Anyone own an International with Auto Shift???

I've had one for a year and a half and love it. have never had any problems with it but it would be good for you to read the manual on it -- it was very helpfull

 

If you want your truck to be reliable, stay away from Automatics, sure it's nice when they work, but when they start acting up, you'll be throwing money at it left and right. I would stay with a Manual Transmission.

 

What is the mileage on the truck? The 3 pedal auto shift is the better option vs Ultra shift. They can be converted to manual and are reliable. There are a few things you have to do to keep them running.

Check the oil level every time you grease the truck. If the oil is too dark, change it (the right oil is full synthetic SAE 50). The x-y electric shifter lasts about 400-500 000 miles, if your's is close to that - replace it! Cost $770 + Tax and 5-6 hours of your time, access is from the floor, no need to take down transmission, to get to this cover you have to remove seats. The other thing is the harness - $197. TCU is $1500, but is good most of the time. If you afraid to do it yourself, Do not go to the Dealer for this job, because they will replace all 3 - no matter what part is bad, just to charge you more money ~ $4000. Find a reputable transmission shop that have experience with auto shift. The easiest way to do it is when your transmission is down, because if the transmission is on, for the harness and TCU, you may need to remove driver's side fuel tank.

If you change the x-y shifter and harness and the oil is clean, the transmission will run another 400-500 000 miles without any problems. There are a few more sensors, that are easy to replace, go to EATON-Fuller and download the Troubleshooting manual and read.

Volvo I-shift and Meritor Freedom Line are using air cylinders to shift gears and depend on the air pressure, if the pressure is not hi enough - transmission can't shift. Parts are far more expensive.

 

The better model of the two Ultrashifts is Ultrashift Plus, this one has a regular clutch - powered by electric motor, the motor is where the fork is placed on a standart transmission. The bad one has a centrifugal clutch wich is POS - Ultrashift - No Plus! Go under the truck and check the tag on the transmission, take photo and then Google the model. The tag is close to the tail, normally on passenger side.

 

I have a kw with the ultra shift it runs really good it has almost 800k trany shifts great and believe me its much better than shifting, it does take a few days to ajust to driving auto, but at the end its worth it. Good luck

 

Never owned one but had one for penske for almost 6 months. Transmission ended up needing major work twice during that 6 month period. I got to agree with boneebone. You want something reliable, avoid the automatic transmission, and definitely avoid the international. They go for a lot cheaper than the rest for a reason.

 

This is something to take into consideration, by 2018 no new trucks will come with a Manual transmission , you will have to pay extra for it and a higher FET Tax too if you choose a manual , it's back in congress now

http://enr.construction.com/products/equipment/2010/1215-heavydutytruckers.asp

 

That article is from 2010