I just got done test driving a HO with a manual trans and a SO with the 47 auto trans.<br><br>The 6spd was amazingly smooth, but didnt like the short 2nd<br>gear.<br><br>The auto was pretty descent but there seemed to be alot of vibration. I coasted in neutral and the vibration went aways so it definitely seems to be in the trans is this typical?<br><br>Any reccomendations on the trans of choice? Typical use will be plowing in winter, towing a 6k lb trailer and a daily driver.

 

i went w/the six speed... mainly because i really don't like autos... oh, i also wanted the ho which, @ the time, was only availible w/a 6-speed...

 

Did the truck with a &quot;short&quot; 2nd gear have a 3.73 or a 4.10 rear end?

Mine seems somewhat short with a 3.73, and I suspect that it would be no trouble at all to start one with 4.10's in 3rd gear.

I wish that the 3.54's were still available.

 

I got the 6spd HO with mine as well. If you're even considering the HO, you can get it with an auto now.<br><br>I don't mind shifting, and I think that the gearing of the 6spd is pretty good. I don't tow much at all, but it's nice to have the option with such good gearing for the tow if I desire.<br><br>I've not noticed 2nd being too short. I've been able to start on just about any incline in 2nd. If the incline is steep, however, I usually just roll out in 1st and just crawl up the hill (barring another vehicle being behind me).

 

If you are going to plow get the auto, plowing with a stick gets old fast. Take care of it and it will be fine. I have pulled 10,000#+ with an auto pretty regularly with no problems.

 

I guess it all depends on your use of the truck. I drove the HO with the stick and the auto SO seemed quicker, I assume thats due to the delay with shifting with the stick. I will never pull more than 10,000 pounds with mine so I opted for the auto for the ease of getting around town. I'd say for what your gonna be doing get the auto. I'd order one though and get the 48RE rather than taking one off the dealers lot with the 47RE and get the HO so you got that extra HP and Torque to make pulling that much easier. <br><br>

 

2nd is definitely not short with 16000# riding behind you. The gear ratios are excellent. Running solo, I start in 2nd, to 4th, 5th, then 6th. Works good. Very easy to shift - - positive, only missed 6th a couple times when getting used to it - - try to hit 4th. <br><br>Bob

 

Go BOB Go

 

I Will go along with the guy who wishes the 3.54 was still available. I would like to trade 1st for a seventh.<br>Jim O

 

While towing, I would agree that second is just about right, but because I will also be using this as my work commuting vehicle A taller 2nd would be nice. I also was driving a 4.10 equiped and I am sure that hinders it as well. <br><br>The dealer is giving me one to use over the weekend so I can see how it goes using the ol 2-&gt;4 type pattern. <br><br>

 

I find myself trying to shift into seventh a lot. I press the clutch, take it out of 6th, and only then remember that I'm already in top gear so I put it back where it was. For all the running around I do and the little towing, 3.54 would have been better for me too. But 3.73 ain't that bad. Maybe when I get larger tires after these ones wear out the 3.73 will be perfect.

 

[quote author=Badunit link=board=20;threadid=9600;start=0#92106 date=1042592053]<br>I find myself trying to shift into seventh a lot. I press the clutch, take it out of 6th, and only then remember that I'm already in top gear so I put it back where it was. For all the running around I do and the little towing, 3.54 would have been better for me too. But 3.73 ain't that bad. Maybe when I get larger tires after these ones wear out the 3.73 will be perfect.<br>[/quote]<br><br>That is exactly what I do. I'll be running along on the interstate and I want to shift to 7th, because 6 winds a bit too high for my tastes, and driving habits. I, too, am hoping that the taller tires will knock my ~2400 rpm @ 80 mph down to between 2000-2200 rpm. I don't know if I can stand for these Michelins to wear out. I may just have to replace them early.

 

I agree that a slight rpm drop seems to be a good idea even with the 3.73's. I think this is especially true in the west where the 75 MPH speed limit is common on highways. I'm hoping there will be larger aspect ratio 265 or 285 section width 17's out soon.<br><br>In a .75 aspect ratio, a 265/75 would reduce rpm ~3.3%<br>A 285/75 would be ~ 7%.<br>The 315/70's some are using are result in ~8.7% reduction<br><br>A 285/75 tire would effectively reduce axle ratio of a 3.73 to 3.49 verses the stock 265/70 tire size. (31.61/33.83*3.73 = 3.49). This seems about perfect to me.<br><br>diameter calculation is <br>((section width*aspect ratio)/25.4*2)+17<br><br>265/70(stock) = 31.61 in. <br>265/75 = 32.65 in. dia.<br>285/75 = 33.83 in. dia<br>315/70 = 34.36 in. dia. <br><br>Of course, all of these are the theoretical conversion of tire size, some variation will occur with manufacturer and inflation pressure. <br><br>I also have to worry about being able to get my truck in the garage with taller tires, I may not have enough clearance with the garage door open.<br><br>It might also be best to get a second set of wheels if you change over to HD towing. This sounds like it woul d make for the best of both worlds.<br><br>Kris

 

I have a sixer on order, but have never driven one. For the life of me I can't figure how you can keep all those gears straight. Where in the devil is reverse? ???<br><br>Billy

 

6 is easy, heck you only use 5 <br><br>When it get up to 18spd it starts getting more interesting as you go through the shift patern say 3 times. Or better yet go drive a twin stick some day, that will make you pull your hair out.<br><br>It always fun after driving the Boom truck that has a basicaly and 8 spd, but its not a H pattern<br><br>1 - 4 5 - 8<br> Then you start over <br>2 - 3 6 - 7<br><br>Then hoop into the Dodge and all them dam gears are in the wrong place