Hey all, my 98 2500 2wd QC w/60K miles lost the tranny this past summer and I have been looking for a replacement vehicle with a manual. No more autos! Have to go used since the idiot manufacturers dropped the manuals from production. Dont want a 4x4, but not a decent 2wd to be found. Would also prefer a Dakota but can't find that as well. I would keep looking but there are becoming less and less, low mi manuals on the market. Found an 07 1500QC 4.7,4x4 w/ TRX Package w/6 Speed Getrag.Just under 30k miles. Listed at $18,300 down from $19,100 just 1 week ago. Not knowing 4x4's, is this a good price or can I do better, and what are your thoughts on this year and model? I appreciate any thoughts.

 

I'm showing $18,100 NADA high retail on that truck, so they are in the ballpark. Can't find any recent sales figure data because the manual tranny is just so hard to find.

Personally, I wouldn't do a 4.7 in a QC & 4WD. QC 4x2 yeah, RC 4x4 yeah, but not both. But it's not like you are gonna have a lot of choice in the matter if going with a stick is so important to you.

I wouldn't be so fast to dismiss an auto transmission. It's the 46rh/re that got Dodge the reputation as the best V8 truck engines on the planet mated to the worst transmissions. But if Chrysler came out of Daimler (Mercedes) ownership with any positives, it would have to be the Mercedes designed, 3rd Gen transmissions. They are LIGHT YEARS ahead of 2nd Gen trannies in both performance and longevity. I personally know Hemi Ram owners with well over 200,000 miles on their trucks, original transmissions still operating flawlessly.

Looking for a suitable Hemi will open up your choices a hundred fold over trying to find a manual truck which leaves you with hard to find pre-'08 4.7s or the occasional fleet 2500...

 

Thanks Hammer, I will be honest and say I don't know much about the improvements in the autos. Having the tranny go on my 98 w/only 60k really left a bad taste in my mouth. Im pretty bent on the manual because of it. I understand your concern about the 4.7, but figure the manual will make the most of it, as it is basically just a daily driver towing occasionally. Thanks again!

 

I traded my '98 RC 4x4 5.9 in with 68k on the ticker and to be honest with you, had known two hunting buddies with less miles on 2nd Gen Rams who had their transmissions go and it played a LARGE factor in my trading when I did. Hell, I didn't even have the plenum go yet and knew both would be an issue in the not too distant future.

Seeing MANY 3rd Gens over the last few years, I don't even sweat my transmission on my current truck and with over $13k in mods, I'm not contemplating unloading it any time soon.

I understand your fears and don't really blame you for looking manual tranny. Based on both your experience and the sheer number of 2nd Gen transmissions that prematurely took a sh*t. But I honestly think it's unfounded when you are talking 45/545rfe. Do your research and do what you honestly feel is best for you...

 

I don't really know anyone with a Ram, so I wasn't aware of the tranny issues. I did know the 1500 had issues, but thought I was avoiding that with the 2500. It was a bummer when it went. 2 hours from home pulling a little 16' fishing boat. Both truck and boat full of gear. Wish I had traded it before it happened, but I wasnt that lucky I guess. I use to work my 83 F150 4spd with a 300-6 much harder with over 150K on the clock, and never an issue. I will take a look at the 07 tomorrow. If I decide to go auto again, I may wait for the new 8spd.
Thanks again Hammer!

 

If you go with a 3rd gen, 03-07, auto 545RFE, 5.7, I think you'd be happy. The trans issue has been resolved and late 05+ they started using beefier clutch pack retaining clips that have helped with failing LSD issues on these 3rd gens. Replacing the gears before they fail is ideal though. 2008 seems to be a poor year as far as reliablity so maybe shy away from those. I wish they offered more manuals, too. This is my fist automatic transmission ever, but with regular flushes and filters, I hope it lasts a long time. So far so good, but I'm only at 50k.

 

You can still get a new Cummins with a stick!



If you can afford it...