6-speed Allison automatic versus 6-speed ZF manual

[Minimization]

Assuming for a moment that either will be available with the new 360 hp/650 ft lb Duramax 6.6 L V8 in MY2007 or so.

 

Rate both based on overall combination of:

 

towing/hauling ability

off-road/plowing ability

stock reliability

able to withstand engine modifications (more ft lb)

acceleration

fuel economy

fun to drive factor

price

 

I am a manual guy myself but will option for the Allison if it really makes sense to.

 

BTW, is the ZF 6-speed the same tranny used with the Cummings and International engines?

[Scyry]

I know it is the same Ford uses, not sure on Dodge and International. Overall I think it comes down to wether or not you want all the options, you cannot get leather, and only a bench with the manual in GM. Plus you will be ordering the truck to get it a manual.

[BlackSilver]

off-road/plowing ability

 

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Automatics (and diesels) are poor choices for plowing.

[willieboy]

Automatics (and diesels) are poor choices for plowing.

 

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Why? I ask due to inexperience, not out of jest...

[Scyry]

Diesels don't like the cold as much and have to warm up longer. Not sure if gas takes constant changes in RPM's better.

 

Auto's are worse off in plowing, because you are constantly shifting between forward and reverse, which is harder on an auto than a manual.

[BlackSilver]

Automatics (and diesels) are poor choices for plowing.

 

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Why? I ask due to inexperience, not out of jest...

 

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Because of the weight, a diesel reduces the "carrying capacity" of the front suspension. GM will not install the "plowing package" option package on a diesel pickup.

 

Automatics wear out quickly under the forward-reverse-forward-reverse-forward stresses typical of snowplowing work.

[Elwood 2000]

Something to consider, if you order a manual transmission, you had better plan on keeping that truck for a very long time. The number of people who actually prefer a manual are very slim and therfore, the resale value on your truck will be a LOT less than one with an auto.

[Frozen001]

off-road/plowing ability

 

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Automatics (and diesels) are poor choices for plowing.

 

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I will have to disagree with you there. Heat is what kills transmissions. If you can keep the transmission temperatures down, an automatic will last just as long as a manual when plowing snow. I have to say probably 80% of the trucks out there plowing are automatics.

 

As for diesels not good for plowing snow... More and more people are using diesel trucks to plow snow. You can get a GM truck with a diesel and the snow plow prep, it just has to be a regular cab. I suspect that this will be changing as Ford and Dodge do not have this type of limitation.

[silverado3500]

I think manual diesels are more popular than people give them credit for. Not as much with GM because of the interior trim limitations, but with Ford and Dodge, its not uncommon of find Lariat / Laramie trucks with 6 speeds.

[Ag Teacher]

BTW, is the ZF 6-speed the same tranny used with the Cummings and International engines?

 

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Ford uses the ZF.

 

Dodge uses a New Venture (NV5600) and is working on changing to a getrag G56 six speed but I think they had some problems with the new tranny.

[hirsch21n]

Automatics (and diesels) are poor choices for plowing.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

Why? I ask due to inexperience, not out of jest...

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

 

Because of the weight, a diesel reduces the "carrying capacity" of the front suspension. GM will not install the "plowing package" option package on a diesel pickup.

 

Automatics wear out quickly under the forward-reverse-forward-reverse-forward stresses typical of snowplowing work.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

[hirsch21n]

Automatics (and diesels) are poor choices for plowing.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

Why? I ask due to inexperience, not out of jest...

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

 

Because of the weight, a diesel reduces the "carrying capacity" of the front suspension. GM will not install the "plowing package" option package on a diesel pickup.

 

Automatics wear out quickly under the forward-reverse-forward-reverse-forward stresses typical of snowplowing work.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

 

not so i have an 06 gmc slt 2500 hd 4x4 ext cab lbz dmax/ally comming ,shipped on 21/10/05 with the snow plow prep provisions rpo vyu now have vin #. maybe only available in canada????? i know its on my hd

[hirsch21n]

Automatics (and diesels) are poor choices for plowing.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

Why? I ask due to inexperience, not out of jest...

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

 

Because of the weight, a diesel reduces the "carrying capacity" of the front suspension. GM will not install the "plowing package" option package on a diesel pickup.

 

Automatics wear out quickly under the forward-reverse-forward-reverse-forward stresses typical of snowplowing work.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

 

not so i have an 06 gmc slt 2500 hd 4x4 ext cab lbz dmax/ally comming ,shipped on 21/10/05 with the snow plow prep provisions rpo vyu now have vin #. maybe only available in canada????? i know its on my hd

 

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shipped 21/10/06 not 05