8.1 with the 6-speed

Scyry · February 27, 2005

Well, I have had a lot of problems with my truck, but it has been pretty good to me here lately. I still don't trust it won't go out on me and the CSK, steering clunk, no parking brake and a few other minor problems are driving me nuts right now. I am comtemplating selling it and getting a new truck, but I am will wait until my extended warranty is up. I am maybe am even going to wait until the changes go through on the trucks in 2006, unless something comes out that I don't like, AKA even uglier noses or something, spy pics are not looking too hopeful.

With all the trouble I have had with my tranny I am thinking of going to the 8.1 just to get a stouter tranny behind the truck. I have never been impressed with the 5 speed from day one, but I still would rather have a stick over and automatic. So for those of you out there with a 8.1 or a six speed, what is your dislikes or likes?

I will probably go with an extended cab, short bed, G80, and get most of the goodies I can get besides onstar and XM, hate the antenna (would it be so hard to put the antennas in the back middle of the roof so you don't see them?) I would consider a crew cab if it would give me a bigger gas tank, which tank does the crew cab, short bed have (26 or 34 gal)?. I am considering going with a regular cab just for the bigger gas tank. I like a nice clean truck, very little badging and plastic trim, about the only thing I like in nerf bars and a good set of chrome rims. I just don't care for the look of a long bed on anything but a regular cab, but I like the option to carry friends around with a extracab or crew cab. Plus the 8.1 and DMAX come with bigger diffys right?

I bought this truck thinking I was going to keep it around 10 years and just buy a car eventually for a daily commuter. Now looking at insurance and living 2 miles from work I can't see getting a second car. Plus I drive so little gas mileage is even less of a problem to me, so the BB with a 6 speed may solve many of my woes. I think I may even steal my hood light and foot well light before I sell the truck to put them into my new truck . So anyways, what do you guys think? I have even gone as far as considering dropping the truck and getting a....car, Audi S4 probably, but I think I'd get too many speeding tickets.

miket · February 27, 2005

I don't have a truck or an HD but a 2500 'Burb with the 8.1. I am a BB guy as you can tell from my sig. Aside from the CSK, I really couldn't see having a 2500+ without the 8.1 or the diesel. I really like mine and will probably like it more once I an afford to have the tune done and a cold air intake.

If I had to buy today I would buy an 8.1 or the diesel.

whitesnake01 · February 27, 2005

If the extended warranty you have is transferable, it might actually work to your advantage selling it before it is up.

If you only have two miles to work it is probably better for both you and your (new) truck if you get a bicycle for to/from work and then use the truck for real trips.

bluenote · February 27, 2005

I will probably go with an extended cab, short bed, G80, and get most of the goodies I can get besides onstar and XM, hate the antenna (would it be so hard to put the antennas in the back middle of the roof so you don't see them?) I would consider a crew cab if it would give me a bigger gas tank, which tank does the crew cab, short bed have (26 or 34 gal)?. I am considering going with a regular cab just for the bigger gas tank. I like a nice clean truck, very little badging and plastic trim, about the only thing I like in nerf bars and a good set of chrome rims. I just don't care for the look of a long bed on anything but a regular cab, but I like the option to carry friends around with a extracab or crew cab. Plus the 8.1 and DMAX come with bigger diffys right?

All current GM trucks with the shortbed have the 26 gallon tank. The only way to get the 34 gallon tank is to go with a longbed, cab configuration has nothing to do with it. Another thing you might run into is the trim package options with the manual transmission. You must have the split bench front seat to get the manual transmission, so that will limit some options and you can't even get the manual transmission in the Chevy LT or GMC SLT trim packages. However, you will get the bigger 11.5" full-floating rear axle and bigger rear differential with either the big block or diesel.

Scyry · February 27, 2005

Cool, I got my bike for going to work, just waiting for better weather. I would really like a truck with the bigger tank but I'd like a EC or CC with SB over a LB. As for the LS trim...I like cloth and the split bench better, the fold down in the middle makes a great arm rest with a stick and the leather seats I have seen don't seem to hold up as well as the cloth.

"If the extended warranty you have is transferable, it might actually work to your advantage selling it before it is up."

Is the GMPP ones transferable?

