6spd or auto trans

[acadianbob]

I love manual transmissions. Prefer them. BUT, I have an automatic in my towing truck. Too much clutch bumping trying to back the trailer into a tight spot; especially if it is backing uphill. Also, in the big rolling hills "out west", the manual trans truck that I had previously wouldn't hold the top gear on uphill. So, every hill was "upshift on the the downhill, downshift on the uphill". After miles and miles of that, it gets to be a real nuisance.

[SlowrideHD]

I drove a big truck (13 speed, 10 speeds) for 5 years (back in the 70's) so I have no problem with a stick. But if you're backing up a hill, into a parking spot, the auto sure is nice.

[RubberNail]

I have towed a 5th wheel for a couple of decades. Had manual transmissions behind 2 Cummins and grateful for the day I traded for a Duramax/Allison. My problem was connecting to the 5th wheel using the manual transmission. Back up, put in neutral, set brake, get out and check alignment, get in, foot on brake, release emergency brake, hunt for sweet spot to drop transmission in gear, ease off clutch, brake, and the repeat the whole mess over, and sometimes over again. I have a couple of 70+ HP tractors on my small ranch, so working the clutch with the left leg wasn't the problem. It was the prolonged sequence of events, and cranky manual transmissions, that ultimately convinced me to go to the automatic transmission. Now it's put it in park, get out, look and put it back in gear. No fuss, no bother.

Insofar as towing, the Cummins with a manual was great. Only significant problem was the comparative difficulty to hookup and unhook. Suspect same with any manual transmission.

[gfarmcafe]

When looking at purchasing a 5th wheel trailer a few years ago, the dealer advised us not to get a truck with manual transmission. His reason was trying to downshift to a lower gear when going down a long and steep grade like some highways have in the Smokies and out west in the Rockies. If you miss a gear with a 14,000+ trailer pushing, then "kattie bar the door" - you're going for a ride! Just his opinion, but I think he had a valid comment.

[j free]

a lot of the big rigs are going to auto transmissions in them must be a reason?

[TnT]

I learned how to drive on a stick still have a couple and all I can say living some what close to Chicago SHIFTING SUCKS.

[lee h hall]

thanks. the 96 i have is in very good shape 215,000 miles on the od.i have got it running good.i can get the 2001 realy cheap but i would have to do alot of work.they said it wont stay in 4th gear(needs a sencro + other problems).plus the 2001 has 416,000 miles on it.i know my 96 has a e4od in it but it seems to shift strong.i think i will keep what i have or find another truck with fewer miles on it for a decent price.thanks for all the input.

[lee h hall]

hey big toe it is a zf trans. i assume they are hard to rebuild.thanks

[onetonford]

My cousin drives a semi loaded with milk products into the San Francisco bay area and it has a Auto he loves it. I think as the years go by you will see a lot of the big truck and auto manufactures will be Automatic's. It is getting harder to find a stick in newer trucks and cars and if it is a option then it cost more. As automatics get more sophisticated with electronics and heaver duty with more gear ratios than the stick will soon be history.

[TomnGerri]

Call your local Ford dealer ask for the parts department and give him the last 8 of the VIN number they will be able to tell you what transmission is in that vehicle that you're looking to purchase if it's a ZF model it's going to be very hard to find parts for because of the age. Ford routinely like other manufacturers discontinued parts as vehicle's age out.

[lee h hall]

looks like a reman zf-6 is about $2000.00.i was not going to pay much more than that for the truck. i would think a stick would be harder to sell this day in time if i got it running good and did not like it.

[Iwannacamp]

One more comment...as stated here. Automatics are VERY complicated these days...do you trust...joes transmissions to repair it? Me either. So my solution is new...that changes the ball game. Ram doesn't offer a diesel 3/4 in manual as far as I know. For me Ram would be the only purchase...so auto it would HAVE to be.


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[Tfort]

Originally Posted by Kenny kustom

That is false.

The CUMMINS is de rated behind a manual.

As of 2015, 660 ft lbs manual

If you have the aisin trans, auto, you get 865.

Big difference....


2016 Sabre 36QBOK
2015 Ram 3500 CUMMINS

No that is true on the truck the OP asked about. Ford did not detune the manuals and the specs are identical unless measured at the rear wheels then the manual has more because it can put it to the ground without power loss. With the new diesels I have no doubt that the manual trans is detune day because that have so much more power people would not be able to control them if not carful or would rip the drivetrain out of it all the time.


2000 F250 CC 4x4 7.3L diesel

15 Salem Hemisphere Lite356QB

[Kenny kustom]

Originally Posted by Tfort

No that is true on the truck the OP asked about. Ford did not detune the manuals and the specs are identical unless measured at the rear wheels then the manual has more because it can put it to the ground without power loss. With the new diesels I have no doubt that the manual trans is detune day because that have so much more power people would not be able to control them if not carful or would rip the drivetrain out of it all the time.


