I am looking at upgrading to a 3500 4x4 to tow my new 5er. I will be running near max wt but I won't be towing a lot of miles. The truck will be my daily driver (back and forth to work, etc).

Should I opt for the 6 speed or go with the auto? I was thinking that the manual might be better because I don't have to worry about the auto running hot, hunting gears, and should be more exaust brake friendly. But the Dodge towing guide lists the capacity of the auto higher and from what I have read the auto will work OK with an exaust brake.

Any words of wisdom?

 

I tow with an automatic with a shift kit and have had no problems, but I would still prefer the manual if I had to do it all over again. Without an exhaust brake, the automatic does not hold back well on hills, and there are times when it seems that the transmission just seems like it needs an extra gear or two in there.

 

That's only because the curb weight of an automatic-equipped truck is less than a truck equipped with the heck-for-stout (and heavy!) NV-5600.

We tow a 13,500 lb 5th wheel. I had a 47RE in my previous dually. I have an NV-5600 and Jacobs exhaust brake in this one. I'll take the 6-speed for heavy towing applications. YMMV.

Rusty

 

MANUAL MANUAL MANUAL!

 

If you're gonna up the hp, consider the cost difference between a clutch upgrade & an auto tranny upgrade. If you're going up to the mid 400hp level, then I think you're drivetrain cost on the manual tranny is a single disc clutch. The auto tranny upgrade would be substantially more.

Maybe someone that knows the hp levels & costs on the auto tranny could chime in.

 

I just got back from the dealer...took a couple of 3500s for a ride. One unit was a single rear 6 speed and the other was a dual rear automatic. Both were long box quad cab 4x4 w/ 3.73. Loved the look of the Patriot Blue dually.

Anyway, I can't believe how much quieter the motor is now...almost eerie...not sure I like it is so quiet. The power was great. I am sold on the dually long box but I think that I am going to opt for a 6-speed. Why not, around town I started in second gear and went directly to 4th (not much shifting there).

The mileage was very different though. The 6 speed was only running about 100 rpm higher than the auto (on the highway) but was getting about 4 - 5 less mpg. I did notice that the 6-speed did have an ECM upgrade sticker on the motor. Motor mfg dates were a couple months apart but were at the end of 2003. I think that I just saw the big anomaly that I have been reading about.

Now just to find the beast at a good price...any dealers to recommend in the Great Lakes area?

 

DITTO!!!!!!!!!!

4 Grand to upgrade the auto's!

 

Yeah everyday I miss my 6spd. My 2008 (when mine is paid off ) will be a 6spd. or a 7spd?!?

 

Way fewer concerns worries post warranty with a manual.

 

Manual always. I hope that never again will I have to drive an automatic slushbox. I use mine as a daily driver plus make it work occasionally and have never regretted my decision. I even drive in one of the largest cities in the world (Mexico City) occasionally in their horrendous stop and go traffic and have not had a problem.
Just wish it had a higher 6th gear. Or a 7th.

MANUALS RULE!

 

I used yo say "automatics were for people without left feet". I always had a stick.
In november a guy yakking on his cell ran a stop sign, broadsided me on my Harley. Took the left leg.

Now I are one. I'm just glad our trucks are so well made,

CTD and auto is still top shelf..

 

Ouch Hope he paid for the DTT Torque converter and valve body or something greater.

 

I prefer the manual trans over the auto (although the autos are quicker )

Cyborrg,

Sorry about your accident. Glad that your still with us. I always worry about my grandpa on his Harley, but he loves it.

Best of luck
Dave

 

What Mexstan said - I often find myself looking for another gear when I'm getting it up on the big road and going through the gears. Oh, yeah, Mexstan - bought mine where you did - nice bunch of folks - take it back about every 6 to 7 weeks - oil change (part of the deal when I bought it). I live about 50 miles from there.

Grizzly,
If they were built in '03, probably 555, not 600. 600 build started in Jan. My mileage has continued to get better. 17 to 19 mpg now highway speeds and have 17k on the clock. Started at 14.5 off the dealer's lot. Much better than my '02 Chevy 2500HD gasser and diesel is 20 to 30 cents a gallon cheaper here in TX.

 

STICKS ARE FOR POPSICLES