KEVPOPPAPUMP

I am seriously considering a 04 2500 Cummins 600 with the 6 spd trans.
Do you 6 shooters ever get tired of shifting and wish you got an automatic? I loved the test drive and the throttleless take offs in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd but wonder if I'll regret it in the immediate future. I do commute in mostly city/freeway traffic since I'm in the Los Angeles Metropolitan area but the test drive didn't seem to brutal on the left leg and right arm.

It has boiled down to the Dodge Cummins 600 6spd 4:10 geared or the Ford 6.0 with TorqShift Auto. Both are pretty much the same price. The Dodge 48RE is over my budget. I want to keep the truck for at least 8-10 years or 150k + miles with little to no major problems (i.e. auto trans rebuild). I would rarely tow.

natstayl

Welcome Kevpoppapump. Not Towing???? Then why would you want a 4:10 rear? Nat

KEVPOPPAPUMP

I do not want to custom order anything. The Ram 2500 Cummins 4x4's in my price range (i.e. MSRP for $40k and under) on lots here in So Cal are hard to find. This particular truck has everything I want except for being a short bed and 4:10 geared. I figured it was close enough to what I was looking for and no biggie.

spots

Never EVER EVER regretted owning a standard truck. 4x4 yes but never a stick. I would not drive an automatic. Even in a car. Never get tired of shifting. Guess I'm not lazy.

justcampin

The last 3 truck I have had have been sticks, I live in the Dallas area and love the 6 shooter

natstayl

I see. Have you asked a salesperson to do a search within the state for a manual with 3:73? I'm betting there's one within 200 miles. A 4:10 rear will eat up your MPG in city driving and you don't need that unnecessary RPM adding additional wear IMO. If you're not gonna tow, do the search. you'll be a lot happier with it I think. Good luck and keep us posted. Nat

Dieseljunkie

Ive driven a manual since I got my drivers license, and I considered getting an auto in my new truck when I get it, but I don't think I want one unless I can get a REALLY good deal on it. Even then, Im not so sure.
Scott

FiverBob

I sure love my six shooter - - but, if I were not towing, I would want the 3.73.

KEVPOPPAPUMP

Well it appears likely that this is the only truck I'm going to find with the options I want. I don't want to pass it up just because of the gearing at 4:10. Maybe I can drive it till the tires wear and then put some 315's on it to help the ratio out???

torquefan

If bigger tires are an option, I personally would get the lower gears. And no, I have never gotten tired of shifting gears.

kevlar

i ve owned 5 dodge cummins. all have been auto's except my current one. I tow a short distance 3 times a week. i sure am glad i have a 6 sp. because i have a jake brake. in your position not looking for primarily a tow rig, i would opt for the auto. i cant shift as fast as the auto tranny and you can still tow with an auto. 2 of the 5 trucks i've owned had 4:10. i feel that gear ratio is best for those who haul the heavier loads. my horse trailer and camper weigh about 7500 lbs. and i pull them fine with 3:55 gears.

nirion

I have the 6speed and I love it. It is such a versatile transmission. You can start in 2nd easily with the 3.73s and 3rd if you want. I wouldn't want a automatic in a diesel, just my opinion. But I like to shift.

Nick

AKDSLDOG

Love my 6 shooter and 3.73's. I drive through two towns and run on the freeway commuting for work. Shift's nicely. When in heavy traffic in town I just put er in 1st and let the truck idle alone, hit the freeway and get er in 6th, crank it up to 75-80mph and cruzzzzzzzzz along.

Nevada

I've had both, and my daily driver is a 6-speed with no regrets. I get to southern Kalifornia from time to time and I find that in traffic the truck idles along in first gear at just the right speed.

I've been treated extreemly well by Frahm Dodge in Norco, might want to check them out.

Dieseljunkie

I agree with nevada.. Frahm dodge is great, and so is moss bros in san bernardino. Both awesome dealers.. Im getting my truck from moss..
Scott