Tacoma747

Sorry, I don't have a ton of time to be searching through the forums for all different answers, so I just figured I would ask.

I am looking for a 96-98, 2500 or 3500. 12V only because I eventually may convert it to run on grease. It will either be that or a 97 and up Powerstroke.

My main questions are:

How well do the auto tranny's hold up in these trucks? I am looking at a 1996 3500 in particular, it has 125K miles, 4x4, dually, ext cab, and was used to pull a camper. The *********** is asking $14900 (seems high, whats a good offer), and also offers a 5yr, 100K mile warranty for $900. The truck is in EXCELLENT condition, but I have not driven it, but it started up just fine, and seemed to run fine.

I am worried about getting an auto tranny, and was really looking for a 5spd. I plan on leaving the truck stock, maybe an exhaust eventually, but nothing more. All I will use it for is a tow rig for my off-road truck, and I would guess I might put 10K miles on it a year. I would rarely tow anything over 8K lbs, my truck and trailer combo probably doesn't weigh that much.



So, is the auto decent, or should I wait it out for a 5spd or a Powerstroke (easier to find 5 or 6spd)? If I get the auto, should I get the warranty (covers engine, tranny, axles, towing)

Thanks a ton for any help, I need to know ASAP, I would like to have a truck before Labor day.

Thanks
-Michael

TxDiesel007

You cannot go wrong with the 12V

for your towing needs, the cummins will more than handle it stock or even modded. The auto trannies from reading on here will not hold much power above stock. Seems to be a plate and GSK and they can start to slip if you get crazy with them. If you plan to tow your pickup and goodies you wont need much more than an exhaust, and a governers spring kit to widen the power band. The stock plate can be replaced with a 10 plate in the stock position and you will have a totally different truck..

I have the five speed and i love it. You cannot beat it for towing at all. Like everything else tho, parts wear out on it, But i can atest that the stock clutch will hold a max of 350 rwhp and thats pushin it... If you wait for the five speed, you will probably get that desirable 215 AKA the 913 pump that many people look for in these trucks. These are just plain awesome for modifying potential... But if you plan on a stocker, well, ur good to go with either an auto or manual.... but im biased for towing with a manual, more control over everything

Rick

displacedtexan

Rick is right on the money (as usual)

If you get an auto, and want a little more beef, you can get an upgraded VB for about $500. They are not the greatest tranny ever built, but they seem to hold up ok for mild/medium towing at stock power. It is more power and hard use that just destroys them.

Tacoma747

"If you wait for the five speed, you will probably get that desirable 215 AKA the 913 pump that many people look for in these trucks. These are just plain awesome for modifying potential... "

You lost me there.
I know about this much (---) about these trucks. Like I said, not planning on doing any modifications to it other than exhaust (possibly). I guess if doing whater 'plate' mod to the governor will not hurt anything, then I might would do that. If I get a couple that say wait for the 5spd, then I will, but if there are some praises about the auto, then I would like to get this truck, it is nice, just not sure about the longetivity of the auto even with a stock engine and light loads.

Thanks

displacedtexan

The manual tranny trucks in those years had 215hp stock versues I think 180 for the auto trucks. A bigger injection pump.