How to get a manual trans and a long bed? THis is supposed to be a truck, right?
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Guys I wont drive an auto either. The only prob is I love a half ton 4wd with a v8 and manual tranny. So Im hoping my new 08 will last for a longggg time or until they decide to start building trucks again for the people who kept trucks alive until the market was hi-jacked by the yuppie crowds. It [isses me off to no end what they have turned our beloved trucks into. If I wanted a car Id buy a car..
FWIW I have owned manual tranny half tons from all 3 of the big 3 and the 238 is by far the nicest manual of the bunch.
FWIW I have owned manual tranny half tons from all 3 of the big 3 and the 238 is by far the nicest manual of the bunch.
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 328
Likes: 0
We should thank Dodge & the others for making the 1500 the way it is. Most normal people get a 1500 truck or truck variant. By normal, I mean the people who don't use it as a truck, but as a status symbol instead. The 1500 versions get better gas mileage than the "real" 3/4 ton trucks, so it helps the manufacturer's CAFE rating. By offering the mainstream version, it allows them to keep on building real trucks with beefy components. You just have to step up to the 3/4 ton to get these features. Unless you are after a Diesel, the cost isn't THAT much more, only a few grand.
As far as getting a manual transmission, the future isn't too bright for that. Not enough people get one to warrant the expense of certifying a manual.
As far as getting a manual transmission, the future isn't too bright for that. Not enough people get one to warrant the expense of certifying a manual.
Record Breaker
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,165
Likes: 2
From: Alberta
We should thank Dodge & the others for making the 1500 the way it is. Most normal people get a 1500 truck or truck variant. By normal, I mean the people who don't use it as a truck, but as a status symbol instead. The 1500 versions get better gas mileage than the "real" 3/4 ton trucks, so it helps the manufacturer's CAFE rating. By offering the mainstream version, it allows them to keep on building real trucks with beefy components. You just have to step up to the 3/4 ton to get these features. Unless you are after a Diesel, the cost isn't THAT much more, only a few grand.
As far as getting a manual transmission, the future isn't too bright for that. Not enough people get one to warrant the expense of certifying a manual.
As far as getting a manual transmission, the future isn't too bright for that. Not enough people get one to warrant the expense of certifying a manual.
Dodge automatics have a not so good history, Maybe things have changed for the better and you really have to have the jazz to want a 6sp, automatics, are Blah...
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 328
Likes: 0
Yeah, but there are the emissions standards too... until recently 3/4 ton trucks were exempt. I think they are still easier for 3/4 tons than 1/2 tons even with the new laws.
The bottom line is, the makers are going to concentrate more on their bread & butter units than niche markets. They are out to make a profit, and right now things are tight.
If you want a real truck, buy an old one from the 70s for $5,000, and use the other $20,000 that you would have spent on a new truck and restore the old one. The end result is going to be better than a new truck, and you will have a beefy frame, solid axles, heavy duty transmission, and whatever else you want.
The bottom line is, the makers are going to concentrate more on their bread & butter units than niche markets. They are out to make a profit, and right now things are tight.
If you want a real truck, buy an old one from the 70s for $5,000, and use the other $20,000 that you would have spent on a new truck and restore the old one. The end result is going to be better than a new truck, and you will have a beefy frame, solid axles, heavy duty transmission, and whatever else you want.
