Still I'd have the 6spd. But if I never hauled anything then I'd drive the car. (its also a standard. )

 

My fiance insisted on a six speed when we bought her truck. She wouldn't even look at an auto. Just one more reason to love farm girls.

 

Real trucks have three pedals!

 

Hold on BigBlue, from the looks of your sig you like to race. With the six shooter, you would have racked up A LOT FEWER kills! I love my six speed, but to be honest the average minivan could beat be off the line.

 

that's the truth... you can improve the race ability by putting in a short shift kit...

 

I love my six-speed too, glad I got it even though I bought so early that an auto wasn't even an option. I think I've used first gear maybe once in a year and a half - just to try it out. I always start in second - and as at least one other poster said, it would be nice to have a seventh gear for hauling butt down the highway. I don't tow anything, mine's a daily driver that's usually pretty close to empty in back.

 

Thanks for the input Lon.

So you bought a CTD mostly because you like the diesel engine and not out of need?

Nothing wrong with that IMO because that's my situation too. I want a pickup for an occasional need to tow, haul stuff, and for the 4WD as my daily driver.

Basically I want a TANK!

So I figure why not buy one that'g going to last a very long time, instead of the hemi. I'll own it for at least 100k miles, which is the break-even point for the extra cost of the diesel because of the better mileage.

Realistically I'll keep the truck for about 200k miles and then if it's still going strong it'll probably the last pickup I'll own.

Thanks again,

DT.

 

Just to throw my two pennies in...

I love the 6 speed as well. I can also be added to the "odd ball" list, since I always row through all 6. Even when I race (which is like never, but I did a couple of times, only b/c friends are trying to see what kind of power this truck has)...

Basically, off the line, I get beat, but when I'm in 3rd, this thing starts to pull like a **** and pulls me ahead by 5th and 6th...

If I raced my old 02' Duramax/Allison, I would definately lose though...
That auto shifts fast and hard when you floor it...
But my truck is used as my daily commuter, hauler and tow rig.
Boss

 

for owning a stick. Now if someone can teach me how to shift while holding my whopper, steering in traffic and changing the radio station all at the same time, I will be all over it.

 

Best reason I can think of is you can use an exhaust brake, without voiding your warrantee.

 

How come nobody's mentioned the engine breaking advantage? With a truck this size, down-shifting has to be good for an extended brake life of thousands of miles if not more...agreed?

 

How about coffee, cell phone, writing notes and shifting? No Problem!!

 

Hey, you guys with 2wd 6 speeds and 3.73s - what are you taching in 6th at freeway speeds? Say 65, 75, and 80 just for grins...

If you don't mind, could you also let me know whether you are running stock tires or another size?

Sounds like even the 3.73 guys are concerned about cruising rpms - I'm trying to get a handle on how revved out I'd be, running light on the open interstate...

Jim

 

I just drove exactly that set-up and it was turning 2050-2100 at 70 MPH. I don't think they are geared anywhere near high enough.

The auto was turning about 1900-1950 at 70 MPH, but it still needs taller gearing.

How do you raise the gearing? Bigger tires? Is that it?

One more question for the experts: Does putting the automatic in tow/haul mode keep it out of overdrive? I didn't try that.

BTW, to keep this on topic, I'd take the automatic. 6 speed? Here? Fuggheddabahdid.

Thanks,
David

 

If i could change 1 thing and only 1 thing about my truck ... 6SPD, heck I'd even take the 5spd... Just get rid of this auto!

It is truly a slushbox. You're throwing away 5% of your power, 1-2 (maybe more?) MPG, drivability and towability with an automatic. Yes it works, just not as well.

And there is nothing more fun then running through that 5.61 first gear!