Duramax questions (trans)

Avanteone · Jan 1, 2008

OK, so I am FINALLY (for sure this time) getting rid of my Dodge and going Duramax. I've lived as long as I can /w 3 boys and a quad cab truck, and now need a crew cab. I've been shopping, driven them all, etc... and can find a few '05's and '06's in my price range. My question is this: What are the pros/cons of the 6 speed Allison over the 5 speed? Is the 6 speed allison stronger than the 5 speed? Is there more aftermarket support (performance upgrades) for the 5 speed vs. the 6 spd? Is there any reason I SHOULDN'T go /w a newer 6 spd truck over an '04 or '03 5 speed truck? I plan on doing MILD performance upgrades (chip, exhaust, etc.) and lots of mildly heavy towing. My enclosed trailer fully loaded is like 12K. I don't know if I even need to worry about any trans. upgrades, but I'd hate to get a 6 speed truck and find there's not much available to improve it.

Thanks, John

(and for those keeping score @ home, this IS the 3rd and final time I've decided to sell my truck and already have a buyer lined up)

Stangrcr1 · Jan 2, 2008

The six speed is a five speed with a different valve body and some tuning in the computer to use it.
They are the same Allison 1000 trans otherwise.

Get the 5 speed and then an aftermarket conversion from Suncoast or several other suppliers.

You could be at 500hp real easy with just some plug in boxes. The trans will hold it unloaded, but better turn the boxes down when towing.

tomsbrokeagain · Jan 2, 2008

I have a '05 Dmax, The lockup valving is a little different on the 6sp cheaper and easier to install a good shift kit (stay away from Bully Dog). I personally like the trans as is (if I didn't add a programmer). I tow 2 jeeps on a bumper and load a camper on the truck and I enjoy it. The 5 vs 6sp ?? I don't know if I would want the 6sp as it only is an extra OD 5th gear ratio .71 and 6th .61. The choice is up to you. Both trans have all the same upgades. Suncoast is the best for parts, I would recommend Mike L. from Inglewood Transmissions to talk to when you are serious about parts.

From my personal findings with my truck don't try to go past a good tow tune unless you want to do trans work. I have already tested mine to its limit.

I have an intake, exhaust and PPE tuner, trans lived until I went to the 180 hp tune. Now I am saving for trans parts.

skinny_pedal · Jan 17, 2008

I run a 5 speed allison. the tranny in stock form is pretty dam bullet proof. if you run any tune over 100hp the trick is to back out before you hit 5th. Thats what causes the tranny to go limp. Another cool feature is the tranny adapts to your driving style. i drive with a heavy foot and the tranny likes to shift hard, it reconizes my driving. if i decide to drive like a normal person my tranny shifts violent still. the tow haul mode is great on downhill decents. with my camper on the back, trailer, and samurai going over the pass this summer my tranny never got over 170. i run, diablo sport tuner, ppe valve, exhaust and intake......definetly get gauges as dmax's run hotter than cummins
hope that helped

if anybody wants factory schemitcs and info on the tranny pm me, i have tons of factory info on the allison 1000

Fullywrecked · Jan 20, 2008

Get a six speed manual, they are out there just not to many (mostly special order from what I understand.), then you can turn the power up!!!

Lucky Jeff · Jan 20, 2008

Fullywrecked said:
Get a six speed manual, they are out there just not to many (mostly special order from what I understand.), then you can turn the power up!!!

uke: :jerkit: :blabla: :shaking:

82toyomud · Jan 20, 2008

Lucky Jeff said:
uke: :jerkit: :blabla: :shaking:

I think you forgot one jeff...:bananallama:...:haha:

Avanteone · Jan 20, 2008

I bought the '05 /w 5 speed allison

I fawking love it!

J

Lucky Jeff · Jan 20, 2008

Avanteone said:
I bought the '05 /w 5 speed allison I fawking love it!

J

that's what happens when you can whip all the manuals asses with ease :awesomework:

Avanteone · Jan 21, 2008

Lucky Jeff said:
that's what happens when you can whip all the manuals asses with ease :awesomework:

Now I just gotta figure out what to do for mods

hahaha

skinny_pedal · Jan 21, 2008

Avanteone said:
Now I just gotta figure out what to do for mods hahaha

EFI LIVE

Lucky Jeff · Jan 21, 2008

skinny_pedal said:
EFI LIVE

it's a beautiful thing, Dang chevy's

Avanteone · Jan 21, 2008

Yes, I know EFI live is the ****, just fawking $$$$$$ isnt' it???

I've got an "IN" and can get all the Bully dog stuff I want REALLY REALLY REALLY stupid cheap.... and was thinking of just going that route.

Guys, what's the EFI Live setup run? And then don't I have to have a laptop as well?

skinny_pedal · Jan 21, 2008

go to dieselplace.com tons of info for the dirty max. honestly for $300 shipped new(ebay) im more than well pleased with my diablo sport tuner. i hear really good things from the ppe as well. i havent heard that great of things from bullydog, and i will never recommend edge. the efi live stuff costs little over a grand but is just amazing as far as tuning goes

82toyomud · Jan 21, 2008

Avanteone said:
Yes, I know EFI live is the ****, just fawking $$$$$$ isnt' it???

I've got an "IN" and can get all the Bully dog stuff I want REALLY REALLY REALLY stupid cheap.... and was thinking of just going that route.

Guys, what's the EFI Live setup run? And then don't I have to have a laptop as well?

bully dog =

uke:

Avanteone · Jan 21, 2008

skinny_pedal said:
go to dieselplace.com tons of info for the dirty max. honestly for $300 shipped new(ebay) im more than well pleased with my diablo sport tuner. i hear really good things from the ppe as well. i havent heard that great of things from bullydog, and i will never recommend edge. the efi live stuff costs little over a grand but is just amazing as far as tuning goes

I've thought about just going /w the Diablo and intake/exhaust for now to step it up a little over stock... then do the EFI Live setup down the road a little bit. I'm dumping a TON of money into my YJ build and don't have much extra for mods on the new truck. I just have a way of getting anything I want Bullydog in trade for labor and thought if it was decent I'd just do that.

SO, what about trans? Is stock ok /w like just the Diablo, or do I need to look into the transgo kits?

J

Lucky Jeff · Jan 21, 2008

I'd say PPE if you couldn't go EFI live. But we all end up forking over for what we want down the road anyways, so might as well do it..

and I agree with red on the bullydog junk..

Lucky Jeff · Jan 21, 2008

Avanteone said:
SO, what about trans? Is stock ok /w like just the Diablo, or do I need to look into the transgo kits?

J

Juice told me a little over 400 and you're starting to push it (Not sure what the diablo will put you at)... and like all others, after a while it'll start to get weak.

skinny_pedal · Jan 21, 2008

Avanteone said:
SO, what about trans? Is stock ok /w like just the Diablo, or do I need to look into the transgo kits?

J

i can run my truck on the 85hp setting all day long and not have a problem. I run the 120hp setting and usually dont let it hit 5th gear. I have never limped my trans, it never slips, shifts hard, and is stock. i run my truck on the 65hp daily to.