So has anyone had trouble with this tranny or engine? Or does the tranny just not feel strong enough for the engine?

whitesnake01 · February 27, 2005

Looks like it:

http://www.gmprotectionplan.com/faqs.cgi

silverado3500 · February 28, 2005

You'll be very happy with the 6 speed. I have this transmission in both my Ford f350, and my k-3500. THe ford just passed 125k trouble free miles on the original clutch the chevy only has 70k, most of this mileage included moderate to heavy towing. The General and Ford both use the ZF6 6speed tranny, and it is a stout unit. Easy and smooth shifts all around. And the granny gear will move a house with little strain on the engine.

I don't own an 8.1L truck at the moment, but have driven a few, and the power is great. As for gas tank size, this is determined mostly by the bed length. Essentially 26 gallons for a shortbed, and 34ish for a long box. There are minor differences between the cab sizes, but not enough to be truely significant.

What problems have you been having with the 5 speed? I was under the impression that it was a good transmission.

Larry · February 28, 2005

Well, I have had a lot of problems with my truck, but it has been pretty good to me here lately. I still don't trust it won't go out on me and the CSK, steering clunk, no parking brake and a few other minor problems are driving me nuts right now. I am comtemplating selling it and getting a new truck, but I am will wait until my extended warranty is up. I am maybe am even going to wait until the changes go through on the trucks in 2006, unless something comes out that I don't like, AKA even uglier noses or something, spy pics are not looking too hopeful.

With all the trouble I have had with my tranny I am thinking of going to the 8.1 just to get a stouter tranny behind the truck. I have never been impressed with the 5 speed from day one, but I still would rather have a stick over and automatic. So for those of you out there with a 8.1 or a six speed, what is your dislikes or likes?

I will probably go with an extended cab, short bed, G80, and get most of the goodies I can get besides onstar and XM, hate the antenna (would it be so hard to put the antennas in the back middle of the roof so you don't see them?) I would consider a crew cab if it would give me a bigger gas tank, which tank does the crew cab, short bed have (26 or 34 gal)?. I am considering going with a regular cab just for the bigger gas tank. I like a nice clean truck, very little badging and plastic trim, about the only thing I like in nerf bars and a good set of chrome rims. I just don't care for the look of a long bed on anything but a regular cab, but I like the option to carry friends around with a extracab or crew cab. Plus the 8.1 and DMAX come with bigger diffys right?

I bought this truck thinking I was going to keep it around 10 years and just buy a car eventually for a daily commuter. Now looking at insurance and living 2 miles from work I can't see getting a second car. Plus I drive so little gas mileage is even less of a problem to me, so the BB with a 6 speed may solve many of my woes. I think I may even steal my hood light and foot well light before I sell the truck to put them into my new truck . So anyways, what do you guys think? I have even gone as far as considering dropping the truck and getting a....car, Audi S4 probably, but I think I'd get too many speeding tickets.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

And your question is exactly what?

If I were to buy mine again I would not. I hate the ZF S6-650 even though I have always purchased GM trucks with manual transmissions. The ZF has an awkward shift pattern and I am on my second release bearing/slave cylinder assembly with only 37k on the ticker. It seems the S6-650 doesn’t like heat as the release bearing drags on the input shaft collar as it expands with heat. When the truck is operated on the Highway for and hour or so the clutch pedal becomes so hard you can hardly push it to the floor.

I guess I should have stepped out of my character and bought a truck with an automatic (Allison) if only I could have found one with a manual transfercase at the time. That is what GM and JD Power wants us all to buy anyway…automatics with flit boy push button 4x4. Helps them sell more service parts I guess.

The NV4500 in behind your 6.0L is much better than the ZF in my opinion.

The only thing cool about the 6 speed is hardly anybody else has one in a GM truck.

rascal · February 28, 2005

am I mistakened or is the transmission out of 89 2500 model the same trans behind the 6.0? I'm hoping so. I got one in the barn, it'll need seals from sitting for so long (I hope).

Scyry · February 28, 2005

What problems have you been having with the 5 speed? I was under the impression that it was a good transmission.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It was replaced at 40,000 miles, clutch went out 2,000 miles later, the clutch plate was worn to the metal (everything in the clutch was replaced, master, slave, throw out and clutch plate). I have had some other issues with it as well, from day one the clutch would slip on the d**n thing but it was "working perfectly" according to GM techs. It still will slip instead of spin the tires. Now it screams all kinds of noises every morning until it is good and warm. All in all I just don't trust it.

