manual transmissions for 3500hd

[bonehead]

GM, I believe there are good reasons to bring back a manual trans option for the 3500hd trucks.

Many of us out here in working land still would like a manual shift HD truck with or without the diesel engine. Right now the only choices are from ford and dodge. Make it an extra cost option like automatics used to be if you have to, but don't force me to go to Ford or Dodge to get my manual. Some people say, well Ford and Dodge are getting rid of their manuals as well, thats even more of a reason to bring it back and get all of that market. Offer it only on the work truck line, but offer it again.

I like the control of a manual with heavy loads and the ability to down shift certainly adds a level of control on steep hills. Plus its a lot cheaper for me to replace a clutch when it wears out than to pay out BIG$$$ to rebuilt a broken automatic.

I know you won't sell more than 10% of trucks equipped this way, but how many people order reg cabs, or vinyl seats anymore, but you still offer those options. A lot of us still want to buy real working low option trucks with a clutch at reasonable prices.

Anyone else out there want to buy one?

[C/K Man]

Evidentally not, because both Ford and Dodge are rumored to be dropping manual transmissions in 2011.

[AJensen383]

Bonehead, I completely agree with you..there are alot of us out there who want a stick shift truck... If it were up to me, I would put them in all the trucks as options.. Mayeb more people should learn how to drive them and see the benefits of it..

[nailhead425]

With out the manual behind the Cummins, the only advantage the Dodge has is the Solid Front Axle.

I'm with you, but evidently GM is not. The last contact I recieved, back in 2008, was no more manual transmissions in trucks. Oh well, driving used to be fun, before the Nannies.

[bonehead]

Well, if GM wants to make a comeback from bankruptcy then it needs to offer products that the buying public wants. So, if Ford and Dodge are getting out of the manual shift truck market, then GM should jump in and be the only one to offer the option.

I believe there are enough truck buyers to make it worth their trouble. I'll bet all of the old Ford, Dodge, GMC, and Chevy manual shift buyers added together would be a profitable $$$ number!

[tblack21]

I totally agree. I work at a GM dealer and a lot of our technicians drive Dodge Diesels because of the manual transmission.

[mlplap7902]

I also agree, make manuals available for all the models though not just the work truck. I have been driving manauals since I've been driving. Morning commuter traffic or not I prefer my manual. And it's not like they actually have to do any research or development for them, Barg Warner made the one in my 93 S-10 and the one in my 2005 2500HD so it's just a matter of clutch and bell housing and that's not expensive at all. Also I think that like some other countries, all driving tests in this country should be in manual transmissions. Get the kids these days to actually learn how to drive somthing that's worth while, fun and more reliable first then let them decide, if they want buy a slosh box later on they can. I can't think of anything more boring while driving than simply pushing the gas then the break, gas, break, I have to do something with my left foot and right arm beside let them fall asleep. By the way, I used to haul alot of stuff with that S-10 I had, I pulled a 1970 C-10 down the road with it, put 36 bundles of shingles in the bed and hauled other types of heavy loads that an automatic behind it's 2.8 would have eaten itself alive. As it was the truck still made it to 243,000 miles before it finally said enough. Give me the option and I will buy it, plain and simple, tell me I can only get an automatic and you will get no business from me.

[FanOfDurant]

Well, if GM wants to make a comeback from bankruptcy then it needs to offer products that the buying public wants. So, if Ford and Dodge are getting out of the manual shift truck market, then GM should jump in and be the only one to offer the option.

I believe there are enough truck buyers to make it worth their trouble. I'll bet all of the old Ford, Dodge, GMC, and Chevy manual shift buyers added together would be a profitable $$$ number!

This.... boy am I hoping for the best GM truck ever for this next go-around. Jaw droppingly awesome would be nice.

[sonjaab]

So there are 3 people in America that want a stick shift GM truck!

GM is gonna get right on it!

[bonehead57]

Originally Posted by sonjaab

So there are 3 people in America that want a stick shift GM truck!

GM is gonna get right on it!

Thanks for your insightfull analysis... "goober". Putting people down for voicing their honest opinions on a discussion forum is real productive.

You should be banned from the forum.

[linton23]

The lack of intrest is a valid point. My dealership never stocks manual transmission anything. People in general dont want to shift and I live in Florida you have to travel 50 miles to see a stop light on a hill. I drive a manual transmission why do you ask because its what I could afford. Most of the customers I see buying 2500 and 3500 want the allison tranny. 99 out of 100 2500 and 3500 series trucks be they Ford, Dodge or Chevy in my area are automatic. When that one guy comes in to trade that manual and he see what he gets for it around here he will not buy another one. It may be different in other areas but here we can do without them.

[sonjaab]

Bonehead........You have a 91 suburban is it a automatic?

Why is it that someone who hasn't bought a new truck or used since 1991
is so concerned about GM building a stick shift 3500 NOW?

Did you intend on buying IF they even offered one?

Or is this another "GM is doing everything wrong" thread?????????????

[bonehead57]

I agree that there is a lack of interest but, not no interest. The deals should have an easier time selling them now because of the computer stock search capabilities and the fact that they can trade stock. But to do that there has to some in stock at some dealer.

I still say if GM wants to compete with ford it really needs a manual option since they would now be the only player in town, since fords manual will be gone after 2010.

Make the option extra cost and they will buy it. Oh, and I want a 10 foot bed option as well. (hows that one!)

[linton23]

Originally Posted by bonehead57

I agree that there is a lack of interest but, not no interest. The deals should have an easier time selling them now because of the computer stock search capabilities and the fact that they can trade stock. But to do that there has to some in stock at some dealer.

Well are you willing to pay $500 to have the vehicle transported across 4 states? What if that dealer wont trade with the other dealer and he has to buuy the unit then you have to pay more for the unit. The computer locate is nice and easy but like last year when I was hunting a 3500 crew 4x4 diesel. I found 2 within 500 miles one had an aftermarket dub package for an extra $25000 the second unit the dealer had added pin stripes and a bed liner and nerf bars all of which my customer did not want. I managed to get one over 600 miles away paying $800 to go and get it. If there were a large number of people asking for it they would offer it. There just is not that much of a market if there was Ford would be keeping the option all to them selves.

[doh]

Originally Posted by C/K Man

Evidentally not, because both Ford and Dodge are rumored to be dropping manual transmissions in 2011.

Ford is dropping it in 2011