redneckracin
Senior Member
Fellas,
I have been lurking on here for a little while now gathering some info and questions.
I currently have a one ton diesel that I need to upgrade. Im flirting with my max gcwr of my truck and I need to upgrade trucks. I have already rulled out a tandem tractor because its to big for what I need right now. I may upgrade later but its off the table for this thread sake.
I have sort of settled on a M/D international because they seem to be almost bullet proof and simple. They are also availabe in a crew cab which is something I very much would like to have coming from a crew cab pick up. Anyways, Im pretty much sold on the DT530E for a motor unless I can find a cummins in a crew cab which would be like finding a hen's tooth. This would hopefully start me out at over 250hp. Air ride is mandatory. Right now I just have a 20+5 GN but may be upgrading.
the actual question is what tranny should I be leaning towards and away from? Im looking at 1990-2003/2004 which ever year switched to the new body with the cooling issues. I have seen alot of 6, 7 and 10 speeds and also some allisons. The autos I have already figured out I want O/D so that rules out the MT trannies and the 2000 series are just not a big enough step up from my current truck. That pretty much leaves me with the 3000 series for an auto. Are they pretty reliable?
One thing to consider is that my wife wants to learn how to drive a standard but does not yet and she is willing to throw some cash in if she can pull a bigger horse trailer with the truck. My truck now is currently a 6-speed with a very touchy dual disk clutch and is not friendly to drive. I dont have any experience with 2-speed rears but I'm sure I can catch on quickly. We also get a fair amount of snow during the winter months and if she takes the trucks to a show, most of the parking lots are not paved and can be as primitive as a field. (boy that was alot of rambling :Banghead)
Summary:Medium Duty truck trans selection, Auto vs. manual Which manual trannies to avoid? Are the 3000 series allisons reliable? Should I be looking for a 2-speed rear or a hi-lo tranny? Fuel mileage on the interstate would be nice! I appreciate any feedback and thanks in advance for the help. Would you prefer an eaton-fuller or a spicer? (sort of know the answer to this already)
Also:No need to discuss CDL requirements, Im already in the process of getting it.
I have been lurking on here for a little while now gathering some info and questions.
I currently have a one ton diesel that I need to upgrade. Im flirting with my max gcwr of my truck and I need to upgrade trucks. I have already rulled out a tandem tractor because its to big for what I need right now. I may upgrade later but its off the table for this thread sake.
I have sort of settled on a M/D international because they seem to be almost bullet proof and simple. They are also availabe in a crew cab which is something I very much would like to have coming from a crew cab pick up. Anyways, Im pretty much sold on the DT530E for a motor unless I can find a cummins in a crew cab which would be like finding a hen's tooth. This would hopefully start me out at over 250hp. Air ride is mandatory. Right now I just have a 20+5 GN but may be upgrading.
the actual question is what tranny should I be leaning towards and away from? Im looking at 1990-2003/2004 which ever year switched to the new body with the cooling issues. I have seen alot of 6, 7 and 10 speeds and also some allisons. The autos I have already figured out I want O/D so that rules out the MT trannies and the 2000 series are just not a big enough step up from my current truck. That pretty much leaves me with the 3000 series for an auto. Are they pretty reliable?
One thing to consider is that my wife wants to learn how to drive a standard but does not yet and she is willing to throw some cash in if she can pull a bigger horse trailer with the truck. My truck now is currently a 6-speed with a very touchy dual disk clutch and is not friendly to drive. I dont have any experience with 2-speed rears but I'm sure I can catch on quickly. We also get a fair amount of snow during the winter months and if she takes the trucks to a show, most of the parking lots are not paved and can be as primitive as a field. (boy that was alot of rambling :Banghead)
Summary:Medium Duty truck trans selection, Auto vs. manual Which manual trannies to avoid? Are the 3000 series allisons reliable? Should I be looking for a 2-speed rear or a hi-lo tranny? Fuel mileage on the interstate would be nice! I appreciate any feedback and thanks in advance for the help. Would you prefer an eaton-fuller or a spicer? (sort of know the answer to this already)
Also:No need to discuss CDL requirements, Im already in the process of getting it.