Would like some suggestions on which transmission to get in a 2006 Ram 3500 with the Cummins. I like having an automatic, but want the towing capacities of the manual with the 3.73 gears. Any help is much appreciated.

 

In 2005 the automatic actually had a higher weight capacity - not sure, but I would guess its the same this year.

 

Thanks for the input Dodgedlr. Do you or anyone else have or know of anyone that has a Cummins auto with a 4.10 rear end? If so, what kind of fuel economy is it getting? Also, does the auto rob any power from the Cummins?

 

although the auto will steel some power, it may allow you to add more down the line... I'm not sure what the upper hp/tq levels are for the manual but with some $ sunk into an auto you can really boost your power. just depends on what your after...

 

depending on what year, the manual can handle more than the auto. the NV5600 I have is able to handle more power than the auto in stock form, the G56 introduced in 05 cannot due to the dual mass flywheel thingy.

unless you plan on towing, the g56w/3.73's or the autow/4.10's not alot of towing or none at all the auto w3.73's will be better.

 

I will be towing some, not everyday. But when I will be towing it will be 11,000 - 15,000 lbs. (Bobcat, big round hay bales, etc...). I kinda want to stay away from the 4.10 gears because of fuel mileage. I don't own a Ram yet, but am looking at a 2006 3500 4x4. Do the auto's do a lot of down shifting on hills with loads? I'm just concerned with only having 4 gears when hauling heavy loads on the highways. In the future I would be adding some performance parts, but nothing extreme. Thanks for all the input guys. Very helpful.

 

if you get the manual it is almost like haveing 4.10's. my NV5600 6 spd w 4.10's is the same as the new trucks g56 w.3.73's. with the tow haul mode I think you would be fine with the occasional load on the auto. and with the way the torque curve is on these engines, downshifting doesnt happen too much. you want to go faster, just force the turbo to produce a bit more boost.

 

Thanks for the info Drew. I do have a question for you. I looked on the Dodge website towing guide and it said the auto in a 3500 with 3.73s would tow 13,500 lbs. (give or take a couple lbs.) and the 6 speed with the same gear ratio would tow 15,450 lbs. This is on a 2006 mega cab 4x4 slt 3500. My question is, is this rating for bumper pull trailers or fifth wheel trailers? I know the Fords and Chevys usually have a higher capacity with a fifth wheel trailer.

 

Dodge is kinda funny in how they calculate GCVWR. Although this truck could probably pull more than ford and chevy just looking at the engine alone, you have to remember to keep atleast 10% of the total trailer weight on the pin. 5vr, or gooseneck ball, but this weight cannot excees GVWR, so while you might be at GCVWR, you are suddenly over GVWR. However these numbers are only what DC and the DOT suggest you pull. Ive seen guys tipping the scales at well over 30K, Ive done it myself in the past

Generaly the load rateing is higher for 5vr's and ball goosenecks, however if you look at the auto w/4.10's you will notice the load capacity is probably that or better than the manual. and the only reason the manual is higher than the auto is that it has a higher final drive ratio.

 

Sounds like the auto with 4.10's would be the way to go from what you're telling me, if I want to add some aftermarket power and keep my towing capacity up there. Do you have any idea of mileage on the auto with 4.10's? You're a huge help Drew, thanks.