go 6spd better once u start addin power

The only time my 6-speed sucks is when I'm sitting in traffic, which thankfully isn't very often. Though the G56 that would be in that 06 isn't quite as strong as the NV-5600 that's in my 2003 (aluminum housing vs. cast iron), it can still handle a lot more power than an automatic, stock for stock. If you plan on adding power, you can expect the stock clutch to handle maybe 75 to 100 hp over stock ,depending on the miles already on it. After that, you'll have to upgrade to a better clutch. The one in my truck is good to about 550 hp at the wheels, feels like the stocker and cost $800.00 plus installation. An automatic built to reliably handle 550hp will likely cost you $3000 - $4000, depending on who does the work. Plus, the sound of a Cummins Dodge rowing through the gears just sounds "right".:U:

Now if your are planning on drag racing, forget the manual trans. You just can't compete against the automatic guys for two reasons.

Number one: You can't launch under boost with a manual trans. The turbo won't build boost without putting the engine under load and you can't put the engine under load with the clutch disengaged waiting for the christmas tree.

Number two: You spend more time shifting than you do driving with a manual trans. Even with "short throw" shifters and skipping gears, you'd be surprised how much time (and boost) you lose while shifting.

oh and for reference my fully billet goerend trans cost about $7500 after it was all said and done, or maybe it was closer to $8500 I don't remember, my stock Dodge 48RE went out at 24k miles with a mild lift and bullydog tuner so that may be something to think about

I thought my estimate was about right, my brother got an estimate for his 02 from Goerend and it was like 6800...some places may be cheaper but it doesnt get better then Goerend

Each is entitled to their own opinion i guess.

the g56 is stronger than alot of us think they use it in class 7 and 8 trucks overseas for many years now and these are 60,000lbs trucks were talking bout and my old mans six speed woops my a$$ in mpg. my view is auto if you have money stick if you have a budget :c:

All and all its up to the driver. My 04 would pull anything just as good as my 07 i have now(8,000Lb 34foot trailer with 4 foot dovetail with 24,000 Lbs of Hay). Only difference is with the stick you get to control you RPMs and how much "lug" your willing to let your truck go threw. To were with an auto you are turning off your OVERDRIVE when you turn on towing package on the auto. everyday driving with no trailer it is up to the drive if they dont mind shifting from time to time i think 6spd is way to go.. Either way i think if you got the Cummins motor you cant go wrong!

MY 04 3500 DRW Quad Cab 4x4 5.9 auto 50K miles Avg.d 21 MPG with 4:11 rear end gears and it was sitting on 265/17 mud tires it had some add parts tho Banks cold air intake(400), Banks high air horn intake(250), 4' straight pipe exhuast(75), Diablo predator stage 3 programmer(375).(spent 1,100.00 bucs)

My 07 3500 DRW Mega Cab 4x4 5.9 6spd 80K miles Avg.s 17.5 MPG All stock with 4:11 rear end gears for now.. Sitting on 285/17 (00.00 spent...Fixing to change:upup:)

Incorrect. The overdrive is only off if you specifically turn the overdrive off. In Tow/Haul mode OD is still there (although the shift point changes).

over 20 isnt impossible
 

i bought my 05 3500 SRW in Charlotte and it was gettin 24.5 with the automatic then i took it out too cheyenne and the best it got out there was 21. I just traded that in before i came on this deployment for an 04.5 dually with the six speed and its gettin 20 already with nothin done to it. so it just depends on what elevation youre at and whats doen to the truck

I'm not a big fan of the shift pattern of the 48re. It shifts hard and is unpredictable when I put the pedal down. That being said, I'd rather have an auto.