Just wondering how many diehard manual transmission fans out there are considering making the switch to the Aisin for their next truck. What do you think: would you rather have the Aisin or the G56?

While both are praised, plenty of people have reported their own issues with each. I'd like to hear your thoughts if one can be considered better to have than the other.

 

Here's a data point:

For $2,600 you can get the Aisin which practically doubles your towing rating compared to the G56.

It's a shame you can't update the sticker in your door jam to reflect the updates you'd make to the clutch with a G56.

I was set on the manual but now I'm torn. I think if you go automatic you're wasting your time on that 68RE; go big or go home.

Thoughts?

 

To be honest, I really love the G56. And would not hesitate to get another in my next truck.

However, seeing the current track that the aftermarket is taking on the new vehicles, and the near non-ability to mod these trucks what so ever. That would weigh heavily on my decision on a new purchase. If I did get a new truck, it would be a case of drive it off the lot and leave it alone.

Two other things would also weigh in, if I were to purchase a new truck, I really dont think I could not do so if it wasnt a LongHorn. I really like that trim level.

And the second. Remote start. I really really wish I had it on my current truck. And I could put it on, but, 20 odd years of shuttin down in 2nd gear has persuaded me to just forget about it. I know that there are systems in place that will not allow the vehicle to start if in gear, but, I just couldnt trust them 100% and could see my truck ending up in my living room or something.

 

I've changed my mind from what I said earlier as there is now the 2013 SRW 3500 which has a way better payload so the dually is out. The auto is the ONLY way to go that G56 is not at all tough, cost to rebuild $7500 with lots of down time to get parts and that is after replacing the clutch with a Southbend 3250. While the Shortbox is nice to drive the extra space for a tidy tank is much needed and with the extra payload of the 2013 its doable. The G56 will be gone as soon as the 2013 shows up.

 

Me, too.

Yeah, and even if you want the Laramie instead of the Longhorn, you can't get the premium seats, which are now ventilated by the way, when you get the manual transmission. You're stuck with the bench seat which isn't ventilated. For spending that kind of money on a truck, I think the buyer is entitled to have ventilated seats regardless of which transmission they prefer.

The problem is the "might as well" mentality. We want a Cummins powered Ram. Well, might as well get the 3500. Might as well get it with CC or MC. It's already huge; might as well get the dually and maximize the capability. We want all the nice features of the Laramie with the manual transmission. Well, can't get them so I might as well get the automatic. So now I have an automatic Laramie? Why not just get the longhorn? You might as well. Oh wait, now we've just built a $65,000 truck.

So in the end, you spend about $4,000 more dollars on your truck and you gain an automatic and ventilated seats. For that kind of money, that Aisin better not ever break and those better be the best darned seats you've ever sat in.

I wonder if Ram's strategy is to make the G56 unappealing (de-rated engine, limited trim level, limited options) to the point where people stop ordering them so they have a reason to stop offering them.

Any Aisin guys wish they got the G56?