Hey guys,
Been looking into buying a 3rd gen cummins and was hoping you guys can help me choose between either a manual or a auto. The following is what i plan on doing with the truck so hopefully this all will get you all to provide some pointers, suggestions, and if you want just plain hate...

I plan on...
1. Towing quite often probably two to three weekends of every month.
2. Doing some performance mods nothing to crazy maybe to the 400-450 range
3. Minor towing and often hauling during the week.

And if ya'll can tell me what would need to be upgraded on each to make them bulletproof and the price ranges associated with such upgrades.

Thanks
CB

 

Depends on the model year of the truck.

If you get a late model with the 5.9L engine ('06 or early '07) then a manual would be the better choice so you don't have to invest in a new tranny. If you're looking at the 6.7L (late '07 or '08) then it will really depend on the weight you're pulling. The 68RFE auto is way better than the 48RE, so that's a plus but if you're looking at towing around 75% of the max rating then really look at the manual.

BTW, I've got the G56 6 speed in my '08 and it's got plenty of "go" in it.

 

I think we all tend to agree / think a manual is more robust than an auto - at a mininum the clutch could be the weakest link where as when an auto goes, the costs to repair / up grade are significantly more. I suggest you truly ask your self what you want - I myself prefer manual trans, but I had to be considerate of my wife. If I was you, I would look for a 2003 manual truck - best mpg and I believe the tranny robust for your intentions.

Just my 2 cents.

 

Im pretty much use my truck for what you describe above, maybe a little more towing. I love the truck, but my biggest regret is not getting a manual(so the wife could drive it). I have been saving for some time now for the inevitable built tranny (big $). Just a Smarty Jr on the highest setting will slip the auto!

If you are gonna be the only driver and dont need the auto for someone who cant drive a manual, my vote would be for the manual...

 

i had the same problem. my wife talked me into the auto. 10k later in transmission cost i think every day how i wish i would have gone manual. dont make my mistake!

 

I have an 03 with 640,000 on the clock now....i pull 8000 to 16000 all the time just about it, yes i do pull commercially so my truck get driven alot....im just now having a problem with my tranny which is the sycos in 2nd and 5th are giving me the problem. I have changed the fluid every 35000 miles so it is just wear that has given the problem.
My point is it has held up very well under all the work it has gone through and has made me alot of money with very little problems.
I agree with nvr, this year truck had alot less problems than the others have for the most part. Im changing the tranny out now with a early 2004 tranny that has 98000 on it and i think it will last another 500,000 with out any issues.
Im on my second clutch right now and i feel it has alot to do with how you drive it. I dont slip it at all if possible other than backing when i have to, I just make sure the clutch pedal is all the way out before giving any power and then i ease in to the power, dont stomp on it. It worked for me a long time.
Just my opinion

 

IMO an auto has no business in a diesel rig. Especially if the rig is used as it was intended to be. Manual or bust, again JMO.

 

autos are faster but you need to build it manuals are sweet if i were to do it again i would get a manual

 

I love my manual G56. I have bad luck with the auto's the manuals never let me down.

 

Got an auto in my truck because of the wife. I lose a lot of power and mileage, and I know I'll need tranny work soon. If you have the ability, take the manual.

 

i went auto. i do lot of towing but a lot of in town driving and get tired of shifting in town. that was my deciding towing. if you go auto can always do an exhaust brake.

 

NV5600 for the WIN...

 

Correct I love my nv5600.. Took a bit of used to driving a full size truck with a manual, but after a few short drives, it was easy. I love my manual... Plus, my wife can't drive a manual, so that means she can't drive my truck
Scott

 

Good point.....

 

the wife cant drive mine either. just one more resone to own a manual.