My wife has no clue on how to drive a standard transmission. It wouldn't be practical to have two trucks she couldn't drive. Although I believe she could learn, I'm concerned about how much damage would occur. I had a 99 2500 with an auto (clunk) and was happy to get rid of it. ( replaced with a 3500 ctd 6spd )The auto was nice to drive but how about the durability? I plan on keepin her for a while. Talked with alot of guys who also had trouble with autos. Are the new ones really improved?

 

Just like the P7100 fuel pump was upgraded to the VP44 .cummins & dodge admit when they have problems their dedication to bring the most quallity product to the people is endless. Ive been very satisfied in my dealings with both companies. The auto trany has been improved continusly and will continue to do so The main reason dodge has had so many trany problems is ..............When dodge and cummins met and were trying to work out a deal to put cummins in normal trucks the biggest obstical was tuneing down the cummins to a point it wont break the truck.( They really couldnt beef the truck up due to weight regulations.) Well the first few years the cummins tore the heck out of the trany ....of course they continued to make it better. So the dodges bad name of tranys is some what warrented They got er' figgered out now dont worry get either one,but I dont let my wife drive my truck so you should get a standard btw info from powermaster@cummins

 

Just a long shot but you could try for a new wife....

 

I have a six speed, and my wife has driven it just so she could say she drove it. Otherwise she hates to drive it because it's so big. Get which ever one would best suit your needs 95% of the time. It's not as if the six speed is hard to learn to drive. If I had it to do over again I'd probably be lazy and get the auto and I'd get rid of the 4:10.

 

Glad my wife has no problem with a stick.

Just say no to slushboxes.

 

70K on my 48RE in 7 months of towing and it is fine.

But with these new silky smooth 6spds you don't even need to give em gas to get them started. If she's willing to learn, go for the 6spd.

 

I second the 6 spd. Like mentioned above, the zero throttle starts are excellent. It is almost impossible to stall one of these rigs. However, there are many people with 48RE automatics that have been trouble free. It's really a matter of personal preference. I just prefer having a nice robust manual transmission.

 

Before a meeting I overheard a couple of coworkers talking about the autos in the Powerstrokes. One had gone thru two in 140k miles and the other was nursing his. When I commented that I didn't even consider an auto one of the guys said that he would get a stick next time.

 

My wife bought her truck the way she wanted it, and it's a 6 speed. So, we have 2 six speeds in our driveway. Have your wife drive one of the new 6 speeds, and she'll get the hang of it right away.

 

I went with the 48RE and it has done ok for 10K. I just wish it did not have that rough and loud TC lock up at 45 mph or so.

 

Talked to another dude today with a 2000 3500 auto tranny with a torque converter problem. Still haven't heard any complaints about the 6spd.The only complaint I have is talking on the cell, shifting gears, and spilling my coffee.

 

I am thinking of getting a 6 spd when I get back next year from my deployment. Thinking of selling the 2001.5 auto now and saving the money for a 2005.
I like the laziness of driving an auto, but I also like the control of a manual.

Mike

edit: my wife does not like to drive my truck now anyway, and I don't think the type of tranny would matter. In fact, it's probably better if your wife won't drive the truck.

 

We both love our six speeds. My fiance insisted on it when looking for her truck. We had to buy her her truck to get her out of mine.

I love towing with it; the control you have is amazing. Durability was another consideration as well; that and I don't care for automatics in trucks.

Bottom line, get what you want, it is your truck afterall. You will be happy with whichever you choose.

Just remeber, a happy wife means a happy you!