Well... I'm thinking (but not seriously yet) about offering my truck up for trade... I have an 06 with various upgrades (see the sig), but none performance wise... I'm thinking about trading my standard for somebody's auto... am I pipe dreaming? What am I not thinking of? About 160K

 

Why would you think - even not seriously - of trading, I thought the cool kids have manuals?

 

For the first time... EVER, I just don't like a manual tranny. There is nothing wrong with it, but I can't get comfortable with it. Part of it is the newer engine not lugging down low like the old one did, part of it is I'm just not fitting the truck quite right. There is nothing wrong that I can find, just I'm not liking it.

I've only ever had manuals really, other than when I have had no choice. This time I'd just rather have the auto. It shifts fine, it's smooth, and I'm not appreciative.

Ideally, I'd like to keep the truck and swap tranny's, but I know that isn't realistic in these trucks. I don't want to lose the rock guard, etc.

BTW, the "not seriously yet" is because I have hard times with the idea of leaving a standard to go auto...

 

Not sure if I should comment on this since I can't stand auto trannies & have only owned 1 auto trans in my entire life.
My truck, my wife's Acura & my 5.0L Mustang are all manual transmissions.

One point to note is that a built auto trans like the Goerend in Fred's truck or the Suncoast in Greg's truck or the DTT in Daniela's truck are really solid transmissions.
On the other hand, I don't think I could ever live with a 4 speed transmission with all the modern 6 speed auto's around now.

I've said before that if anyone would make an aftermarket controller for swapping in the current Dodge 6 speed auto trans (68RFE) they will sell a ton of them.
Sure enough, rumor has it that Suncoast & DTT are working on exactly that. My understanding is that the 68RFE will bolt in place of your G56 or the 4 speed auto (48RE).

It would be very pricey but a 5.9L CR with a built 68RFE would be a really nice combo.

 

Good info as always Joe. Maybe you should wait a bit, iron?

Hmmm, interesting perspective on the manual transmission, point taken. Well I have way too much invested in my truck now to consider a trade at this point, but I definitely would have considered it a couple of years ago, even with the difference in km. You have the extra filtration so it is apparent you have taken care of the engine. These are stout engines, I think the body is more likely to fall apart first, LOL. I don't race, so that advantage is a non-issue for me and probably plenty of others. It is way cheaper to get a standard transmission done up strong than the 48RE.

 

Only reason i bought my 07 Mega with the auto is for the Mrs to drive it too,a little more flexibility on the long drives,but my 01 being a 6er there are pro/cons to both sides----i love the manual for highway driving/towing---drop it in 6th and it seldom move's unless traffic or speed comes into play.To be honest it sucks to drive downtown in rush hour or light to light with my 6er---must be getting old or something.Jury is still out on who is going to build my auto when time comes but a nice built one should be just as good as my manual.My two cents DW

 

if you were going to put a 68re in .. way wouldn't you go a step up and put a allison in or a 5r110 way better tranys and they make pcs for both

 

The 68 are as good as either of those Rob, they really did their homework on it.

 

The Dodge 6 speed 68RFE has really nice ratios. Closer than the 6 speed Allison or the 5 speed Allison or the 5 speed 5R110.
Mike H. mentioned this also when he was towing with his 2010 Dodge.

The 68RFE should be a drop in for the 48RE and a very simple swap for the older Dodge trucks. No bell housing adapters required unlike an Allison swap.
This would keep your Dodge truck closer to OEM for easier parts support in the future.

The aftermarket is just getting started with the 68RFE. Once they figure it out, plus a standalone controller,
I'm sure it will be just as stout as the built 48RE, Allison or 5R110 & much more popular for swapping.

Just my thoughts..

 

Probably wouldn't go the swap route... too expensive when there is nothing wrong with the truck.

Driving it again, I think it is just a fit thing with my body shape. I'm fairly short and thin(nish) so... it isn't a comfortable fit.

 

too bad, I think I totally would have gone for this swap a year ago. Not that i am so big - I am a tall girl with medium/strong build (farm-girl strong, lol, love tractors ect) . Good luck to you if you go ahead with the idea!!! Dont let the km sway you, I personally do not see it as any disadvantage. Mine has been very babied and i am at 90,000 km. Just breaking in as far is I am concerned.

 

Any chance of you filling out your sig so we can see what you have on/in your truck? I always like to see what people have done... and why...

 

Check her first post.

 

oops...

 

Well in my first post you could check out the "what", but I'm not sure if even I know the "why" . Really the only issue for me now is the transmission and how much $$ I have into that; it now shifts very nice, not like the squishy insipid shifts on the stock version!