Auto verses Manual

[Crazygator]

What is the word when building a cummins beast, is an auto better than a manual shift, and why?

Just looking around at other options for another possible truck to add to my toy box. Thanks guys! :D

[wyldman]

Depends on the beast you building.Is it for fun (speed) ? A tow rig ? Daily driver ?

I think for towing,the manuals,especially the six speed rocks.

For a dialy driver,and bonzai speed runs,you can't beat the auto.A properly built and bulletproofed auto will hold all the power you want,and deliver it to the ground.If you want a built Dodge auto,talk to Johnny D,he's the DTT trans guru.

[Crazygator]

Chris,
I already have a fully bombed DTT in my current truck. But in looking for a second truck I am worried that I will get into the same situation again, and really dont want to go that $$$ route again.....if you know what I mean.

Up front cost looks to be far less too with a manual shift.

And the truck that I want will be towing, dump truck. So what does a guy do? Too many choices, and not enough $$$...hahaha

So If I went to a manual for this machine, and if I bomb it where is the weak link? The clutch? Anything else to consider when looking the manual way and bombing?

[John DiMartino]

If you go with a manual there is not much weak unless you bomb the engine.Then the 5speeds can take 5th gear nut off from excessive heavy pulling at low rpms.There is an updated lock nut,but it has come off too in some cases. In both 5 and 6 speeed trucks,the clutches slip once the torque gets above 700ft lbs or so.There are alot of options for much better clutches.The 6 speed is very strong and heavy,put a good clutch in front of it and your pretty bulletproof.Also all 5/6 speeds trucks come with the very beefy Dana 80 .