I'm not sure but I thought they offered an 8 speed tranny. I just assumed it was in the higher trim level truck and mine is a Tradesman with a nice interior and a chrome package. Maybe they don't.
I havn't had any issues with the tranny, biggest complaint about the truck is the cruise control. I've been looking at the BFG Commercial T/A tires, but I'm going to have to get some use out of the ones currently on the truck.
I was carrying chains for the rear axle of the truck, never really felt the need to put them on. Talked to the wife and told her I plan on adding chains for both trailer axles to the load plan next time we drive into something like that.
Thanks for all the comments about the truck.