wardy70

Im new to this forum and the Dodge line of trucks. After being very disapointed in the reliability and quality of my 2 Ford powerstroke diesels decided to get a new Cummins. I guess my question is has any body had any issues with the auto in the truck. Also is the mileage comparable with the 6-speed. My truck will be a 1 ton dually, they cant seem to find one with the stick but they can find one with the auto. I don't know if I should order one or just get a automatic. I tow alot, I have a 32 ft trailer and will be racking up the miles so please let me know how your truck is. I will also be running 3:73s in the truck, so fuel mileage is one of my main concerns but so is reliability. Thanks

truckjunkie

I'm sure some others will chime in here shortly, but my understanding from reading previous threads is that the new G56 manual tranny is geared higher than the auto - i.e. you'll be turning more rpm's at the same speed with the manual than the auto. As far as the auto is concerned, I know there's a lot of folks on here that beat on their autos all day with little to no problems - even some of them who have turned up their trucks haven't had problems.

I have a 4.5 with the old NV5600 manual and really like it alot. This too was my first Dodge, and I was a little leery of the auto trannies, so I bought the manual. If I had to do it over again, it would REALLY be a tossup between the two. With the 05 and 06 models with the new G56 tranny, I think I might lean toward the auto.

Like I said, I'm sure others will chime in here shortly. And congrats on the new truck; I too am an ex Ford owner.

ON EDIT - looks like there's another thread discussing this very topic in the other 3rd gen forum: https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...ad.php?t=92239

wardy70

Thanks that helps, even if I did have problems with the tranny it would still be better than both my 05 and 03 strokers, I just could not keep head gaskets in either one, the cummins is a proven motor. Im taking a big bath on my 05 to get this truck but everytime I pull it, it has to go into the shop for 2 days. I cant afford to be down. We will see what the dealer has found in the morning.

Rambunctious1

Real trucks have 6 speeds.

TexasCTD

You will be fine with an Auto or 6 speed manual. Just get the one that suits you best. The 48RE auto has proven to be a dependable tranny. You might at some point want to change out the torque converter and Valve body just to increase the performance and get the power to the ground better. But, I have heard of very few (any?) failures from them.

HOHN

I feel your pain.

When I bought my 02, I spec'd the 6-sp because I planned on uprating the power considerably. At the time, the stock auto trannies were pretty frail and sloppy-- very unimpressive. The 5-speeds were also known for long term failures (losing 5th gear), and 5 speeds with a Cummins isn't enough.

So I ended up with the 6-sp almost by default. To match the uprated power, all the 6sp needs is a stronger clutch ($1500), while the auto would need $4K+ in work.


However, if I were looking a a NEW truck, I would get the automatic. First, the 48RE is MUCH MUCH better than any previous Dodge Truck auto tranny. It's proven to be pretty good, and hold a decent amount of power.

Second, the G56 is unproven, and would be costly to upgrade for higher HP levels. It's also geared WAY too short, imo, even with 3.73 gears.


So, in essence, there's been a turning of the tables. It used to be that the 6-sp was the best you could get in a Dodge.

I feel that the 48RE is the best tranny they offer now.

xyzer

I have had 2 trucks with the 47RE hauled hay horses and tractor over the pass...never had a problem! I drive it like it was a manual on long grades. Find the gear it pulls fine in and leave it there. Shifting or hunting for the right gear will kill any of them. I just bought a new 3500 SRW Laramie with the 48RE with the tow haul OD lockout system plus approved for an exhaust brake. I pick it up today...Dodge builds a good tranny...If you abuse them they will make you pay! The BOMBERS seem to have found the HP threshole where they need an upgrade and I'm far from that. When I tow I would prefer a 6speed....but it has to fill many needs...like town..short trips..I hate gear jammin in town!

