Dodge Cummins with Auto Tranny

[Pipeliner200-4Ever]

Looking in at trading in my Chev 2500HD 6.0L for a 04 Dodge 2500 4x4 shortbox with the cummins and automatic tranny. Was wondering if antibody's had any issues with the auto or should I stick with the 6 speed manual. I will be throwing my skid with my Ranger 305G in the back and will be pipelining with it.Any info for these trucks 2003 to 2008 would be greatly appreciated.

[Rick Moran]

I have a 2004 2500 Dodge Cumins SB 2wd. I haven't had any problems with the tranny. Shifts hard and strong in the right torque range. It pulls like a pack of mules! I tow a 30' Travel Trailer about 4K miles per year and I rarely use tow mode unless I'm going down a long, steep grade. It'll pull up any hill as fast as I want to go. I love to leave the Class A's in my dust.

I have had two failures though. The fuel pump went out and they had to change the rack & pinion unit (kinda bizarre groaning). Both were handled under warranty. 17mph towing and 21 on the frwys if I keep it under 80mph.

[Rojodiablo]

I have a 2006 Dodge 2500. Long bed, dbl cab. 2wd. It's been a very good truck. Tranny has not given any crap, now have 31,000 on it. I really like the tow/ haul mode. It keeps the tranny in a sweet spot very well, and the lockup on the torque converter lets you know it is there; I had never had a slush box work that well in tow mode before. And mileage?? 16-18 towing my boat, and 20-21 cruising empty at 1700-1800rpm=65mph.

[Rick Moran]

Rojo- I've probably passed you on the frwy. Daily commute between LB and Costa Mesa. I have 54k on mine.

[MAC702]

My Dodge Cummins with auto is a 96 era, so you've already got a better tranny than me, and mine has 130,000 trouble-free, well-maintained miles on it.

Best place to get the real scoop on exactly what you have is www.turbodieselregistry.com, but that requires membership.

There's also the free one at www.dieseltruckresource.com, I think, which is almost as good, and both specialize in everything about the Dodges with Cummins.

[Patriot Performance]

I've got a 05 3500 quad 4x4 with a 6 spd. I tell you right now. If you don't like shifting, stick with the auto. I'll never buy an auto trans in a diesel myself. I'm sure we could have that argument all day long though. The manual has a big advantage when towing imo.

[denrep]

I'm repeating what a driver for a fleet that uses ton Dodges for long distance trailer delivery said.

The fleet buys new trucks. When new, at zero miles, they spend $5,000.00 for major automatic transmission upgrades, after which the transmissions are trouble free for the fleet life of the truck.

Again, I'm just repeating, but the guy seemed knowledgeable and sincere, he knew a lot of details about the upgrades.

To me that would seem like it would take the value out of running a light truck, but they must have reasons.

[Wildcat]

I have a 2005 2500 QC SB auto tranny and have had no issues with it but only have 85000 KM on it.

[Rick Moran]

Denrep-Can you find out more specifics from your friend on what type of modifications they make? I suppose there is some reprogamming the shift points or some HD bands? It would be interesting to know where they spend $5K. For that money, they may just replace it for a custom build-up/exchange.

[denrep]

Denrep-Can you find out more specifics from your friend on what type of modifications they make? I suppose there is some reprogamming the shift points or some HD bands? It would be interesting to know where they spend $5K. For that money, they may just replace it for a custom build-up/exchange.

I'll try to catch him when he's "riding around" and get some details, could be awhile. They are exchanging transmissions and converters to upgrade to HD components.

The trucks are really, high-tech, custom built heavy tow rigs.

[papa65]

Denrep-Can you find out more specifics from your friend on what type of modifications they make? I suppose there is some reprogamming the shift points or some HD bands? It would be interesting to know where they spend $5K. For that money, they may just replace it for a custom build-up/exchange.


Not to horn in but my guess is their getting a Allison installed. . For extra rough service ya can't beat em.:)

[denrep]

...my guess is their getting a Allison installed. . For extra rough service ya can't beat em.:)

No, not an Allison swap. They are pulling and modifying the OE transmissions. Billet components are part of the upgrade.

