Local dealer giving "Employee Pricing" plus factory discounts on 07. Originally wanted 1500 QC SB 4wd w/ Hemi because I could get a nicely equipped one for a great price. As it turns out, an equally equipped version 2500 QC SB 4wd w/ 5.9 CTD can be had for $4k less than the 1500 Factory MSRP. Looks like I might be going that direction. I wish I could get the newer 6 speed auto with the 5.9, but nope, just the 4sp. There are some 6sp manuals left.

Main question:

What kind of mileage difference is there with manual vs auto.

Wife doesn't drive a manual, so that might be good I really don't have a preference. I know the manual is one hell of a transmission.

Any other input or recomendations appreciated on this purchase.

Thx,
Steve

 

I believe the mileage will be about the same, so I wouldn't use that as my final determining factor. I test drove both the 6sp auto and 6sp manual with the 6.7L engine before settling on the auto (it is sweet!). I found the manual transmission to be very balky with first gear almost unusable and I have driven a manual transmission equipped Jeep since 1984, so I'm very familiar with how to drive a stick.

Look at what kind of driving you will be doing. If you will be in city traffic or congested highway traffic, I'd say go with the auto. The 4sp auto is a good tranny and you'll have on less distraction while driving. Don't want to alienate the wife either...

 

the G56 manual so far has proven itself pretty reliable. . .there were a few issues at the onset in 05, however those have been resolved. I do agree though that first gear is pretty much unsuable unless your pulling 20K up a 6% grade or stuck in 5mph rush hour.

the 48RE is also a good unit. it does well for being only a 4spd and living behind an engine that produced over 600lb-ft at only 1600rpm and pretty much keeps over 550lb-ft till 3200rpm. Mileage, you will notice about a 2-3mpg drop with the stick just due to gearing. the auto and 3.73's will run 70mph at 18-1900rpm. the G56 and 3.73's will run 2350rpm @ 70mph.

 

I drove both and decided on the g56 manual. I bought the truck for one purpose... to be bullet proof for a long long time, and I figured that the manual tranny would last me longer than the auto, I don't mind driving either kind, sostick was the way to go. Plus like you mentioned earlier, it keeps the wife out of my truck a little more .

 

Oh yeah, almost forgot... the stick may get worse gas mileage due to the gearing (course after you put a lift and bigger tires that will all get screwed up anyway ), but both the stick and the auto will get better than the hemi. Before the level and tires my stick got 21.5 in the city driving like and old man, or 19.5 with my foot in it. After thelevel and tiresI still get about 18-19 with my foot in it a little bit .

 

I get 17 to 19 MPG in my 5.9, the diesel keeps a high resell value..and it will last forever

 

I have the 4 speed auto and it is a good trans. I have almost 40,000 and not a complaint or problem yet.

 

I bought mine in July and haven't regretted it for a moment. I have the auto, its surprising smooth for a four speed behind an engine with that much torque. No brainer on what I would choose, go with the 2500 CTD.

 

i got mine in april.. i didn't even test drive a 6.7 6spd auto.. i didn't want the temtation and wanted to avoid the first year grimlins..no buyers remorse what-so-ever.. pulled my 5th-wheel 200 miles over the weekend in 20-30mph cross winds.. while the oil-mileage wasn't quite as good as normal.. the cruise stayed set at 65 and i just relaxed and drove.. right now diesel and gas are the exact same price here.. considering the cummins engine is pretty much a non-depreciating asset to the truck.. i say.. cummins all the way!

 

Are you trying to decide between a Hemi and a Cummins and the tranny has you stumped?

I'd take a 1 gear Cummins ove a Hemi all day long.