I have had old fords most of my life but did buy a new 2006 last year. Have had numerous problems with it, not minor stuff either, lights quit working, hydraulic failure, trans issues(r&r 4 times!), and more. The body metal feels thin and cheap, but truck runs nice and quiet and comfortable. Work wise, either of my old trucks can pull or haul equal or better than new one but new one does have excellent brakes. I'll take the challenge of old vs new with my stock highboy!
I'm thinking real mans truck equates to construction type worker that needs to haul/tow. I define that as manual trans and t-case, low axle gears, high payload capacity, and well built body. seems f250 meets this more than f150. Any point to this? not really, just my thoughts!
Why a manual trans? You can actually get a heavy load going easier with an automatic than a manual due to the torque converter.
I would have to disagree here, but manual verses auto really isn't the point. Nobodys saying they should drop the automatic and only offer manuals, just give the people who prefer the manuals the option of getting one. 15 years ago we could both walk into the same dealership and get what each of us wanted, that's not the case anymore.
Torque converters have a multiplying effect, especially when starting up. Manuals don't. Start up a hill with a 10,000 lb load with a manual verses an automatic. The automatic will get started faster and will reach the top first. The braking and mileage advantage of manuals is minor since the trucks now have tow/haul mode and locking convertors. You'll often find the automatic transmission trucks and cars have a higher rated tow capacity than the same model with a manual transmission. All boat manufacturers specify an automatic for towing due to the ease of getting the boat out of the water.
The main advantages of manuals these days is lower cost (initial cost and repair cost) and personal preference.
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Ken Payne
Gone Fishing...
LACK OF PLANNING ON YOUR PART DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN EMERGENCY ON MY PART.
2006 Roush F150 Project: Roush Supercharger, Troyer & My Tuning, 9lb pulley, Level 10 Trans, E-Fans, Oil Separator, Brandmotion GPS, BlueConnect Hands-Free Phone & iPod Direct Connect, Black Headlights & Taillights, Retrax Retractable Tonneau & more.
2004 F250 King Ranch Crewcab 4x4 6.0L PSD project: DP-Tuner Tuning and MBRP Stainless Dual Exhaust.
2000 Ranger Supercab XLT 3.0 V6 project: Bright Box, Mac Intake, Tonneau, my tuning.
RIP: 1967 & 1975 F100, looking for a 66 F100
The one thing we can be thankful for is that Ford still builds a real truck, the Super Duty series. Aside from the engine choices, you have a standard 6 speed stick, with both a creeper gear and overdrive. If you don't know what a creeper gear is or how to use it, you probably don't use or need a real truck. Backing it up is a transfer case with simple floor shifter, that will always engage properly, regardless of outside temperature or how long it was since you used it the last time. In the front is a solid front axle with proper manual hubs on each side. If you don't understand when/how to lock the hubs, then you probably will also need the pushbutton 4wd option, originally conceived for those whose trucks or SUV's probably never see more than a light snowfall in their residential subdivision!
The nice thing is that Ford is not forcing this fancy stuff on those who don't want it, at least on the Super Duty series.
Looking under the front end of a new F150, it reminds me more of a front wheel drive car than a pickup truck!
Yup, a real truck doesn't have side mirrors, they didn't have them in the 50s. They were a fancy option. Don't need them.
A real truck doesn't have a heater. It was an option in the 50s. Real men are cold-hearted and don't need them.
A real truck uses points. Transistors! Bah! Who needs them! Didn't use them in the 60s.
A real truck doesn't have power steering. Real men don't need it. Real trucks don't have fancy power steering.
A real truck doesn't have power brakes. Manual drums... good enough for my grandpa, good enough for me.
A real truck needs a tune-up every 10,000 miles. Good enough for grandpa, good enough for me.
A real truck doesn't to ride nice. A 1946 truck didn't, why should they now?
A real truck doesn't need automatic transmissions. Grandpa didn't need that new fangled technology in the 1950s, why should I?
Air conditioners in Super Dutys? Too fancy! Don't get it.
Anything but plastic vinyl seats? Fancy schmancy. Bah!
Power windows! For wimps!
Power tow mirrors! Rubbish, people ought to know I'm there and get out of the way. Who needs new-fangled mirror technology.
More than 3 gears! Child's play. Real men in real men's trucks can't count past three anyway. Give me three on the floor. Worked for grandpa, oughta be just fine for me.
Air bags? Give me a break! Too fancy. Who needs to live through an accident anyways?
Tighter turning radius! Get real and make it like it used to be! A real truck shouldn't turn well. Didn't for my pop, why should it for me.
Turbo diesel? Are you kidding me!!! Real trucks only use straight sixes or big-block V8s -- with a carburator. Dad's truck did, why not mine.
