Sunday, Sep 08, 2013 at 21:18
David - I don't own a D-Max, but I'm actually thinking of buying an auto D-Max as
well.
I believe the D-Max is a very robust and
well built vehicle (I have nothing to do with Isuzu, and I'm speaking as an individual here).
Isuzu specialise in building trucks, and they build good trucks, and they claim the D-Max is built with truck-design components.
Every component I've examined on them, appears to be built
well.
I can tell you this much - any Isuzu component - particularly engines, that I've had apart, I've been impressed with the inbuilt design strength.
However, the auto transmission in the D-Max is built and supplied to Isuzu by an outside transmission manufacturer - it's not an Isuzu transmission.
The transmission is built by Aisin-AW in Japan and its nomenclature (model no.) is TB50-LS.
Aisin have a long and distinguished history of designing and producing auto transmissions for many dozens of manufacturers. They have a very good reputation.
This tranny is listed on the Aisin website as being rated for 450Nm torque and up to 4.5L engines. The D-Max engine produces 380Nm torque, so there's a good % of safety margin in the design.
http://www.aisin-aw.co.jp/en/products/drivetrain/lineup/index.html
As to automatics in 4WD's - I owned a Toyota HZJ80 turbo diesel with an auto, for 5 yrs. I bought it new and did 170,000 kms with it - including a moderate amount of towing, pulling a tandem trailer. The HZJ80 auto was a 4 speed (3 speed with lock-up on 3rd for 4th gear).
The HZJ80 and the auto, never once gave me an ounce of trouble, and I'd have another one tomorrow, if I could find a new one.
However, there are a number of things to bear in mind with an auto.
1. They produce more heat than a manual transmission - particularly at low speeds under load, when the torque converter is slipping.
2. Autos are great for smooth power application, without shock loading. In general, auto trannys (and drivetrains) last longer than manual transmissions, because there is little shock loading, as happens regularly with a manual clutch.
3. For extended towing purposes, a transmission cooler is an excellent addition to an auto. Not only because they prevent overheating of transmission oil and therefore potential tranny damage - but because they also add another 2-4 litres of oil to the tranny total, and thus spread the heat buildup over a larger quantity of oil.
4. I personally wouldn't have any hesitation in purchasing and using a D-Max auto for the use you have in mind - but I'd be fitting the tranny oil cooler as a matter of course.
Just my .02c worth, I trust this gives you something to chew over.
Cheers, Ron.
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: David C32 - Monday, Sep 09, 2013 at 17:44
Monday, Sep 09, 2013 at 17:44
A big thankyou Ron for all your help and time replying to me. Sounds like I might be purchasing one after your comments. I am going to wait until the 3.5 tonne towing capacity comes out Oct/Nov this year.
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