JDN_77

The G56 if I am right is a very proven 6 speed in Europe, Mercedes has been using it for 10 years I believe. I love my 6 speed and wouldn't trade it for an automatic for nothing. I have always stuck with manuals, except my wifes trucks just to make it easier on her. It does turn about 150 rpms more than an auto, but if you put on a 295 or 305 tire the RPMs come down down a couple of hundred so you are back at a stock auto. If you tow alot you will wish you had a 6 speed especially in the hilly terrain, gives you more control of the transmission and the load. just my .02

bluesurf

which can actually tow more/easier? In the book it says tat the auto can haul more, but i was under impression that a 6sp is better for towing. Enlighten me please.

JDN_77

I am just partial to a Manual, always have been, HOW MANY BIG TRACTORS DO YOU KNOW OF THAT ARE AUTOMATIC/HYRDROSTATIC? Most are all Manual trans that is for the gear selections in the field. Towing I would most definetely want a manual over an automatic just for the reassurance that I am in control and not the computer/trans deciding what gear I am suppose to be in. Don't get me wrong autos tow wonderful also.

xyzer

Just an opinion here but I believe the auto is rated with a higher rating because they can control the shifting better and it is harder to abuse it. It is a slush box...it will absorb shock and not send it through the rest of the drivetrain....When Chevy came out with the 4.3L V6 in the S10 you could only get it with an auto....The light manual couldn't handle any kind of abuse! I think it boils down to personal preference, they all break!

Rod_Montana

This is my delimma also. I have a 04.5 with the 48re. Once up in 4th with the TC locked in, all is fine. But it takes 50mph to get there, and while it will pull down to 42mph before dropping out of lock, I hate the fact that I have to go all the way to 50mph to lock it up again. This irritation stems from the fact that 3rd gear seems disconnected from the engine between 1500 and 2000 rpm. Rev it...nothing happens...well, very slow acceleration until past 2k. This is hell on fuel mileage. And I'm not particularly fond of the computer controlled downshifts either. Sometimes, I'm climbing in our mountainous roads, pulling just fine at 1800rpm and the darn thing shifts down to 2nd, without me applying more throttle. Now its 2300rpm and with only a quarter or so throttle dialed in. More juice down the pipe.

So its the shift patterns I dislike, not the power to the ground. I once snapped a 13,000lb test logging cable while in 4wlo trying to drag a 150ft doug fir out of the forest. Didn't jerk it, just slowly added power, the wheels dug in and the tree moved about four feet before the cable snapped. That's power.

Now I decided to trade in for an 06 and get the 6-speed. Tested one today. 3.73 gearing and it drove great around town. Start in 2nd, or 3rd, shift to 4th. 5th when getting into suburbia.

The big dissappointment came when getting out on the rural streets. With the 48re TC locked up, 1900rpm gives you 69mph. Great mileage at about 19mpg. In the 6-speed, 1900rpm is 60mph! 2200rpm to get to 69 and that won't break 15mpg. Total loser in gearing. Whoever figured the final drive gearing in the G56 was out to lunch.

Now what? Right now I'm planning on passing on 06 trucks and Dodge in general until they get this fixed. Guess I'll keep the 04.5 for a while.

TexasCTD

Rod, just keep the truck you got and go spend a little money on your tranny. Get a Valve body and Torque converter from DTT or ATS or Goerends. Problem solved. Power to the ground. Shifts like it is supposed to. Sure it will cost a little money, but alot cheaper than a new truck.

My tranny performs similarly to yours and tranny mods are on my to do list. But im going to do the buy a built tranny all at once....and spend a bunch.

JDN_77

Just got back from a casino trip to Bossier City and I averaged 16.5mpg with 2500 miles on the truck. I put the 295s on the truck and it lowered the rpms about 650. At around 70 I am running at 2050 rpms and 17mpg it sure jumps though when you get to 75. I love the 6 speed, sure it turns higher RPM I just like the control of the shifting, Personal Preference. Also with the 295s it rides like a dream compared to the stock tires.

dwhite

What air pressure are you running in them...