jayjma20

hey i'm looking at getting my first diesel and i want the CTD likely gona be a short box 3500, my only question is what tranny to go with most of the driving will be city/highway some lite towing as well. just wondering which tranny might suit me best and what you guys think, i do plan to add some performance parts after i get it so i guess that will be a factor as well, any info would be great thanks

bwarren86

sounds like an auto would suit you well for what you will be using it for. I have a 6speed and love it but you do have to shift alot

runamuk

6 speed ! Nuff said! Read my sig.

Rick

TexasCTD

Welcome to DTR! Just start reading and you will be a pro at all this diesel stuff in no time.

You should decide if you will be driving the truck more in town or out on the road. IF in town....go auto. IF on the road....go 6 speed.

Also, if you ever want to drag race......you may want the auto. It can be built up to handle WHATEVER power the engine can produce and can shift faster than you can. If you think you will be towing alot, I'd prob go 6 speed.

Either way, your a winner by getting the Cummins.

jayjma20

thanks for the replies, i'll likely end up getting the auto for the fact 90% of my driving will be in town, not that i don't like standard being a trucker and all, but it'll be nice to put it in drive and just go
thanks again

Lrdchaos

Good choice on going with the auto.....much nicer just to put it in drive and forget about it.

Sevir

As of right now, I am kicking myself for getting a auto. I hate DC's auto. Its a slow POS Pig. But I am going to be getting a performance auto here in the near future. Probably either suncoast or DTT. Depending where I am stationed at. If you are not going to do tranny mods, then get a 6 speed. But if you dont mind spending a few grand on a new tranny then get you the auto.

no_6_oh_no

Before you decide drive each one and pay attention to the rpm's at the normal hiway speeds in your area. You want the rpm's under 2100 for your best economy. More than that and you will be unhappy with the mileage.

djgaston

I just can't imagine a diesel without a 6 speed... I am absolutely SHOCKED at the number of people who run auto transmissions in a tow rig. I'm trying to help my brother find a good used 3rd gen and 80% of them all are automatics.

mishkaya

I have both an '02 auto (Goerend rebuilt) and an '05 6 speed (G56), and I have to say that as much as I like a stick, I am quite disappointed with the final gear ratio, as many have mentioned on this site. Stock for stock, I suppose I would still rather have a manual transmission, but until I get my US Gear overdrive unit, I kind of miss the automatic sometimes as I do a fair amount of highway driving.
mishkaya

kertoncol

My first was an auto, 2nd and 3rd have been 6 speed. Go 6 speed and you won't ever have to worry about what you pull...

jayjma20

ok a few more questinos like i said i'm new to the pick up diesel scene, whats the adavantages/disadvatages to the 6 spd over the auto? can the 6 spd handle more power upgrades in comparison? like i said most of my driving will be in town with little highway towing a smaller travel trailer, thanks again for the input

12PACK

In all honesty, I was 90% certain I wanted a stick. I'm probably about 70% now as there is alot of shifting and the rpm's are a little high for 70 mph, and the G56 is even higher, from what I've read. Nothing that bigger tires won't help cure.

As was said, drive both, and for more than a couple of miles.

Sevir

I dont know if your dealership will let you do this. I was able to do a 24hr test drive. See if they will let you do that, See which one you want.

SSminnow

If you have ANY doubts go with the auto. You will have to have it rebuilt in the near future, but with all of the intown driving you said you will be doing, the auto is the only way to go. I have owned both, and blew up my auto, and spent $3500 on a killer auto, and that was the schiznit. I love my 6 speed, but in town I do miss the auto, nuff said