Honestly, I love my 6 spd, but if I had it to do over again, I'd go auto, and build it. The 6 spd can be a pain sometimes...
Scott

 

you mean youre not a big fan of the 5600 shift pattern?

 

If u get an auto first thing: change transmission fluid to full synthetic! Had mine for 2 years i run only full synthetic and so far it's stock. Never misses a beat even though i spin the semi pack[very heavy rear at least twice the weight of stock wheels/tires] all the time, take it to the woods launch hard[never power launch] and when at a red light i throw it in neutral. Money and preference will get you what you're after! 6spd is bad *** though! and maybe a lil cheaper when changing the clutch

 

personally if you just want to drive your truck with little desire for multi tasking like shifting, drinking coffee and watchin out for the rest of the zombies on the road get an auto, plus i have seen quite a few guys pushing 450+ on 48re with a valve body and torque converter. once i finish puttin my motor back together and get my truck moving on all 6 im gonna scavenge around for a nv5600 because there is nothing better than having full control as to what your truck is doin, whether pullin/haulin, cruisin or blowin the doors off some cute honda on roller skates.

that's just me though

 

the only true way to figure your fuel milage is to do the math yourself, my '03 6 speed with the cruise set on 65 reads 26mpg but when i do the math i average about 19.5-20mpg with both city and highway milage. as for the question of stick or auto, if your a grandpa and just need to get from point A to B then yes auto but if you do any pulling or power upgrades definately go with a stick. yes it sucks in traffic but thats what 1st gear is for and im 123,000 miles and couting on this clutch so as long as you keep your foot out of it, the clutch will last for years

 

I bought my truck (5.9 W/ 48re) for pure convenience when towing(nothing huge 9k toyhauller), able to keep the speed limits up the mountains and not have to worry about shifting and I love it. The only complaint I have is the 4 speeds, wish it had 5 or even 6. I'm still stock so not to worried bout the tranny, like previously stated its just like anything, take care of it and it will take care of you for the most part (always exceptions ) plus my brother owns a tranny shop so if it does let go I will just be out parts cost.

 

I wish mine was a manual

 

mines a 6speed and i love it. but to be honest there are times where i wish i would have gotten an auto like in a town with red lights. goin through the gears only to get another red light that is a royal pain in the ***. but when you feel that truck start to pull and the turbo lighten up after the clutch comes out its all worth it. its somethin you have to do. go drive em

 

What do you think ATF+4 is?

 

i would say stick i put about 5500 into the auto about 6 months ago for engine build up id say it would be cheeper in the long run to get a stick and u dont have to build them as much per horse power