what gear splitter and how much does that run?

 

I haven't run one (at least, not yet!) But there's a few around, nothing under $1000 though, unless you are real creative.

This one seems to be pretty popular Complete Units | Advance Adapters

Sam

 

I heard that some of the overdrive units and gear splitters are really noisy so be careful of which one you buy. One of them is quiet.

 

for some guys they get all confused with all them their pedals on the floor

 

Both are good transmissions. Depends on personal preference too. Climbing, and missing a shift with a standard is nasty-with that much weight behind you. Yes it can happen, even if you can shift like an epileptic in control, and the synchro's like it too, then fine. Starting on a hill with that kinda weight might be interesting.
Seen a few guys hill climb, for fun 4wheelin, but they have to select the right gear, or else over rev, not enough momentum, or over gear and bog out-same for muddin. Pick and go, not many chances to shift.
Auto's don't hold back as good as a standard, going down hill, and auto's do rob horsepower. However the torque converter multiplies torque, about 2-1.
Sure you can bomb start a standard, but if you have to rely on that, then your truck is probably a heap.
The C6 is cheap to rebuild, and could probably be done with some know how-modifications are plentiful. The standards, if something goes wrong, other than the clutch and pressure plate, usually easier just to replace the transmission-normally the old 4speeds don't break, but wear gets everything. Been many a year since a new 4-speed stick has been built.
Some thoughts! Research!