Hello,
I have thought about getting a 2 gen Dodge ram 2500 with an automatic for certain reasons and of course with a cummins. I have heard that the tranny's go out, I am not sure if they do but I just want to clear it up before I make a $2000 mistake. My friend owns a 96 Dodge ram 1500 with a v-8 360 and it is kind of clunky in and out of gears. I think I might stick with the first gen dodges since the transmissions I have seen were pretty bullet proof. What do you think? Do the first gen cummins come with 4spd automatic? Or, are they 3spd? Should I get a stick? I do enjoy driving a stick but I think it would be a little better if I got an auto for towing. What do you think?

 

manual is definatly the way to go for towing. If you were going to tow with an auto, I would recommend getting some mods done to it to make it more reliable and more bearable to drive.

 

So, I should pretty much get a manual then. I do like manuals though. Do the gen 2 trannys have problems though? How many gears did the auto and manuals come with in the gen 1? like a 4spd manual and a 3spd auto.

 

the second gen came with a 4spd auto and a 5 or 6spd manual. oh and i would get a manualif i could. i couldnt find one so i got a auto its treated me pretty good,ireally dont tow with it and keep up on the fluid changes.

 

The 2nd Gen rams(gassers) had problems with the auto trannies and the filter not being changed regularly. I bought mine used and had the fluid and filter changed immediately and didn't have any problems. I'm not sure about 2nd Gen Cummins with the auto trans though. As with any used vehicle, change all fluids/filters then you know its been done at least. JMHO

 

of your truckin, then get a stick. in town drive an auto. my 1st gen ctd has that dang 3 spd +4th bolted in (auto). its finally givin fits with 337k on it.

 

6spd's didnt appear untill 99 I think. anything before that will be the NV4500HD save the 88-91's which had a getrag 5spd.

 

go stick shift just for the coolness factor as i like to call it.