Heres my situation, I WILL for sure within the next year be buying my "dream truck", whatever that is, and I still am confused by all of the options and the brand new technology.

This will be my first truck, I plan on probably driving it everyday, unless I find a POS civic for around 3k. Anyway, I dont tow a heavy load (I have a 6-1/2 x 10' motorcycle/ single axle trailer for the dirt bikes, that I wont need most of the time because I'm getting the 8-foot bed), I MIGHT tow a car trailer once a month-MAYBE.

I plan for a 2" (or whatever it takes) daystar or superlift lift in the front just to level the truck and I want to put on 35-inch BFGs, nothing too dramatic. Then a lightbar on the roof and maybe some Mickey Thompson Classic II wheels (i'm really going cheap here).

What do you guys think for the transmission? With how strict the warranties are nowadays I really dont think that I'll be modding the truck with a programmer or anything, but I do have a splinter about that **** exhaust with the DPF and all of that. I'll probably straight-pipe the truck if there arent any warranty issues.

I also have the plans for a bio-diesel setup if that also doesent void the warranty.

Heres the skinny, I definately think that the auto would be more comfortable for me. But if there are any reliability issues at all, I would rather go manual. The manual may be fun for a while, but by the same token, I'm sure it'll get old pretty quick.

 

The six speed auto is great. I drive a manual Jeep and Honda, test drove a 2007.5 manual CTD and then a 2007.5 six speed auto CTD. The manual was geared way too low and very stiff. I haven't heard on complaint about the new six speed automatic transmission.

The combo of the exhaust brake and silky smooth auto can't be beat. I recommend you test drive both like I did, but I didn't see any advantage in getting the manual.

 

Thanks, anyone else?

 

Have you ever drove a 6-Speed manual tranny. Shifting all the time. I would no doubt get the auto 6 speed. Plus the G56 Dual mass flywheel clutch is not the best setup. You will be putting a SouthBend setup in it a 70,000 miles if you make it that far.

 

I traded my 07 in just because of the 6-speed manual killing my legs while sitting in traffic. I also had a South Bend Con OFE clutch in it which did not help matters any. I'm very happy with my 6-speed auto trans. It actually shifts when you think it should unlike every 4 speed auto I have ever had in a CTD truck.....

 

my 99 was a 5 spd and I went in to test a 6 spd man with every intention of getting a stick. Ended up driving out of there with an auto and have not ever looked back!!

Chris

 

For what you are planning to do with the truck, buy a 2009 or 2010 Ram 2500 with the new Hemi and forget the extra expense of the diesel.
Your not towing much at all, why pay a $7000 premium over a gas truck. A Hemi engine will pull what you say you tow with no problem at all, plus you'll save over a $1.00 per gallon on fuel.

And, get a manual transmission ... ALL AUTOMATIC transmissions are junk and not worth the oil that sits in them.

 

I think a person should have to drive a manual at least 200,000 miles before they get to own an automatic as slick as the 68RE
That said, if I wasn't towing, I would have bought a Power Wagon

 

I got the manual, and I like it. The automatic did drive very nice, and the exhaust break and infinitely selectable gearing, it should be good for any use. I just couldn't bring myself to buy a first-year auotmatic.

 

2nd year
There seem to be so few problems with the 68RE that I did not hesitate to buy mine.

 

Now there is a blanket statement that EVERYONE will bend over backwards to believe!!! I had more problems with my 5 speed in my 99 than I ever have had with an auto. Does that mean all sticks are JUNK???

Chris

 

My left leg would say yes to that!!!

 

I have the six speed auto tranny and wouldn't want anything else. We tow a 15K lb. fifth wheel toy hauler and the truck pulls it very well. I keep it in tow mode and with the exhaust brake, I don't have to use the truck brakes very much. I can also eat a cheeseburger when cruising down the road.

 

This auto is really a dandy. What I like about about it is that is doesn't want to shift all the time. Once you get in 6th gear is wants to stay there and I like that. I can't stand a truck that likes to downshift all the time.

Now, when driving it compared to a Chevy or Ford you'll think man this is a little sluggish. However, once you drive it a while, you'll love it and you'll realize when you punch the pedal that the truck just goes faster.

Very nice tranny. I don't know about the long term reliability yet but it's very nice.

Mike

 

I love my manny tranny... my first cummins but I have had it for close to a year now and personally love driving a stick over the auto... drove my cousins 5.9L 3500 last fall with auto and just felt weird...