6 Speed Question

[ken1mod]

Gentlemen,

 

To those of you that own the 6 speed automatics, Do these units shift more than is pleasant to drive. I personally like climbing a gentle grade without the trans stirring around for the right gear.

 

Is it ever annoying to have all those gears or is simply not a problem?

 

Ken

[Matt_]

at first it seemed to shift a lot and sometimes the shifts were pretty "forceful". now..... i dont ever feel it shifting or searching for gears. the only time i physically feel it shift is when i punch the gas on the highway.

[Wysilverado]

I've had a Tundra and three 5.3/4sp Trucks...... The 5.3 6sp combo is sweet and should not be a concern.This combo shifts less than any other truck I've had and works awesome in the Mountains,you'll be more than satisfied for sure!

[C. Charles Hahn]

Since the first 6 speed automatics came out of GM, they've done a lot of improving to the transmission controller software... at first the shifts were too often and erratic, but with the new trucks coming out now they shift fine.

 

At the time I bought my truck in '08 I wouldn't have touched a 6-sp. (I test drove a Sierra Denali and hated the shifting), but now I really wish I had one.

[kdixer]

I think the "It shifts alot" mindset is just that...a mindset. I developed that same mindset when I drove a 5spd manual, I hated downshifting on long trips. And with the 4spd I had the same mentality due to the high rpm's the downshift would cause. It definately takes a little time to adjust out of this mindset with the 6 speed. But now I love it and would not trade it for a 4spd. It may downshift more often but it is usually in a good range of power with minimal rpm change.

 

The only quirk with the 6speed is you can feel the downshifts when coming to a slow stop. And I would not really consider that an issue because it is usually ready to go when the pedal is stomped unlike the 4spd that would find the right gear after you push the gas pedal.

[ken1mod]

Gentlemen,

 

Thank You. I really appreciate the info. Next truck will have the 6 speed.

 

Ken

[csheatz]

Dont all the 6 speed trucks now have a man override control on the gear shift? I have only test drove a few, and they had the switch on the gear shifter

[redvett]

The more gears there are the better the engine can stay in the powerband and performance and fuel economy is improved. The MFR's wouldnt have put 6 spds in if a 4 spd could have done the job.

[ColoradoSkiCountry]

Can hardly notice it shifting on my Duramax/Alison, though that's because its got tons of torque and power. The thing shifts smoother then anything I've driven before.

[kdixer]

Dont all the 6 speed trucks now have a man override control on the gear shift? I have only test drove a few, and they had the switch on the gear shifter

 

To the best of my knowledge, yes. Manual mode is really nice when towing and grade braking. The 6spd has grade braking if you activate tow haul. But at times it can be over aggressive at downshifting so I prefer manual mode for grade braking.

[ken1mod]

Gentlemen,

 

I completely understand the benefits of more gears. Technically better. My question (well answered) was whether the extra shifts were annoying or well managed. The answer here is that the trans is pleasant. I have driven 5 and 6 speed cars that were annoying as hell. It appears Chevy got it right. Gotta love 'em. Thanks again, great info here.

 

Ken

[C. Charles Hahn]

Can hardly notice it shifting on my Duramax/Alison, though that's because its got tons of torque and power. The thing shifts smoother then anything I've driven before.

 

The Allison transmissions GM uses are some of the best automatics ever made IMHO, so that helps in a big way. I wish they could or would offer than trans on non-Diesel trucks as well!

[wurgs]

If coming from a 4spd it will take some getting used to. With the 4spd I got used to what speed it would shift at and with the 6spd different shift points it did seem annoying at first but now having it for 8 months I don't even notice the difference. It shifts smoothly and even upgrading from the 5.3 to the 6.0 ( 2 different pickups) the mileage hasn't gotten worse. The best thing is the ease of finding the right gear when towing or hauling a heavy load.