E4OD beef up vs. 5 Speed conversion
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,132
Likes: 45
From: Columbus, Oh
Agreed 100%. I have/had both. Its nice to have the boosted shifts, but other than that I'd never want the auto for towing to be quite honest, built or not. Sorry 5k for a built trans with warranty is way out of my budget... 3300 Thats not all too bad, but I still can rebuild a ZF twice and drop in two 400 hp clutches for that... rebuild lasts 100k-150k with a new clutch towing like I do...will a built auto of any kind take that abuse for 200k???? I'm just going to put a bit a doubt in thinking it would.... but could be wrong
I'd think an auto would be quite a bit more fun to drive if the truck was a toy or hot rod, but thats not what my DD is. It tows heavy and quite often, and especially in the mountain passes gear selection is vital to uphill and even more importantly down hill.
I'd think an auto would be quite a bit more fun to drive if the truck was a toy or hot rod, but thats not what my DD is. It tows heavy and quite often, and especially in the mountain passes gear selection is vital to uphill and even more importantly down hill.
I forgot to mention that my SMF and Kevlar ceramic clutch was 1k of that price tag. And that was with a discount!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,583
Likes: 841
From: knoxville, tn
I love my 5spd and would not change it. But if I had an auto I didn't trust I would think it would be easier to just build it and forget it. 8k is not that much weight for these trucks even pulling through the mountains. But if it is a high miles truck or if you are not sure of its service history then I would build it just for the peace of mind on the long hauls.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,590
Likes: 382
From: Texas
If you aren't towing Glenn's weights, a John Woods Econo HD can be had for $3000, including converter. I have had mine since Oct of last year and regularly tow 10k pounds. It is a GOOD transmission.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,590
Likes: 382
From: Texas
Agreed 100%
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,897
Likes: 9
This topic is 100% personal preference. I've got a manual. I got it cause I like manual's. I enjoy driving my manual. End of story. Do what makes you feel comfortable and you will enjoy your truck. Sometimes cost isn't everything.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,897
Likes: 9
big words from someone running a stock e4od behind 225's and a 468. Sompin tells me that trannys gonna blow it's load real quick lol :P
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Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 14,377
Likes: 608
From: evansville in
Its just got to make it past the rre trip
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,897
Likes: 9
good luck with that. You keep messin around at 45 psi it won't make it to dinner lol
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 855
Likes: 5
From: Central Oregon
Driving up any mountain I have to turn my overdrive off or I see intense egt's I would much have a manuel. I was over stick shifts when I bought this truck. Now I wish this was stick. My auto is way dumb with the torque converter unlockincking when shifting into OD. Way over it.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,227
Likes: 149
From: Higginsville, MO
I'll put in a vote for the BTS. I've towed up to probably a 12,000 lb loaded equipment trailer with it and it does very well. Sometimes the computer forgets what it's doing and I get a funky shift but I've also been told the E40D doesn't have the best manners and not to expect it to perform like the trans in a new truck. However I still love the automatic for driving the truck in the city. Especially at rush hour
