Is the Allison really worth it?

Fish mojo · October 9, 2002

I'm wondering if the Allison is really worth the hype and added expense? I bought a 2500 4X4 Silverado in 99- factory ordered to my specs and one of the first new generation 3/4 tons off the line. The new 6.0 with the MT1 4 speed automatic have been flawless. Towing a boat with a slide in camper for heavy duty towing.

Now, I'm thinking about a new 2003 GMC HD with the 8.1 (sorry, I'm not a diesel guy). The extra $ for the Allison- I'll spend it if you guys can covince me.

Thanks. This is a great site> :thumb:

Jpshostr · October 9, 2002

If you want the 8.1L or Duramax, your only option if you want automatic is the Allison. Only other choice is the stickshift. the 4 speed you have with your 6.0L is only available with that motor.

CMNTMXR81 · October 9, 2002

What Jp said.

If you plan to tow with it, no GM Hydramatic transmission (STOCK mind you) is up to par with the Allison out of the box. When towing, the Allison is the shiznit to put it mildly.

If you plan on doing "spirited" driving when not towing/hauling, it's more of a boat anchor if you ask me. It robs more power than I'd like and it shifts too soon. I'd like another 500-1,000rpm out of each gear (depending on throttle position) before it shifts.

But if you go the HD route with the 8.1 or Duramax and you want automatic, you don't have a choice.

mannytranny402 · October 9, 2002

I got the diesel and the stick, I think its great...as long as you arent driving in too much traffic. The thing is great, it really moves...good mileage also...

awdvkd · October 9, 2002

If you tow or haul any weight the allison is wonderful. The 5 speed allows the engine to maintain the the power band with less effort. The engine grade braking really assist the brakes and keeps them from overheating. One thing I really enjoy is the spin on filter and the PTO that the allison has, maintenance is so easy. One bad thing is that it is 100% computer controlled. If you get stuck in the mud or snow it is almost impossible to rock the vehicle. The computer will not go from drive to reverse unless it is below a certain rpm. This transmission has been around for a long time, most heavy equipment mechanics I have talked with say it is as sturdy as any other in its class. I do believe the automatic downshifting does hurt the mpg but it also extends the brake life so it is a wash. I usually keep a vehicle for its life so I wanted the best available, if you trade off I would go with what ever is cheapest. I thought the 6 speed manual and the allison were the only option on the 8.1 and the dmax. Also I believe if you get the 8.1 and the allison you get the 11.5 diff as part of the package. Just my 2 cents

BDBWTE · October 10, 2002

Although I personally do not own a truck equipped with an Allison tranny by father does and I do pull with his truck quite a bit... He has the DMAX/Allison combo and it works flawlessly in my opinion...you are buying a truck not a sports car or a passat for gas mileage...the Allison is a good tranny...

With the 496 you can only get the Allison or the ZF-6 Speed. If you don't want to shift the Allison is your only option... I personally am a stick shift kind. I like the idea of the transmission doing what I make it do.. I can control braking and accelerate harder as I see fit or shift like a pansy and get good gas mileage....imo

Just my $0.02

blk496 · October 14, 2002

Like CMNTMXR81 said, if you want to hot rod it the Allison is kind of a dog, but is a dream when towing. If my wife was more comfortable with a stick shift, I would have bought a 6spd. The 8.1 has a lot more "go fast" power than it feels with the Allison that can be utilized with a manual tranny.

Beaux Duke · October 16, 2002

I bought the Allison, 8.1 combo to pull my 27 foot travel trailer and I think it's great. I also took $1500 of the $4000 I saved by not getting the D-Max and bought me a 93 S-10 with a 5 speed for a commuter vehicle. Now, depending on my mood, I can shift or just ride and guide.

My only concern with the manual was dealing with stopping and starting on uphill grades. I like the fact that I don't have to be real quick and coordinated in getting the rig rolling. I have this phobia about it rolling back and hitting the guy that decided to ride my bumper on the uphill grade.

I'm NOT bad mouthing the D-Max. It's a great option too... just not for me.