Thinking about buying a manual tranny truck. Anyone tow heavy with it? Do you have any shudder issues going forward or in reverse with the 2wd? I am not willing to sink 2,000 dollars to upgrade my automatic. That is like throwing money away. Dodge used trucks with Cummins are selling in one to two days at the local dealership. The last 6 trucks they have found used were this way. Most of the time sold before they leave the shop for a safety inspection. Wife is going to kill me if I don't like it. Take my insurance money and own all the crap I leave behind....

I need input on both sides of the fence, auto and manual guys.

 

Manual is the way to go, unless you have deep pockets to build a trans. Haulin with a stick you always have better control, up/down hill. IMHO

 

Any issues backing up with a trailer???? Shudder or jerkyness?

 

I have not towed with the new rig yet as it only has 500 miles on. I just picked it up Saturday. Now my 5spd in my 02 is pretty smooth. There will be some of the guys along soon who will chime in with there experience.

 

Smooth as silk here....and I tow very heavy.

 

I have only towed a max weight of about 6000lbs (I know that is nothing for a CTD) but still smoothe as can be. I love my G56.

 

I love my G56... I also sold a 01 auto CTD for the 06 G56.

there is no governor pressure sensor or solenoid to go bad and leave you and your family stranded on the side of the road for a whole day 100*+ weather.
Whoa, your bringing back bad memories

 

If you don't want to spend 2k to upgrade the auto spend more than 2k and take a loss and trade it! If you tow under 10k upgrade the auto if over 10k get the stick.

 

I could not agree with you more!! I have an auto and it is ok but I'd much rather have a 6 spd if I were to do it again!

Rick

 

Gross 24k here and nothing but GO!!

 

I have used autos in the past for towing; and kept rebuilding them. Have a 2006 manual diesel, and have nothing but praises as it tows 24,000 gross easily, starting and in reverse w/o any problems-I've been truly amazed. Initially, it takes some getting used to if all you ever shifted manually before was a 5-speed, but you get used to it quickly. I don't even mind it for what in town driving I do. Never have gotten more than 17 mpg empty; and about 12 when towing, sometimes less.

 

seems like reverse should be lower geared, so lots of clutch work backing, which is easy. I would never again buy a truck with an automatic, they just rob engine power. I liked to be locked up as soon as I let out on the clutch.

 

I haven't towed anything yet, but reverse in the G56 is as low as 1st gear is, what we used to call a "granny gear".

 

I like mine, I have hooked up to about 20k behind me with no problems.

I have gotten it to "hop" in reverse with a load behind me off road but I put it in 4lo and fixed that. I am very, very happy with mine.

The only thing I would change is to put a 7th gear in it.

Oh and if you ever plan on makin a lot more power you can spend 2k on a clutch if you really want to but I guess with a clutch that good it would take at least 5k for an auto to compete, as far as durability.

 

Only issue I have is on the highway I keep wanting to shift to 7th.