FishingFather

Hello All, I am new here and new to deisels too. After looking endlessly I have decided on a 3rd gen CDT. I thought I wanted a crewcab (4 full doors), shortbed, auto trans, 2 wd. I have a wife, 4 kids and a boat to pull on the weekend. I have never needed 4 wd to launch the boat and thought it was just an added expense, one more thing to go wrong, and a fuel drain. Everyone tells me I am nuts and will not regret getting the 4 wd. I also see lots of you have manual transmissions, why? I might end up driving the truck as a daily ride too so mileage is somewhat important too.

Any suggestions or comments? I do plan on staying stock at least for a little while but certainly don't plan on going crazy fast if I do decide to modify it.

Thanks in advance for any input.

Paul

flipper-26

I had this dilemma and came to the conclusion that I didn't need for wheel drive when I bought my truck also.

jrogers

A wise man builds his house on the rock Mathew 7.....that being said I would rather have it and not need it...than need it and not have it. As far as the 6 spd it was a personal choice for me.....the G56 is so low geared that I have no problem even in California traffic......

FishingFather

Thanks for the advice so far, but the rock I am building on is the CTD, not the 4 wheel drive right? Is the 6 speed going to get me better fuel economy than the auto? what about long term maintenance?

HOV

Auto will get you better mileage due to higher gearing in 4th gear.

4WD will guarantee you better resale value, a wider target market for resale, and most of all more capability for your truck. I have used 4WD often even in fair weather conditions when towing my 5th wheel. Sometimes you just need it, and if you don't have it, you'll be calling a tow truck. It's not really a fuel drain.

The six speed is a great transmission because it has less space between the gears and you'll never be at a towing speed that's between gears. But you pay the price in having your hands and clutch foot always busy, less seating area up front, and worse gas mileage.

FishingFather

Thanks HOV. I will be sticking with the Auto. I certainly need the space and hadn't considered that (me+wife+4kids=no room) plus the added fuel economy...
The 4 wheel drive will not be a deal killer and if I have it I am sure I will want to go play with it too.

jrogers

hehehehehehe...true

subspd

I use the 4wd sometimes just in rain unloaded with this much torque you can have your handsfull fast if you are not easy on the throttle... get 4wd and auto! my .02

twistingawrench

4 kids!!! holy crap!!! maby you should think about a Sprinter with the cummins instead? HAHAAHa just kidding :-) but seriously get the 4x4 if only for the fact that your kids will like driving it when they are old enough.. i mean nobody wants to drive dads old 2wd..