And your question is exactly what?

I guess I should have stepped out of my character and bought a truck with an automatic (Allison) if only I could have found one with a manual transfercase at the time. That is what GM and JD Power wants us all to buy anyway…automatics with flit boy push button 4x4. Helps them sell more service parts I guess.

The NV4500 in behind your 6.0L is much better than the ZF in my opinion.

The only thing cool about the 6 speed is hardly anybody else has one in a GM truck.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I was just basically hashing out my ideas for others to coment and was hoping to get some input on the setup from people that have it or similiar setups. I feel the same way about the allison, sounds like a great tranny and all, I just still love my sticks and don't want to take the plunge to an automatic.

All in all I don't want to get a crappy tranny again, And from what I understand the tranny behind the 6.0 has been the same sine 1988. I don't want CSK as bad as my truck has it, it knocks loud enough to hear through a brick wall of a house when parked on the street 20' away when it is below 32 degrees. It knocks if the truck has been setting only an hour, so basically it knocks anytime I start it up. It is just all these little things that have gotten it to where I don't like my truck anymore, no matter how hard I try to like it. I have heard the 6.0 was the worst for CSK so was hoping the 8.1 was better, was hoping the 6speed was better, and was seeing if I could get some input to see if people felt that the setuo was indeed better than my current one.

Sorry just the more I think of it, the more bitter I am about the whole thing. My old truck went 250,000 miles had next to no issues (usual exhaust manifold gasket burning up with most 350's, 3 clutches and blew a radiator hose) I just expect more out of my truck, without my warranty I would have paided close to $7,500 in fixes to my truck, not including basic maintenance stuff.

Daubs · February 28, 2005

Here is my $0.02

I grew up driving manual trannies ('71 with 3 on the tree, '82 4 spd, '87 4 spd, and two Hondas with 5 speeds). Broke the tradition when I got a '99 Silverado with 5.3 and auto. Loved it. Had an '01 Silverado then got to order a Crew Cab.

Went with 8.1/Allison combo. Very nice. That Allison tranny is great. I'm only giving up about 1-2 MPG vs the 6.0, and I get all the power of the Big Block! I thought about a manual tranny when ordering...but I wanted LT, leather, etc., so it was the Allison. I wouldn't change a thing.

All my late model Chevy's have been short boxes. I do hate the 26 gallon fuel cell. You can get a transfer flow 45 gallon tank at around $1,000. Not worth it to me right now.

My 8.1 hasn't had CSK, but only 12k miles as of today (one year old in two weeks).

Scyry · February 28, 2005

Went with 8.1/Allison combo. Very nice. That Allison tranny is great. I'm only giving up about 1-2 MPG vs the 6.0, and I get all the power of the Big Block! I thought about a manual tranny when ordering...but I wanted LT, leather, etc., so it was the Allison. I wouldn't change a thing.

See I don't want the LT package, I don't want the antennas on the truck, leather or captain's chairs. My Dad has a 6.0 with an auto and I hate driving it, as much as I hear people rave over the allison I don't want to pay all that money get the truck and hate myself for not getting a stick. Yet it seems the sticks aren't as stouter than the autos anymore, or is this due to TM? Maybe I should just go test drive an Allison with the 8.1, but all the trucks on the lots around here have had DMAX or 6.0 liters. I just bought my truck thinking I was going to keep it 10 years and am kicking myself for the idea of getting rid of it, but at the same time I am so unhappy with it right now. So, basically I am hoping to get pushed one way or the other here. I just got my first job out of college, and am set to get a 50% raise in May, this is guaranteed to me. At that point is when I will get a new truck if I do. To even complicate things more I am trying to start saving to buy my own place, nothig crazy probably just a apartment. My current truck will be paided off in 15 months, my extended warranty runs out at the same time.

Other things to consider, are the fact that I don't drive much during the week, and probably drive about 100 miles/weekend, probably 150 miles/week at the most. I do tow every now and then, fishing boat and a horse trailer. I am always doing side projects for my parents and family so I need a truck to haul materials around. I live at close to 6,000 feet so any extra power is nice due to the losses at altitude. Oh and I often go skiing, camping, fishing, etc. in the rockies so a truck that pulls the grades with ease is always nice, not saying the 6.0 doesn't but more power never hurt.

