i have been looking at alot of second gens because im selling my first gen and all im finding is automatics i would be much more comfortable with a 5speed but they are hard to find, i hear alot of bad stuff about the autos is it all true and wat usually breaks in them or is there any other problems with the autos

 

I might be wrong here, but i think it all boils down how much you bomb the motor, how you drive, how much towing is done and of course how you maintain it.

 

The auto in my 01 was rebuilt and upgraded just before I bought it (from my brother). With the exception of one set of CHRYSLER pressure sensors going out, the transmission has had NO issues. I pull my dad's 30' 5er over Wolf Creek Pass in CO. If you haven't been over it, it is interesting. My brother did have it rebuilt twice at the Dodge dealership. He pulled his 4 horse slant with tack room as well as a 30' goose with hay from Wyoming with it. The stock trans could not take it. Dodge finally paid for an outside shop to do the transmission. All internalls are upgraded as well as an better TC. This has been 3 years and 54k miles ago. Fluid is just as pink as could be and this thing does NOT slip.
I have the fluid and filter changed prior to pulling the 5er when I'm in CO. every year, approx every 20k miles.

 

I'd much rather have a 5 speed as well and am having the same issue with finding automatics. It sucks because to make an auto strong, it's gonna cost some pretty coin. On the other hand, a 5 speed is just a clutch away from being **** near bulletproof.

 

or when i find the 5 speeds they are way over priced

 

Yea, that too. Really just gotta pick your poison. I like auto's for daily driving bu the lock up at 50mph makes it a bear to tow sometimes, and I really don't like how bad the torque converter slips when accelerating in anything but lockup. I guess you can do something about both things, but I'm kinda spoiled from driving my dad's 6 speed in comparison to my auto. Makes me not wanna buy another auto..

Hope it helps
Shawn

 

If I could do it over again I would have gotten a 5spd. I love my truck but I hate my auto trans. It's ok for just driving but when I tow my 5er with it it sucks. I have all kinds of power but I can't use it because the tranny won't put it to the ground, I'll have to talk to Goerand I guess. Go with a 5spd.

 

I have a 99 4x4 auto & went through the same thing, looking for a 5 or 6 speed but just couldn't find one. Finally settled for an auto & am less than thrilled w/ it. Great for just driving but sucks any other time.

 

If staying stock...the auto can be made to work very well for just a little money.

A fully rebuilt auto is fantastic... but more expensive than a clutch upgrade. As mentioned above, the convertor lock up can be handled for about 10 bucks. Overdrive is too tall a gear but for heavy towing, bigger tires (35") and third gear (OD locked out) works great.... 2400 rpm at 70 mph, if 3.55 rear end.

An udgraded valve body ($400 - $500) can be had cheaper than a new SB clutch and will hold 350 hp nicely.

Save the money upfront, get the auto, and put that money into the tranny! You might just love it!

RJ