Posted by Charlie on July 20, 2000 at 15:18:35:
In Reply to: Need opinions on 2001 Dodge Ram diesel 2500 pickup posted by Mark Davis on July 20, 2000 at 11:43:32:
"The problems with the automatic" will NEVER be solved until they start using Allison transmissions. They may be incrementally beefing the 47RE, but it's originally derived from a Torqueflite for a big 4 door sedan. They also are incrementally increasing the torque of the motor. Does it tell you anything when they de-rate the motor 40 ft-lb for the automatic? It should.
They had some problems with the 6 spd but I do believe they have fixed those: bigger input shaft, bigger input or output bearing. I broke the input shaft on my Clark 280VO behind the Hercules in my M37; I put a fatter one in.
I'd recommend the 6 speed.
If you have any desire to put bigger tires on get the 4.10. It'll save you $1200 in parts and labor. You'll be then set up perfectly for 36-37" tires, if you're interested in that.
If you do much off-roading just order an open diff and buy a Detroit Soflocker for the rear. It won't cost quite $300 to install; the diff side bearings will need to be re-shimmed but the pinion gear won't have to be touched.
I do like the Cummins motor. It's certainly bulletproof, capable of upgrades to 660 ft-lb or even more, and easy to work on because of the inline configuration.
Charlie