I'm looking to buy a 2nd gen 24 valve and I'm not sure whether to get an auto or manual. I know I will be able to swing putting in an aftermarket clutch shortly after buying if it's a stick, but I don't know when I would have enough $$ sitting around for a built auto. Also I'm planning to put some power to it so either way I got to make sure it can handle it first.

 

Well, autos cost a lot. manuals already have a little more power stock. The manuals are tough, and with an upgraded clutch are even better. I have an auto cause when I'm driving I don't want my hand on the stick, I want it around the chick.

 

Try to find a six-speed. The 5-speeds have 5th gear nut issues, and no matter what ANYONE tells you, no one has developed a solution that has proven to fix it in the long haul. Even www.quad4x4.com, who's approach is the best, imo, will tell you that no good fix is out there yet.

Unfortunately, most 6 speeds are HO trucks with a weenie pump. I have this setup, and it's a price worth paying. The overall combo of engine and trans is good.

If you find a six speed, avoid the 99 and 2000 models, as this version of the 6-speed had a smaller input shaft that didn' hold up.

The 01 and 02 six speeds are VERy stout-- failures are extremely rare.


Autos are wonderful ONLY AFTER you've blown a huge amount of money to get them rebuilt to super-trans specs. Figure $5K for a full boogie DTT or Suncoast trans. If you have the money (I didn't) then the Auto is the way to go, imo.

So, in order of desireability:
1) built auto
2) late 6-speed (HO trucks)
3) Five speed
4) early 6-speed
5) stock auto

As always, just my opinion. Others are sure to disagree.

jlh

 

If you want to tow or sled pull, get a manual. If you want to drag race, get an auto.

 

If the truck doesent have a billion miles on the automatic you should get by fine with nice converter, and valve body which might run you slightly higher than a good clutch. A manual will be more reliable, and cheaper for holding power, but an automatic will run circles around a stick(power for power) racing, and a built automatic is also a pulling machine. Just buy what you would rather drive, and go from there.

Eric

 

Alright thanks a bunch fellas

 

I think we need to know how much power you are gonna have. For instance, I've got an auto and it's been fine, but I don't have all that much power. However, i can feel it trying to go. I have no doubt that when I put the edge comp in this weekend it'll blow. Like they said above if you're gonna sled pull, i'd get an auto, but if you're gonna just tow ocassionally and drag race empty, i'd go with a stick. If its any clue, i drag race -empty- and I also tow a 30' trailer w/ 2 jeeps on it every now and again. Now I definately wish i had a stick!!!!

 

doesn't the early 6sp and the 5sp have the same input shaft?

 

CODODGE2500MAN- I'm hoping to eventually have around 400 hp to the wheels but I also plan to do it in small steps. Slow but Steady.

 

That about sums it up. It all depends what you want to do with your truck.

Rusty

 

CODODGE2500MAN- I'm hoping to eventually have around 400 hp to the wheels but I also plan to do it in small steps. Slow but Steady.