Allison's new 6 speed
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Allison's new 6 speed
Anyone out there with any worthwhile information on this transmission? Not that I'm too interested in the Allison per se, I like manual transmissions. But while GM seems to have a pretty decent truck, there's one thing I don't understand - why don't they do something for the ZF transmission so guys who use a truck for real work can have the manual transmission with the same torque output that the Allison equipt truck gets?
In all fairness, this does seem a worthwhile question. Allison is certainly the most recognisable name in heavy duty automatic transmissions, and while the majority of Duramax or 8.1 buyers would option for it - what about the ZF? Why the lessor torque rating for it? Is it a matter of GM being worried the additional torque will wreak havoc on the rest of the drivetrain? Perhaps their just too conservative with the ZF's durability? Perhaps it's a matter of caution being the better part of valor?
In all fairness, this does seem a worthwhile question. Allison is certainly the most recognisable name in heavy duty automatic transmissions, and while the majority of Duramax or 8.1 buyers would option for it - what about the ZF? Why the lessor torque rating for it? Is it a matter of GM being worried the additional torque will wreak havoc on the rest of the drivetrain? Perhaps their just too conservative with the ZF's durability? Perhaps it's a matter of caution being the better part of valor?
Last edited by Megalodon1; Mar 2, 2005 at 10:26 PM.
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http://www.lubricationspecialistllc.com/allison06.pdf
here is the new allison 6 speed it is just an added OD not a change to the original 5.
here is the new allison 6 speed it is just an added OD not a change to the original 5.
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From: Damascus-Boring, Ore
I'm going to get flamed, I just know it 
...but...there's a thread going here on the Ford and Chevy 6-speeds. While the debate and info was great, I've seen a grand total of one...count 'em...one.. six-speed Ford pickup come through, and that was a sold order. Zero Chevy's- and that's for this model year. [sarcasm font]Now I realize a statistical sample of 500-600 trucks probably isn't large enough[/sarcasm], but one thing can be said. The potential buyers for those six-speeds may be on these boards, but they're sure the heck not out on the lots.
...but...there's a thread going here on the Ford and Chevy 6-speeds. While the debate and info was great, I've seen a grand total of one...count 'em...one.. six-speed Ford pickup come through, and that was a sold order. Zero Chevy's- and that's for this model year. [sarcasm font]Now I realize a statistical sample of 500-600 trucks probably isn't large enough[/sarcasm], but one thing can be said. The potential buyers for those six-speeds may be on these boards, but they're sure the heck not out on the lots.
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I saw a survey once about transmission choice in HD pickups. About 40% of Dodge owners replied that they had a manual, something like 13% of Ford owners had one, and maybe around 8%. The market is so small for GM manuals, they probably don't put a whole lot of time or work into it compared to the Allison. I have heard a few people say that the engines are detuned for the ZF because it is more efficient than the Allison, so the power at the rear wheels stays the same. Haven't seen any evidence though, and the logic sounds pretty backards to me.
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From: Alvin, Texas.
seftom,
I see the logic in that point. The slushbox saps about twice the power over the stickshifter. Add the 10% to the engine and things end up even at the rear axle.
I would consider that argument over the ZF lacking durability...well, for the cost of even those ZF5's, they better be durable...
I see the logic in that point. The slushbox saps about twice the power over the stickshifter. Add the 10% to the engine and things end up even at the rear axle.
I would consider that argument over the ZF lacking durability...well, for the cost of even those ZF5's, they better be durable...
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It is true that the allison is not as efficient as most transmissions. that might have to do with design in the quality of parts, which would be my guess. but the new 6 speed auto will definately help the diesel and big gassers get the gas mileage without kill hp in the motor 
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I really wondered when they where going to start putting an OD like this in the diesels. We have all this torque available but don't use it.
Go back 20 years and we where pulling the same trailers and carry the same loads with gas V8's that had only a half to a third of the torque available. Even at .61 with any off the new diesels you will have more torque than most of the old engines. The great thing about having a .61 is you can go to 4.30 regears to get better launches out of the hole when really loaded but still get great mileage when running down the road. By the way I have always towed in OD provided the tranny is not hunting for gears all the time.
Go back 20 years and we where pulling the same trailers and carry the same loads with gas V8's that had only a half to a third of the torque available. Even at .61 with any off the new diesels you will have more torque than most of the old engines. The great thing about having a .61 is you can go to 4.30 regears to get better launches out of the hole when really loaded but still get great mileage when running down the road. By the way I have always towed in OD provided the tranny is not hunting for gears all the time.
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here is an update on when you can order and get the 6 speed they say they are going to slowly phaze out the 5 speed and get the 6 speed in by starting production in july and switch them over in january 1/1/06 the same thing they did with the motor.
http://dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=26857
http://dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=26857
Last edited by duramaximizer; Mar 13, 2005 at 02:48 AM.
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