handle the Cummins easily. The auto on the other hand is frail and if you are going to tow, use the manual. Definitely get the 3.73. With the 4.10, you will be in 4th by the time you cross the intersection. There is only 500 rpm between gears. I'll be installing 3.55s soon. The 4.10 is way too short.
Steve

sawboywv1

If you want the NVG5600 get the truck ASAP. That trany is going to be replaced be a Getrag 6 speed very soon.

RobG

The auto isn't all that bad. I rather like the 48RE but I sure do wish there was another gear between 3&4. Do NOT get 4.10s no matter what. I have 'em and hate 'em. Gonna try to trade down to 3.73s eventually.

If I could have a second vehicle as a daily driver, I'd probably go back to a 6sp. If you tow a lot, the 6sp is awesome. My '01 was a 6sp and I do miss it at times, but I do enjoy not having to shift.

Another thing... if you're gonna mod it, get the 6sp unless you wanna dump big money into the auto.

Rob