Looking to pick myself up a diesel if I can find a good deal. Currently looking at a 5.9 with 103,000 miles, has a 6spd. It is the HO motor. Truck is stock with a mbrp catback. It has 3.73 gears. Seems to be great at cruising.

I'll be towing 5-6k mostly, but occassionally will be towing enclosed 24ft car trailer with my 65 satellite and tools in it (total weight about 9-10k lbs).

Would I be better off with a high geared auto (not sure what gears they offered in the autos from 03-07) or the 3.73 geared 6spd? I do care about fuel economy as well. Which one is tougher? I plan on doing light mods (tuner, intake, exhaust).

Thanks!

edit: I meant the 6spd NV5600 not 4600.

 

manual's are stronger than the automatics

usually better economy with a manual too. and manuals work better with exhaust brakes should you choose to use one

 

I had no problems towing my 24' hauler with about 10k worth of household goods inside it, total weight around 14-15k (unknown, never went over the scales with it) even with the 3.55 gears in my 12-valve. Granted, I threw the cheap parts on my truck (fuel plate, gov/afc/valve springs, boost elbow) and I built my trans, but it handled it like a champ. I would have preferred a manual though, for the reasons he listed - better fuel economy, better exhaust brake performance, etc.