hey guys i need some dirt solid opinions on whether to buy my new truck the dmax xtra cab shortbed 4x4 with the ally or the zf6 my dilema is that one i live in phoenix metro, i like going fast (ie dragstrip) i also like to go off road fast and slow, along with those i would like to shut up some more rice burners. i personally like the idea of the 6spd cause i used to drive water trucks and also used to work on them so generally it planted in my head that the 6 is stronger, ive read some stuff here that says otherwise but same goes for the ally.
now im cost concise and if i have to spend 5 grand for a new tranny cause i blew the old one up, or because the upgrades are 5 grand thats gonna suck.

You won't break the gears on either trans. It's the clutches that aren't designed for 50% increase in power.

To go fast in a turbo diesel, your best bet is an automatic. You cannot build boost at the starting line with a stick.

You can blow away most rice without a trans upgrade (15.x). If you need to blow away "instant rice", figure $2500-$3500 parts/labor to run 13's. $5000 will let you run 12's.

How fast do you want to spend? Err... Go?

Ally seams to be the way to go. 6 speed horse power is down from Ally. My dealer mechanic says the "dual mass" flywheels and clutches are a ton of trouble. Maybe someone on here knows more about that. I have had 5 Allison equiped trucks, and although they are a little quirky acting sometimes, I have never had an Ally problem. Power braking it to build boost in 4WD at the track is Bad A*S!! My 60 foot times at the track were better than some of the slower drag cars!

depending on the cost of the truck ( i get the gm employee discount) that would depend on the amout i have for mods, right now i have a saab 9000 turbo so turbos are nothing new to me and the search for more boost is always there, so i guess an auto it is at least i know my wife will be happier,
on the mod front what should i get as far as trans upgrades

Depends on your goal. My heavy 3500SRW went mid-15's at a "slow" dragstrip with just a TTS Tow tune. This will allow you to beat up 75% of the cars and trucks on the road. Just a tune. No exhaust, intake, or trans mods. You should run about a high 14 at sea level in a lighter truck, if not quicker.

Next step up would be a convertor and Transgo kit, probably $2500 installed, which should allow you to get into the solid 13's in a light truck.

It really depends on what your goal is.