Bluepp that is a good point... OD lock up is priceless and now you don't even have that option.

 

I didn't read all the posts listed here but did anyone mention that the auto tranny is warranteed for 100k, whereas the standard is not? I have been shifting all my driving life and I'm tired of it. I went auto and tow a 40' Teton with no problem. The warranty was a bonus in case I need it.

 

Thats nice, i gaurantee you that my stick will out drive an auto and you on the ice time and time again, a proven fact in winter performance driving schools. the auto has nice start out features and prevents some wheel spin but in a panic spin out situation i can disengage my motor and allow the tires to temporarily roll and regain traction over the auto which is known for resulting in wheel spin even at idle and doesnt disengage even into neutral fast enough. Aside from that the auto tranny Kenworths etc with high HP motors are not used in the moutain states by many people for a reason if oyu have driven one you will know why. as haulin said control is everything. i dont like relying on my brakes as my primary stopping force.

Its all about reliability and predictability, i have yet to drive ANY auto even the Chevy and Ford that i would feel confident and in full control of, 100% predictable and full control for split second situations, especially on snow and Ice, its not possible.

 

Some my want to think twice about the new G56 manual transmission. It sounds like it is alot more prone to problems in the clutch area than the previous nv4500 and 5600's. A nice touch of the G56 is it's about ten times more costly to repair too. Like getting close to the cost of a automatic, especially when the G56 clutch and flywheel are 2-3 times more prone of repair before the auto needs repair.

I almost ordered a new truck last week with the new transmission and after reading about the manual transmission I started looking at autos again. I decided to keep my trusty steed, after all I know everything that can go wrong with this truck and why spend $16,000.00 on a new truck just to have new problems.

 

I like having to drive my truck. Especially when towing. Makes you a better driver in the long run IMHO. With an automatic, all that you are doing is pointing the truck down the road. I see more trucks in the ditches, in bad weather, with autos than with sticks. Your brakes last longer also.

 

I still think it is all personal preference. I have had a auto in my last 2 rigs and won't go back to a stick.

Had three operations on my left foot in the last year and a half and wouldn't have been able to drive otherwise.

I will admit in my younger days you wouldn't have caught me with a auto.

Doug