If your racing the auto is faster!
If your cruising the auto is better on fuel because of the gear ratio.
The standard should have a taller high gear but it dont.
I tow a BIG trailer with an auto with no problems and 20 mpg Canadian with no problems.
I just never push the right foot hard enough to make it downshift and on a big hill use the trailer pull button on the gearshift **** so it dont lug the engine.
The newer autos with the lockup are better on fuel than the standards and are tougher and nicer to drive period.

 

...beyond a doubt, right?

 

I have the 6spd in my '03 and so far I hate it. Its the worst shifting tranny I've ever had and I've had 2 older Dodges with the NP435 granny low trannies.

However I have yet to tow heavy with it and RV season is coming up so we'll see......

 

I drive a 5 speed, I.H. 4700 part time and always enjoyed the manual trans.....although after all the pros & cons I think a test drive prior to purchase is in order. Sounds like a fun weekend activity!


Plus I saw this on another site and thought you guys might find this interesting,

"Last year all the Dodge dealers in central MI were selling the dodge diesel pickups for $19,000 and the regular Gas for $15,000 and yes there were all 4x4's and quad cabs (what I was shopping for). this went on for about 2 months. Ford and gm did not follow but I wish they had, but at the time My wife had been out of work for over a year and we bought her a new suv so me buying a truck was not allowed. a buddy tried to trade in his 2004 quad cab 4x4 and they offered him $5000 and it only has 25,000 miles on it. THis was during the $4.00 gal gas period. Now that I have the cash in hand the trucks are back up to $30,000."
http://www.duckhuntingchat.com/forum...=92925&start=0

 

I have had two autos and one manual (current 03) ctds
Both autos were eventually treated to a full compliment of lovin (billet shafts, multi disc converters, bla bla bla) and while the trucks became insanely fast they really sucked to drive IMO
The efficient tight converters made stopping the truck a bear and tough for smoke control in everyday driving ( especially on the 12v )
I have read all kinds of stories of mileage but personally the built autos added nothing to mine.
It's only been 6 months with it but the stick I really enjoy it, I have sacrificed being fast for a feeling of control. I really feel that these trucks when used for what they were built for should have a manual transmission. I have towed heavy with both now and can honestly say the manual works best for me.
I would say you need to drive them both before choosing to see what you like best.

 

I love my 48RE auto and yes it has been upgraded. I have the towing valve body and it is really fun to drive.

 

IMO, a BUILT automatic is sweet! It is sweet no matter what you are doing with it.......daily driving/traffic, towing, racing, it don't matter. The only draw back is paying to have it built right.

..

 

It is a 5 speed with a "granny gear".

 

^^^Actually, 1, 5 and 6 are virtualy the same in the NV5600 as 1, 4 and 5 are in the NV4500. 2 and 3 in the 4500 were replaced with 2, 3 and 4 in the 5600 to reduce the gear ratio stetch when loaded. Both have a granny low.

I shift my 5600 2, 4, 6 to get to hiway speed most of the time when unloaded. Saves some shifting and the truck has no trouble with it.

Cya

 

I like my 6 speed '03. I don't really have to DD it, but for towing in the mountains, it works very well. I tow my jeep on a trailer (about 7k lbs) and it's barely noticeable.

 

I have 03 6 speed I pull 22.900+ about 6 month a year it also has a Jake brake on it that is very good saves my brakes when out in the mountains.If you are looking for a truck that your going to pull heavy loads I would buy the STICK 6 speed IF it is a daily driver and not pulling much the auto might be the way to go. More motor than transmission go easy

 

for those who say you have to shift a lot with a 6sp, in town you don't have to at all. i take off with mine in 3rd and shift to 5th. if its above 35mph i will put it in 6th. i have been doing this since i have owend the truck and it has 126k on it. and stock clutch. although it is getting weak. and this is with a EMPTY truck. while towing i use 2nd to take off. i have yet really "NEEDED" 1st to take off while towing. i leave my quadzilla on level 1 with the MPG tune. i also have 36' mud tires and i barley have to give it much throttle while taken off. And as far as shifting it you go bang threw the gears farly quick with it, if you wanna race.