So I want to get a 97 3500 but I also want to get a transmission that can handle a 5.9 cummins under a lot of strain. I would like to do some hauling with it as well as some truck pulls. I was thinking about a automatic built up with a Turbo Action CHEETAH SCS SHIFTER but I also have a cousin who has one of those and he cant keep his transmission in one piece. Any advice as to what I should look for and what would be cheaper a automatic with some sort of turbo action or just a manual

 

Beefed up manual.

Check with Jigabop, he's the local Cummins gloater, should be able to point you in the right direction.

 

What sort of thing would I need to do to "beef" it up?

 

First sell your kidney, your first born, and probably your left nut haha there's a lot to build up in an auto you can need it up to hold the power but your talking some serious cash billet everything it's no where near cheap but it is doable I'd give patc a call they can help you with what you need.