2 guys I work with have both driven the new 08's with the automatic and manual, one of which acutally bought one with a manual. The both said the didn't like the way the automatic equipped trucks drove. I thought that was odd as everyone on here seems to rave about the new automatics. Is there a big difference between the way they drive, other than the fact you have to shift gears yourself with the manual? I know, I know, i should get out and test drive one myself, but I havn't had the time lately. I'm just kinda curious as to why they said what they did.

 

Just depends on the driver. I've driven all the sticks I care to. If it means anything to you, the auto will beat your buddy easily, everytime

 

I got the auto in my truck. In my previous truck it was a stick. I love the automatic.

 

I am too old to shift. Its auto all the way.

 

I've had 2 six speed manuals (a 99 and an 05). If I were to buy a new truck, I would also get the automatic. They have it figured out. You can shift it manually if you want. Performance wise, you can't beat it. Too many problems with clutch hydraulics and burnt clutches on the manual. I bet in less than 10 years you won't be able to buy a vehicle with a manual transmission.

Can you even buy a duramax with a manual transmission in the 2500/3500 pickups?

 

Currently, no. I believe the last manuals were ZF 6 speeds and the market for them was really small, so GM killed it.

-Chris

 

Both Ford and Chevy said that 99% of there sales of pickups consisted of automatics and 1% consisted of manuals. To them it was too much money to make manuals and automatics when only 1% wanted manuals, so they threw the sticks out the door. Dodge on the other hand, it's split 50/50 as far as sales of automatics and manuals go. This was back in about 2006 I believe, before the new 6 speed came out in Dodge's. As it looks now, I have seen a lot of manual 5.9 guys change to the auto's in the 6.7, so it's must be pretty good. I won't try one out though because if I like it then I would moan and groan until I got one.

 

Manual trannys are dinosaurs.Wish I had a built 48re in my truck.All the new autos are the cats meow.

 

i've got the manual. the next one will be an auto!

 

Ok, I talked to them again today, and both said their reason for not liking the automatic was because it didn't feel as responsive as the manual. I have off work friday and I think I'm gonna go test drive both versions, just for the heck of it. I think if I ever buy a new truck again, its gonna be one with a 6.7 and the auto though. I have a lot of days lately where I just feel lazy

 

Yah right!

Dodge autos have always been the weakest link. If you've added enough HP to fry a clutch you would need to invest way more into your auto with the same HP, and that kinda work to an auto is not cheap compared the the price of a good clutch.

Love my stick, never had anything else for the last 28 years...

 

Stick all the way! Besides the cummins that is why i went with a dodge if u tow at all a stick is the way to go!

 

I test drove both before I bought. I likes the auto, but just couldn't push myself to buy a first-year auto behind a diesel so I bought the stick. I like it ok, but miss my auto I had in my last truck a little (Ford pds w/E4OD which was flawless for 250,000 miles).

The Dodge auto, with the gear selection it has and the exhaust brake, should do well for towing. My Ford sucked towing in the mountains beacuse you had 1st, 2nd, or 3rd plus 4th. Not being able to stick it in 3rd and the huge gap between 3rd and 4th made for miserable driving at times.

 

The auto sucks waaaay more gas! (might be similar for open highway driving, but any stop and go city traffic you will see a HUGE difference) So, with current gas prices there is no choice but stick for me, Scott

 

G-56 all the way baby!!
Even in traffic commuting 90 miles a day, don't mind rowing my way along.