I drove two of them and dislike all the gear hunting and downshifting, which was so off for what I was doing in one particular case (accelerating onto the highway) that it was just plain awkward. I loved my 5 speed, always in the right gear and easy to induce it to downshift if needed. I just dont like it. And, all that downshifting must lead to heat which is the killer of trannies. I like the 6 better but would prefer the 5. How much gas is it saving over my09 crew running the same speed? probably 1 mpg or so. Not worth it IMO and I am sure that tranny cost more to repair and complicated the tranny computer more as well.
Drove my 2500 about 4 hours today. 15.5 to 16.1 at 80-82mph. On a section where I ran slower, like 70 ish, it improved to 16.6mpg. Its big and heavy with 10 ply tires, heavy brakes, axles and suspension over the 1500 (and rides like **** too). It was however comparatively cheap. I was hoping to swap out the heavy springs for some Thurens but alas they dont make them for the 2wd so my hunt continues on that front. My friend riding with me has a new Chevy 2500 extended cab 4wd 6.6L and he did say he believes it rides more harsh than his which is probably true (I am not a Chevy guy regardless). I have had 3 Ram pickups the first being an 03 2500 5.7L, the 09 crew and now this 2500 5.7L