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8 speed vs 6 speed

Go4Mac

Go4Mac

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Hello!
Long time lurker, first OP (although I’ve chimed in a post or three at this point).

Quick background for reference- I have a 2016 Ecodiesel, which has been an excellent truck except all the time it’s been in the shop. Coming out of the Toyota world, it has been bitter sweet. At this point I’m ready to drop my tow behind and i am planning on ordering a hiatus pop-top hard shell camper. This will be a 500-600 pound constant load in the back, plus the carpet-covered wood platform and storage i already have, will probably put 700 pounds in the back. I already have some plans on how to beef up the suspension with the Carli R2 springs and some other thuren suspension goodies. I am on a budget however, and i am trying to decide if trying to get a 8 speed is worth it? At my price range, i could pick up a low mile 17-18. 19+ are all just out of my price range, especially with all the other items i am planning to get.

So, here is the question- I’m trying to keep the truck price around 35-40k. A low mile 2019+ is hard to find under 45k. Is an 8 speed worth the extra 6-10k? These are all future plans, I’m not in a hurry. But it all has to start with the truck. Any feed back would be great.

Thank you.
 
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That is what i figured… might have to save my Pennie’s for another year…
 
Perhaps a 2500 (non power wagon) would be a good option. You could get newer one for less money and sounds like you'll be replacing the suspension anyway.
 
Yes, I’ve gone through the gambit of trucks in my search for my next rig. Everything from an older 5.9 manual (which still has some appeal to me), to a gd f150. Sorry, not a big fan of fords, no offense to the ford guys. My good friend loves his f150. I actually originally was thinking a tundra when the new 2022’s came out, but it would be best if I had 6 seats to avoid having to buy a mini van. I am still not 100% certain I will get the power wagon, but it is what I want because I just want it. It’ll be hard to adjust to those mpg’s, but I am definitely done with the modern diesel. Not my daily driver, btw. Weekend adventure and summer camping vehicle. And I guess kid hauler when i have more than just my two kids. either way I am looking forward to ditching the trailer so I can get down some dirt roads again.
 
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Grateful Dad said:
8 speed is a night and day difference. Off-road in low range maybe not as much but for EVERYTHING else, no contest.
Click to expand...

This. In the 1/2 ton trucks, it's not a big difference. In the heavier 3/4 ton it's a HUGE difference. I test drove a 6 speed and didn't care for it at all, but the 8 speed is perfect. I came real close to jumping ship to ford until I found an 8 speed PW to drive.
 
Get the 8-speed.

I say this as a 2017 6-speed owner. If you must get a < 2019 model year you CAN bolster the 66RFE 6-speed transmission, but it's better just to save that money for a 2019+ with the ZF-speed.

Here's what I did with mine:

66RFE Sonnax Valve Body (a weak point on stock tranny, this valve body is overhauled with more robust components)
Sonnax Line Pressure Booster (increases PSI to make clutch / shift engagement firmer and quicker, this prolongs life of tranny -- less clutch disc slippage
High-Capacity Deep Dish Heavy Duty Transmission Pan, adds 2QTs of fluid over stock -- better thermal management.
RevMax Thermal Bypass Valve - greatly increases cooling capacity of transmission, much lower temps, longer life of components.
+ a few other misc. improvements

I now worry far less about my 6-speed dying prematurely or leaving me stranded. That said, the 8-speed would still be superior -- it has 2 extra gears and a newer design!
 
Dang, sounds like an awesome mod to that tranny. If i got a 6 speed maybe a g56 swap?
:D
Just kidding, but dang i would love a manual PW. I’ve definitely considered a g56 CTD. But, like i mentioned earlier, I’m done with modern diesels. Whilea lot of my driving is long and hard, a lot isn't too. I can’t delete.

No, at this point I’ll wait another year and pray this Ecodiesel doesn’t poop out on me between now and then… again. It’s been in the shop since Wednesday, they are still working in it.
 
Cant compare them directly as I’ve never driven a 6AT Power Wagon, but the ZF 8HP 8AT is a great transmission. Fast and crisp shifting. This transmission (or variants, depending on torque requirements) is used in many different cars and trucks, and is regarded as one of the best Automatic transmissions ever.

Plus the interior on the 2019+ is far nicer, IMO
 
Go4Mac said:
Hello!
Long time lurker, first OP (although I’ve chimed in a post or three at this point).

Quick background for reference- I have a 2016 Ecodiesel, which has been an excellent truck except all the time it’s been in the shop. Coming out of the Toyota world, it has been bitter sweet. At this point I’m ready to drop my tow behind and i am planning on ordering a hiatus pop-top hard shell camper. This will be a 500-600 pound constant load in the back, plus the carpet-covered wood platform and storage i already have, will probably put 700 pounds in the back. I already have some plans on how to beef up the suspension with the Carli R2 springs and some other thuren suspension goodies. I am on a budget however, and i am trying to decide if trying to get a 8 speed is worth it? At my price range, i could pick up a low mile 17-18. 19+ are all just out of my price range, especially with all the other items i am planning to get.

So, here is the question- I’m trying to keep the truck price around 35-40k. A low mile 2019+ is hard to find under 45k. Is an 8 speed worth the extra 6-10k? These are all future plans, I’m not in a hurry. But it all has to start with the truck. Any feed back would be great.

Thank you.
Click to expand...

I'm assuming you want a 19+ power wagon?

The ZF is *much* better than the 66RFE in the lower year trucks. It's not even a close run thing. Heck, I consider the 545rfe in the 07 trucks better than that trans.
 
Good to know. Ya, i was wondering if i should hold out for a 19+. If i was to go back to <07, I’d get a megacab g56 5.9 manual. Part of me is still considering going old school…. I’m either going to get a Powerwagon, 07 manual CTD, or a gd f-150 Ecoboost 3.5. My preference is in that order, which coincidently is inverse to affordability. Figures. All options will include a suspension upgrade. I plan on running light popup with about 700 pounds in the back. Either way my Ecodiesel is still in the shop. Again. I’m done with that truck.
 
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Got the Ecodiesel back yesterday. 3.5 weeks in the shop. Looking into a new 2022 power wagon… here we go.
 
Go4Mac said:
Ended up pulling the trigger on a 2022 with 17k miles. Picking it up tomorrow. Didn’t get as much as I hoped for my truck, but the Powerwagon was a good deal under blue book, so I can’t complain. Pretty stoked!
Click to expand...
You gotta share photos with the news bro
 
802AE309-AC50-47AD-AA44-DFA75AB697AC.jpegnot the color or exact package I wanted, but the price I could afford. Definitely stoked on this beast! I kept the blue camper shell from my 1500 I just sold and 35’s are on their way. Long term goal is a hiatus camper shell. I’ll send another picture once the new tires are installed.
 
Looking at this photo i just ordered a small powerwagon hood sticker. I like the delete, but I feel it needs a little something Powerwagon. I’ll update photo soon.
 
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