Automatic Transmission

salrides · 05-23-2010, 12:14 PM

I am looking at a GMC diesel dully with allison trans is this okay I should I go with stick

TEX-CTD · 05-23-2010, 02:03 PM

the durmax only comes w the allison. unless u were talking about a diff diesel.

what are u going to be towing and in what terrain?

rear end gearing also makes a diff

stock most autos are ok at best and should last if u keep it cool and change the fluid offten. if u add any power to the truck trans upgrades are required

450Donn · 05-23-2010, 03:20 PM

As far as I know all GM diesel products come with the Allison and 3.73 rear end. No choices.
Dodge offers a standard trans and 4 different rear end ratios.
Ford offers different rear end ratios and as far as I know also only an automatic.

K-Star · 05-25-2010, 07:53 PM

the primary reason I traded in my GMC 3500 duramax/alison was due to the fact it only came with 3:73 rear. The trailer I had at the time was fine. My current trailer proved to be too much on hills in PA. Couldn't imagine trying to climb a mountain.

For the 2011 model year, maybe earlier years too, GM offers an option for 4:10's which would be better. Well spent 100 bucks.

You really need to determine what you are going to tow and let that be the driving (no pun intended) factor. Unless you are planning on a 5er, you may not need a dually.

TXiceman · 05-25-2010, 08:18 PM

Allison is a heck of a transmission.

ken

Ray,IN · 05-25-2010, 11:12 PM

You can't tear-up an Allison without really trying hard; such as adding over 70 HP to a stock Duramax engine.

JIMNLIN · 05-27-2010, 08:12 PM

GM used the ZF6 manual 6 speed tranny behind the Dmax up to '06 - '07 ?? I believe. It was plagued with DMF clutch issues in the early years but lagging sales due to manual shifting wasn't on most Gm owners agenda. Yupie crowd. LOL.

Manual trannies are popular with the commercial crowd. I like my NV5600 6 speed manual behind my Cummins.

I would recommend you drive one of these big 6 speed manuals first as their not for everyone. The allison behind the Dmax is a tufff combo.