Hi guys, I'm learning a lot on this site about Dodge's. I've decided to dump my POS PSD and look at a cummins. My questions are related to how reliable the auto is or what manual tranny to look for. I've never really believed in autos and diesels, but have heard the autos have been improved in the past few years. I am looking for good reliability, I'm not interested in bombing, but want a truck that will last and will be mostly used for towing moderate loads long distances. Thanks in advance.

 

Welcome to the site. I can't help much with the auto, but for a manual I would say the 6 sp. is really nice. My old '99 had the 5 sp., but I'm much happier with the 6 sp. I also wanted a truck I didn't have to bomb, so I bought the HO (high-output) which comes with either the 6 sp manual or the 48RE auto. These are really excecllent trucks for any kind of towing.

 

Autos<br><br>Now, the new 03 autos are supposed to be some bad dudes. I read in a thread in the 3rd gen forum that you can use an exhaust brake from the factory on them.

 

Thanks for the input. I guess I was mistaken, I thought the HO could only be had with the 6 spd. I think I would much prefer the six spd. I have one in my current Ford, and its the only good part of that whole truck. The ability to get just the right gear when towing is great, never too low or too high. So is the 48re any good? Sadly, the 03 would be out of my budget.

 

[quote author=GrandpasRam link=board=4;threadid=13482;start=0#126909 date=1050070489]<br>Welcome to the site. <br>[/quote]<br><br>What do you mean welcome? He is member #740!! How can that be???

 

I actually logged onto this site originally back when I bought my ford. Just haven't checked in or posted for a long time, I was a little surprised to find my login was still active.

 

The stock auto is OK with the stock trans, but life expectancy is nowhere near that of the engine. The best bet, IMHO, is an aftermarket valve body and TC. Once you have done that, you can then add goodies to the engine to get more power, and add an exhaust brake.

 

you can now order an 03' HO auto...my stepfather just plopped 40k down for one, it'll be here in 6 weeks..it's a 4-speed auto...

 

I have a '98 auto and it's holding up great. I do have the Mag-Hytec double deep pan though. In all honesty though, I don't care much for the way it tows. Now an aftermarket torque converter, &amp; other goodies, might help that though. The auto is a lot nicer in traffic.<br><br>