Is there a difference in the running gear between the 6 speed vs auto and 2500 vs 3500. I heard the rear end might be more stout in the 6 speed? I am speaking of the HO Cummins models

 

Yes...but someone else will have to explain the difference. Just get the 3500 6 speed and be happy. ;D

 

No, if you get the HO the rear end is the same regardless of which transmisison you get. If you get the 2500 with the SO than you get a somewhat smaller rear axle. The front axle is the same in all the 2500's and 3500's regardless of other options. BTW, the only information I have seen on the axles is the ring gear size. Has anyone taken them apart and counted the splines? I'd really like to know the axle shaft diameter and the spline counts, for both the front and rear axles.

 

I was told that the 6 speed HO internals are more robust than the auto despite the same overall outside size but I dont know if this is really true.

 

The auto runs about 100 rpm slower, due to the overdrive ratio of .69 versus the manual's 6th gear which is .73.

Just get an HO, thats all there is to it. then you get the 11.5" gears in the rear diff no matter if you have a 3500 or a 2500. the rest of the decisions depend on your expected majority use:

-- 4.10 versus 3.73 axle
-- 2500 or 3500
-- dual or single rear wheels
-- auto or 6-speed

The whole driveline including the running gears are identical between 2500 and 3500 HOs.

but I gotta go with Hoss on the tranny -- get the HO 6 speed and be happy!

 

Get the 6 speed. They are having trouble with the new automatic, gee what a suprise, and the 6 seems to work just great.

It may make some weird noises in the begining. But most of this seems to go away after about 5 or 6 thousand miles.

 

you can't race with a 6 speed though

 

What trouble are we having with the new automatic? I haven't heard of any.Haven't had any with mine

 

What trouble are "they" having with the new 48RE auto? Since I have the auto I guess I should be prepared for the worst. So far not a single hiccup.

 

Funx4me,

You read my mind with your question...and posted it 54 seconds before me!!

 

[quote author=mymaur link=board=20;threadid=18257;start=0#msg171306 date=1060644526]
Get the 6 speed. They are having trouble with the new automatic, gee what a suprise,

[/quote]

Don't leave us hanging...explain.

 

NO issues here with my 48RE with 10K on it. Well my gas mileage did go up by 2MPG in the last month. That extra 80 miles per tank is nice!

 

I'll agree, absolutely flawless tranny so far. I have had as much as 31,200 lbs behind mine and it hasn't failed me yet. I used to sell almost strictly 6-speed's, but since the introduction of the 48re the ratio of 48re's to 6-speeds is probably 4 to 1. And we haven't had a customer bring one back with a complaint yet, the only thing they are coming back with is how much they love the new tranny, and how nice it is to be able to have the pulling power of the stick with the convenience of the auto. 8) 8) 8)

 

[quote author=98rammer link=board=20;threadid=18257;start=0#msg171311 date=1060646047]
you can't race with a 6 speed though
[/quote]

Sure you can...just don't expect to win...and don't expect any speed until you hit 5th.

 

No, no, no Hoss. You speed shift, dont even use the clutch. Just put the medal to the pedal and slam those gears man