[dazedandconfused]

I was trying to build a gm D-Max online a few minutes ago and saw the ZF6 speed option is no longer there. Did they quit putting manuals behind the diesel?

 

[vicewgod2003]

Yes they did, it sucks.

 

[dazedandconfused]

Why? Looks like I wont be buying a new D-max. I looked at an 06 but the lot was a joke, if I knew that I would have bought it. I was told by two dealers it was still an option, guess not.

 

[vicewgod2003]

well i guess there is not enough demand from customers to warrant them to keep putting a standard in there trucks. A lot of people prefer automatics now. I got lucky and found a new 06 about a year ago. Keep looking you might find a new 06.

 

[murphyslaw]

the problem is ppl are lazy and want an auto. plus with the newer emmisions its hard to control an engine with a manual where with an auto its all done by computer. that and allison is a gm subisdiary ZF is not so by doing that they also get to keep a few more pennies in there own back pocket.

 

[MaxRock]

And if GM doesn't change their policy on manuals, I will be looking at the dark side for my next truck...that is if they will offer manuals then.

MaxRock

 

[dmaxlover]

Manuals suck anyways!

 

[01Duramax6spd]

Go buy a CTD. GM as a whole is not going anywhere I want them too. These 07.5+ trucks look like crap too.

 

[chevy_9465]

Hes already got one of them, think he might have been looking to come over to the other dark side

 

[WilliamBos]

Hes already got one of them, think he might have been looking to come over to the other dark side

Hey,

The awesome Dark side, I assume!!

 

[wreckingball]

Take a look at the thread "Any 06 ZF6's out there close to Ohio" in the New Vehicle section. There are a handful still on the lots as of last week or so.

Good luck.

Bill

 

[nextel_cup_fan]

Dropping them was probably more of a cost costing move - less options = lower costs. Bean counters building trucks... :duh:

 

[murphyslaw]

guess when I start looking for "new trucks" I'll be talking to my local international dealer, they just build my buddie a BEAUTIFUL rig.

 

[dazedandconfused]

I've looked all over and cant find a six speed manual. Looks like I will just stick with what I have.

 

[udflyer98]

They're still available on the used market. I just saw one two weeks ago on a lot in Marietta, OH. I think it was an early LLY, but don't know for sure. I was just surprised because we were sitting at a stoplight when I looked over to see it and the "six speed" sticker on the windshield. I'm glad I picked mine up 374 days ago!

 

[DURAtotheMAX]

No its not for emmissions...its simply a numbers thing. The Allison is such an excellent and popular automatic that hardly anyone even looked twice at the ZF6. (yeah I know its hard to beelive the manual is going the way of the dodo bird, we're all grandmas who dont know how to drive 'real' trucks )

GM sold something like 1 ZF to every 50 allisons (I forget what the exact number was), with their financial situation, and putting yourself in their shoes, would you keep the ZF around? I know its hard to look at it objectively, but its the truth. Sorry, enjoy your cummins and dont look back, because you will never see a stick in any future GM HD.

 

[tettruck]

The dealer refers to mine as a "real truck" and collector's item. He said he thinks he's sold 2 or 3 sticks in the last 20 years. Needless to say, they were nervous about ordering for me...in case I died and left it on their hands !

 

[_nar_]

Um, a real truck has at least a 9 speed, better a 13 or 15. Or if it's older maybe a 5 speed with a 2 speed rear end or a 4 speed aux trans. I've towed plenty with manuals in pickups, my allison tows better than any of the stick trucks I ever had. If I need to haul something heavy enough I need a real truck, that real truck has a cat and a 15 speed. And I drive that truck often enough that I don't need to have a manual shifter in my pickup to feel manly. It does make me wish my truck had a jake brake though, I love that thing...


It's not a big conspiracy like some think, it's simply a money thing. They don't sell many, why offer it? Most dealers won't order them. Our dealer isn't even ordering any EC trucks anymore because they don't sell them as much either... It's all about what they think makes them money or saves them money.

 

[JOHNBOY]

No its not for emmissions...its simply a numbers thing. The Allison is such an excellent and popular automatic that hardly anyone even looked twice at the ZF6. (yeah I know its hard to beelive the manual is going the way of the dodo bird, we're all grandmas who dont know how to drive 'real' trucks )

GM sold something like 1 ZF to every 50 allisons (I forget what the exact number was), with their financial situation, and putting yourself in their shoes, would you keep the ZF around? I know its hard to look at it objectively, but its the truth. Sorry, enjoy your cummins and dont look back, because you will never see a stick in any future GM HD.

The only reason they sold few is GM really did not want to. They wanted to push the auto. I tried to order one and got refused in 2002. So I did a nation wide search. The demand is there in my opinion. At least in the Western PA, Ohio, and Indiana. Take a drive around me to the Ford and Dodge dealers looking at heavy trucks. You will see more stick shifts than slush boxes.

I have both a stick truck and a auto. I still like the stick better. Don't get me wrong the Alli is nice. It is like a vidoe game push down to go! I almost bought a CTD 6speed but I got a way better deal on the 07 Classic.

Question how many of you have actually seen a Dmax/ZF6 in the flesh? I get to see one eveyday!

 

[dazedandconfused]

I drove one for a few months and loved it. You could not find them on the lots around here. Same with just a base model truck, all that is around are fully loaded crew cabs.