I am looking at buying an '05 with 62xxx miles. The truck looks pretty good, few minor dings BUT it has an automatic transmission. The only thing I know about autos is there is no clutch. I have always heard that the autos aren't very good but there are guys on here that like them. How disappointed will I be the first time I hit the highway with a load of cows or horses?

 

I like the auto but only tow the boat with it. The boat is around #6500 and the transmission does fine for me. The only thing about an automatic is backing up. When I get off the highway and start backing the boat up the driveway the transmission easly climbs another 40*. It's because an automatic is not as efficient in reverse and it creates heat. I could put the transfer case in low but the turning on pavement with 4x4 on would probably be worse. Here is a picture.

 

I guess it all depends on what you're used to, but I like my truck very much and am glad it has an automatic. I change the fluid and filter every 30,000 miles, and have had no problems so far. I'm at about 80,000 miles right now. Don't tow that often, but it's had about 4 tons hooked to it several times, and when it's time to travel the truck delivers whatever I ask of it.

 

I Hotshot with my 06' and its an automatic and pulls just fine, on the flip side I am on my 3rd tranny though at only 135,000 miles. I like how the auto pulls especially in the higher gears but if I could do it over again I would go with a 6 speed.

 

Mine crapped out on stock power at 52K. Just some food for thought. Course there is a fella right now who just got 385K on his stocker. Seems to be up in the air, their reliability.

 

I drove the truck yesterday and it seemed fine. I only stomped on the invisible clutch one time. I don't pull like I used to but there are times where there might be 10-15K lbs of animals, hay or equipment behind me. I'll still have the 07 3500 around but it always seems that the bigger loads get put on the 3/4 ton, go figure.