Ok so my dad recently just ordered a 2012 dodge diesel with the standard transmission. I was just woundering how well it will compare when it comes to towing and daily driving because the auto I guess has 800 pounds of torque andthe std transmission only had 650 torque. And also could the std version be tuned where it will have the 800 torque as the auto or is there actually different motor components that keep it from 800 pounds of torque thanks for your input.

 

my dad has replaced his tranny 7 times in the past 50000 miles. it was a auto. the std would be a better way because controlling the gears towing. they probably changed the tq rating because they don't want you using all engine going down the hill with std

 

It all depends on what you are doing with the truck. If you tow heavy loads then neither of them will hold for long. The clutch is weak in the manual and the torque converter is weak in the auto. Both are fixable with money but in most cases people really don't want to replace new parts on a new truck.

 

I went through 7 auto transmissions on a 99 7.3 auto myself

 

As far as I know its just motor mounts and a tune holding the manual back. Keep in mind that back in 2010 these trucks both had the same engine. Same can't be said about the 2013's though, they get a new auto for the high output as the 68RFE couldnt hold up.

The Manual only needs a new clutch and you can do what ever you want.

My 2012 has the G56 and as long as theres a manual behind a Cummins I wouldnt drive anything else. Mine pulls a 24' enclosed on the weekends no problem loaded with camping gear and 4 quads, and occasionally a stuck friend out of the ditch.