Silverado with 5 Spd or Automatic?

hogie · June 21, 2004

I'm getting ready to get rid of my 98 dodge dakota and maybe pick up a new chevy and have a tranny question. I found a couple of Full sizes with 4800's and 5 spds. I am tired of my dodge automatics and have always had mini trucks with manuals. Is a full size with a manual and v8 a "fun truck" or is it like driving a tractor with a huge gate and nasty clutch? I drove one with a 4.3 and a 5 spd and it wasn't bad at all, but not quick either. A Ram with the 4.7 and 5 spd shifted like crap though. Any input would be appreciated.

Plus all the bad dodge talk on pro-dodge sites has kinda scared me away from a ram.

Thanks

carguru · June 21, 2004

To me, the manual Silverados are not that fun to drive. Yes, you get to row through the gears, but I've always felt the clutch was a bit vague and the gating on the forward gears were a bit vague. However, it does feel better than some of the other full sized trucks, but nowhere near sporty.

GlennRMK · June 21, 2004

The half ton tranny, which I do believe is a NV3500 is pretty fun to row through the gears. Shifts descent IMO.

Now, if you step up to a 3/4 ton 6.0 litre with the NV4500, it is not as smooth shifting plus you have the granny low.

Step up to a D-Max with the 6 speed, and that is even more interesting to shift. I don't mine but I'm sure a lot of people would find it a chore. 1st and 3rd seem to close IMO.

A Dakota runs the NV3500 as well, so if you have driven a Dakota with stick, expect something similar.

I wish you could get the 5.3 with a 5 speed. That would be awesome. The one thing I dislike about my truck, is its an auto.

Hecktorx · June 21, 2004

If the s-10 you drove was a newer one, then you've shifted the trans. you will get behind the 4.8l. The 4.8l has a bit more power though.

hogie · June 21, 2004

I had a 93 dakota with 3.9 and 95 S10 with the 4.3.

Hecktorx · June 21, 2004

95 5-speed in an s-10 was the NV3500. The trans. behind the 4.8l is the same trans but something was done to it to raise the torque rating from 250lb' to 295lb'.

Your best bet would be go down and drive one to see if you like it.