What would you guys do in my situation? Get a new truck? Same as what I have or go with the 8.1/6-speed are the only two I will consider. Thanks for all the responses.

Again sorry for

automated1 · February 28, 2005

Went with 8.1/Allison combo. Very nice. That Allison tranny is great. I'm only giving up about 1-2 MPG vs the 6.0, and I get all the power of the Big Block! I thought about a manual tranny when ordering...but I wanted LT, leather, etc., so it was the Allison. I wouldn't change a thing.

See I don't want the LT package, I don't want the antennas on the truck, leather or captain's chairs. My Dad has a 6.0 with an auto and I hate driving it, as much as I hear people rave over the allison I don't want to pay all that money get the truck and hate myself for not getting a stick. Yet it seems the sticks aren't as stouter than the autos anymore, or is this due to TM? Maybe I should just go test drive an Allison with the 8.1, but all the trucks on the lots around here have had DMAX or 6.0 liters. I just bought my truck thinking I was going to keep it 10 years and am kicking myself for the idea of getting rid of it, but at the same time I am so unhappy with it right now. So, basically I am hoping to get pushed one way or the other here. I just got my first job out of college, and am set to get a 50% raise in May, this is guaranteed to me. At that point is when I will get a new truck if I do. To even complicate things more I am trying to start saving to buy my own place, nothig crazy probably just a apartment. My current truck will be paided off in 15 months, my extended warranty runs out at the same time.

Other things to consider, are the fact that I don't drive much during the week, and probably drive about 100 miles/weekend, probably 150 miles/week at the most. I do tow every now and then, fishing boat and a horse trailer. I am always doing side projects for my parents and family so I need a truck to haul materials around. I live at close to 6,000 feet so any extra power is nice due to the losses at altitude. Oh and I often go skiing, camping, fishing, etc. in the rockies so a truck that pulls the grades with ease is always nice, not saying the 6.0 doesn't but more power never hurt.

What would you guys do in my situation? Get a new truck? Same as what I have or go with the 8.1/6-speed are the only two I will consider. Thanks for all the responses.

Again sorry for

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well i have a 1500 with the 5.3 and next time i will definitly get the 8.1 with an allison transmission but thats me. I think if i were u i would either get rid of that lemon OR get an aftermarket 5spd transmission from advance adapters their units are the strongest around. U should have no problems if you would get one installed. I have heard nothing but rave reviews about them. I believe their trans have a 3yr 36k mile warranty. I would definitly look into that and if you have the extra cash get the matching atlas 2 transfercase which is definitly bullet proof and if need be you can run your truck in front wheel drive because of independent axle control.

Just my 2cents hope this helps

Ag Teacher · February 28, 2005

Well here's my contribitution on the 5-speeds.

My 98 has 87,000 hard, muddy, rough, over-loaded miles and no problems at all.

My 05 has 4500 highway miles and day after tomorrow they're going to pull the tranny and see what they can do to make it quit clattering.

Said the service bulletin was pretty long and they don't know what all they'll be doing to it till they take it off. Said GM approves the repair process on a case by case basis.

Why they make changes to a product that already works is beyond me.

Scyry · February 28, 2005

Well here's my contribitution on the 5-speeds.

My 98 has 87,000 hard, muddy, rough, over-loaded miles and no problems at all.

My 05 has 4500 highway miles and day after tomorrow they're going to pull the tranny and see what they can do to make it quit clattering.

Said the service bulletin was pretty long and they don't know what all they'll be doing to it till they take it off. Said GM approves the repair process on a case by case basis.

Why they make changes to a product that already works is beyond me.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

See mine chatters too, worst is in 3rd, but it chatters really bad in 1st, 2nd and 3rd when it is not warm yet. Do you have any problems shifting with yours? Mine is really rough, even more so since he new tranny went in. It is almost like the scynchros aren't lining up and it fights me for a second when I have it halfway shifted into a new gear, just for a split second it won't let me push it the rest of the way in. When I last talked to the salesman that sold me the truck, when I was up there having the clutch replaced, he said they had several of the 5-speed that they had sold were having one issue after another. Mainly it was chattering and problems shifting, I was the only one that had one replaced. I feel the same as you, what the hell did they change that is causing so many problems being so many worked flawlessly in 88-00 trucks.