Talking to a dealer and he's recommending I get the automatic 6 speed '08 Dodge Ram 2500 Laramie Mega Cab over the 6 speed manual. Any input. Pro's and con's of both? Always driven a stick shift, but wondering if maybe I should re-think it? Appreciate any help

Nick

 

What are your palns for the truck?

 

if you wanna race get the auto....if you wanna never worry about your trans get the handshaker.
nothing like being stuck on the side of the road cause of a transmission sensor

 

I agree. It really depends on what you plan on doing with the truck.

Towing?
Street/Strip?

 

It's impossible to help much with that decision. And what is the dealer's motivation? Does he have more autos than sticks and want to sell them?

The new auto seems like a very nice setup and if you just cruise around town or your wife will be driving it and she hates a stick, or you just want it, the auto is a good choice. They seem to be holding up well. My friend just bought an auto and it is really nice.

If you like a stick that is the best choice. I'm towing in the mountains a lot lately and wish I had one.

Have fun.

John

 

I'll be towing a trailer with some ATV's periodically. I like stick shift much better than auto, but was more concerned of the automatic tranny having big problems down the road- much sooner than a stick i would assume. Thats to say if the stick EVER had problems after I bought it.

 

Oh, and as for the dealers motivation- He only has auto's and doesn't have any sticks within 1000 miles...but after emailing him a bit...now he can get me a 6 speed. I think he shifted that way after he figure out I wasn't leaning towards the auto..

 

And there you go!! See dealers are trying to steer you for what is good for them... not you... although I like the auto myself.

Raspy, with your setup all you need to do is install the TC lockup switch and use it properly in the mountains and you'll be golden. I live in the mountains and that is what I do and it works just fine. I will agree it is not a substitute for a manual, it is nice to have a couple extra gears to go to, but the TC switch narrows that gap considerably...Enjoy!

 

I think it all comes down to your preference. If I was buying a new truck now, I would have to test drive the manual and then make my decision from there. I did drive the 6 speed auto, and it is pretty awesome, especially with the standard exhaust brake.

 

soulezoo,

Yeah, I will get around to installing the lockup switch, probably this weekend. Actually, I already bought the switch and the resistors. After reading the posts on it I can't decide if I run the resistor or the jumper wire. I'm glad to hear you like it. Maybe you could PM me with the details.

I go through Pollock Pines every once in a while. I'll keep my eye open for you.


Burkert,

Sorry for the hijack.


John

 

Get the six speed manual with 3.42's...

 

:-). I think that's my plan. And its about 1,000 less expensive :-)

 

I would drive both trucks and see what you like. Yes, the manual would be great for mountains, heavy loads, and so would the new auto. I finally got to drive a manual last week and it was O.K. Actually, the truck felt very slow with the manual but I beat it would be great pulling heavy loads. That is a tough decision to make. I am glad it is you instead of me.

 

HA! Thanks Spooler. Soothing and comforting words!

Slow with manual eh? mmmm

 

If you do go manual make sure you get the 3.42's, the g56 and 3.73's is not really that great for highway cruising. I am planning a 3.42 swap to bring the rpm's down to a more acceptable level.