2000 F250 CC 4x4 7.3L diesel

15 Salem Hemisphere Lite356QB

Not on the old trucks the op was talking about, but was posted in reference to a post about all manuals making more power than auto.

With the technology in the new autos, I see no reason for manuals in anything under a 4500.

2016 Sabre 36QBOK
2015 Ram 3500 CUMMINS

[Tfort]

Originally Posted by Kenny kustom

Not on the old trucks the op was talking about, but was posted in reference to a post about all manuals making more power than auto.

With the technology in the new autos, I see no reason for manuals in anything under a 4500.

2016 Sabre 36QBOK
2015 Ram 3500 CUMMINS

I just don't trust autos. I have replaced to many in my career. New, old, doesn't matter which, the one thing they have in common is they will fail, and much quicker when towing. The last truck I had was manual, 400k, original trans, 3 clutches due to hydraulic issues not worn out. The truck before that was a dodge with an auto, 3 transmissions in 2 years, not sure how many miles. Bad taste in my mouth won't own another dodge. My dad had the identical dodge, 4 transmissions in 60k. He has had a manual ever since.


2000 F250 CC 4x4 7.3L diesel

15 Salem Hemisphere Lite356QB

[Kenny kustom]

Originally Posted by Tfort

I just don't trust autos. I have replaced to many in my career. New, old, doesn't matter which, the one thing they have in common is they will fail, and much quicker when towing. The last truck I had was manual, 400k, original trans, 3 clutches due to hydraulic issues not worn out. The truck before that was a dodge with an auto, 3 transmissions in 2 years, not sure how many miles. Bad taste in my mouth won't own another dodge. My dad had the identical dodge, 4 transmissions in 60k. He has had a manual ever since.


2000 F250 CC 4x4 7.3L diesel

15 Salem Hemisphere Lite356QB

Well, I guess you'll never buy a new truck then!
I think dodge is the last manual in an hd truck.

But yes, the 545/65 dodge trans were not known for their reliability.

I have high hopes for the new aisin trans. ( mostly because dodge didn't build it)


2016 Sabre 36QBOK
2015 Ram 3500 CUMMINS

[j free]

True the one thing about dodge is there trans have always been there weak point.

[Tfort]

Originally Posted by Kenny kustom

Well, I guess you'll never buy a new truck then!
I think dodge is the last manual in an hd truck.

But yes, the 545/65 dodge trans were not known for their reliability.

I have high hopes for the new aisin trans. ( mostly because dodge didn't build it)


2016 Sabre 36QBOK
2015 Ram 3500 CUMMINS

My current truck is automatic but you are right I will not buy a new truck for cost reasons. I will let somebody else take the depreciation hit and I will pick it up slightly used. Being a tech it makes sense because repairs are not a big deal if it has a few issues. It is disappointing that you don't have the option anymore but I understand why the manufactures went that direction.


2000 F250 CC 4x4 7.3L diesel

15 Salem Hemisphere Lite356QB

[Kenny kustom]

Originally Posted by Tfort

My current truck is automatic but you are right I will not buy a new truck for cost reasons. I will let somebody else take the depreciation hit and I will pick it up slightly used. Being a tech it makes sense because repairs are not a big deal if it has a few issues. It is disappointing that you don't have the option anymore but I understand why the manufactures went that direction.


2000 F250 CC 4x4 7.3L diesel

15 Salem Hemisphere Lite356QB

I was a Chrysler and Ford tech.
Now I teach automotive technology.

I'd rather spend time with my family, then fixing a truck.
I will always buy new. When warranty is up, trade it in ( or sooner)

I won't spend the big bucks to keep an older diesel on the road.
My neighbour just put 12 grand into his early 2000 f250.
The truck is only worth 15.
Makes no sense to me.


2016 Sabre 36QBOK
2015 Ram 3500 CUMMINS

[Tfort]

Originally Posted by Kenny kustom

I was a Chrysler and Ford tech.
Now I teach automotive technology.

I'd rather spend time with my family, then fixing a truck.
I will always buy new. When warranty is up, trade it in ( or sooner)

I won't spend the big bucks to keep an older diesel on the road.
My neighbour just put 12 grand into his early 2000 f250.
The truck is only worth 15.
Makes no sense to me.


2016 Sabre 36QBOK
2015 Ram 3500 CUMMINS

You have to be smart about what you spend to fix the older trucks. I don't think I have $600 in maintenance and repairs in my truck in the 5 years I have owned and that includes a rear end over haul. I work to hard for my money and these new trucks at 60k+ are just a bit to rich for my blood. I will get the rest of the goodie out of the truck when they are discarded out of warranty.


2000 F250 CC 4x4 7.3L diesel

15 Salem Hemisphere Lite356QB