He's probably not looking for world-wide phone pals, but I'm sure he'd take a call while on the road; and share some info. I can axe him.

You do wonder why the manufacturers never went with something like the 500 series Allison from the beginning. In a lighter vehicle, they aren't such a refined shifter; but they certainly are tough.

[Yankee Dog]

Weakest link is the torque convertor. If your stock, then no worries. Just change the fluid and filter on a regular basis, and install a trans temp gauge on the hot line (the fluid that leaves the transmission and is going to the trans cooler is the hot line). That way you can measure the hottest your fluid ever gets, and you will know if your fluid has reached a temp that could cause it to break down.

Measuring the temp from the pan or a pressure port only gives you a "mix" of hot fluid and cooled fluid.

I got 152,000 miles out of my stock (1997 Dodge Cummins), and I tow a 5th wheel. The last 60,000 miles was with the engine putting out about 600 ft lbs of torque. It finally started to shutter and I repaced it with a built one.

I did not go with billit shafts (don't really need to unless you run boosted launches). But everything else if "heavy duty". Valve body is trued and reprogrammed, stronger torque convertor, (warranteed for 1000ft lbs or torque), bands, clutch plates, aluminum instead of plastic servo pistons, etc. Currently I am running about 750 ft lbs of torque and the shifts feel like they are trying to break the u joints. Almost too firm.

However, it is now built the way the factory should have. Alot less slop in the torque convertor also. They are built kind of loose from the factory in order to save them from getting toasted by the engine torque.

These engines really put out the power. They are built extremely well, and are tried, true, and proven. You can't go wrong with buying one.

There are a bunch of Dodge Cummins Forums out there, and lots of great info:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=dodge+cummins+diesel+forums&btnG=Google+Search

Good luck with it, YD

[turboblown]

The auto allows the engine to produce its torque by keeping it in the correct powerband and keeping the turbo spooled. A Diesel with a turbo needs a load to keep the turbine spooled and keep boost up. With a manual, you lose exhause velocity between shifts and slow the turbo. If you have an auto, just do the performance upgrades (cooler, valve body/computer reprogramming and torque converter) and you'll pull anything. While you're at it, do the engine mods and push at 40 PSI manifold pressure and you'll have a monster. The auto is also easier on driveline components since your not constantly "banging" the torque on and off all day long. When you have the tranny apart, weld a drain bung in the pan so you can change the fluid at least once a year. Don't worry about changing the filter. It will last until the tranny needs to come apart anyway.

the Powerjoke, the Duramax and Cummins all make similar power, but when you turn all of them up with engine mods, the Cummins leaves the short-stroke V8s in the dust....big time. It's easy to get a reliable 1000 lbs/ft from a Cummins. Even the old 2-valve early 90s Cummins with the pump turned up and and intercooler added running 30-35 PSI will out-torque the modern V8s with a "Bullydog" or similar system any day.

If you have a Cummins, you have to run a 6" mandrel bent exhaust with no cats or muffs too!

[flywheels]

I've got a 97 with 130,000 miles. Still has the original tranny, still has crisp shifts.

Check out http://www.dieseltruckresource.com/

[bryce_burden]

You're making a good choice in switching from a Chevrolet to a Dodge. I currently own two Chevys and they are both crap. The boss has a 94 Dodge with well over 300,000 on it and still runnin strong. I personally won't own another chevy for a long while. I personally prefer a stick over an auto, seen too many autos have trouble with heavy loads (Dad and I used to haul used 2 3/8" tubing off of oilfield locations) and I won't have another. As far as the Dodge auto tranny goes, never had one but i know guys that do and really like them. I've heard that you have to do some tranny upgrades if you put a programmer on cause they don't like the extra power.

[IH 392]

I have an 06' Dodge, 4x4 quadcab, swb, 5.9 Cummins/auto- 45,000 and am getting 17-25mpg with 285 tires. I walked out one morning to find a puddle of tranny fluid under the truck. Took in the truck to the dealership and it ending up being a hose clamp that apparently has been an issue for them. 30 bucks for them to pressure test and tighten it up. I run a bobcat250 and a full setup as well. Had the tranny serviced at 30,000 and they tightned up the bands. Love the truck and it pulls great here in Colorado - Ryan