Quiet steel to reduce road and engine noise? That's for losers. Real trucks are so loud in the cabin you have to shout to be heard.
High tow capacity? Why? Real trucks should struggle to tow 10,000 lbs and never be able to do it at highway speeds. It worked for my pa, why improve it?
Big fancy glove box and pockets on the doors? Pure crap. My pa got along just fine with a Craftsmen toolbox behind the seat.
Nice radio with am, fm and cd.... oh, now you're talking fancy. Give me an AM radio with 8-track tape. Maybe I'll really splurge and get that fancy FM too. Oh... make sure it only had one speaker on the center dash under the dash pad. I can hear it just fine with one speaker.
__________________
Ken Payne
Gone Fishing...
LACK OF PLANNING ON YOUR PART DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN EMERGENCY ON MY PART.
2006 Roush F150 Project: Roush Supercharger, Troyer & My Tuning, 9lb pulley, Level 10 Trans, E-Fans, Oil Separator, Brandmotion GPS, BlueConnect Hands-Free Phone & iPod Direct Connect, Black Headlights & Taillights, Retrax Retractable Tonneau & more.
2004 F250 King Ranch Crewcab 4x4 6.0L PSD project: DP-Tuner Tuning and MBRP Stainless Dual Exhaust.
2000 Ranger Supercab XLT 3.0 V6 project: Bright Box, Mac Intake, Tonneau, my tuning.
RIP: 1967 & 1975 F100, looking for a 66 F100
A manual trans with "granny gear" can get a heavy load going better than auto because no slippage/heat buildup. That torque converter multiplication is because the gears are too high to begin with. Don't know how to use a clutch? Many don't.
Worried about ruining clutch? can buy 3-4 for extra cost of automatic.
Auto is convenient, great for daily driver, but extreme use give me the direct connection.
Notice how auto are becoming more like manuals? Can select gears, some engine braking effect, lockup converters. Good things there.
Don't get too distorted on real man's truck equating to just an old tech beater. Maybe OP can clarify what was meant but I think I get the idea.
It's not about manual vs automatic, it's about choice vs no choice. I know my capabilities as a driver and I know how to spec out a truck to do what I want it to do. Just sell me the truck I want, I'll even pay extra for a good manual. You want an automatic, buy an automatic. I don't want an automatic, I shouldn't be forced to take one. BTW a torque converter really doesn't multiply anything. It just slips to allow the engine to reach a higher RPM than it would be able to with a direct connection thru the trans, and being at that higher RPM you get more power from your engine. Some of that extra power goes to the rear wheels, some of it just turns to heat.
It all started with them darned new-fangled synchronized trannys, how could we have known what a slippery slope it would be.
One of grandpa's trucks he bought new was a 68 f100 w/360, manual 4 speed, single speed transfer case and that was about it. No power steering, no power brakes, I call it the manualmobile. The most difficult manual steering and manual brakes I've ever driven.
Now I'm gonna brag on my Highboy. Plenty of power, love the FE, great shifting NP435 with compound 1st and reverse, NP205 t-case, d60 rear, d44hd front, power steering, power brakes, electronic ignition, 9000# winch, and when I'm driving I feel like I OWN the road! Crappy gas milage, no A/C and low front pinion is all thats bad.
On the manual vs. auto for towing...once again its the right tool for the right job kind of a thing...autos are good for the average joe whose never going to be towing all that much.....but when it comes to the heavy stuff...theres a reason Kenworths and Peterbuilts ran/run manuals. Each has its ups and downs but each still get the job done...after all...you gonna haul your tent trailer with your Peterbuilt?
Just be happy that some farmer decided to add a box to the back of his Model T and Henry picked up on the idea.....thats where all of your optioned and non optioned trucks got their start anyway...dont believe me...look it up haha.
Long story short....definition of a "Real mans truck": A tool used to get a job done.
No matter what shape the tool is in or how its configured it still has the same purpose...to do what its asked of by its owner...nothing more nothing less...and yes...not all tools are built equal....but once again...right tool for the right job.
-Chris
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73 F 350 Super Camper Special
04 F 150 Super Cab Heritage Edition (Traded for a Taurus)
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What it comes down to is: That todays trucks are designed to appeal to a broad range of customers. I'm sure Ford has done enough studies to figure out who's buying their trucks. So they design them to appeal to the broadest range of customers.
The heck of it is, they sell so many trucks to people that really have no need for a truck. Or, only need it 2-3 times a year. The rest of the time, they are driven as a car.
I'm sure there are quite a few of these peeps here, at FTE.
So in order for these people to be satisfied driving their trucks to work, grocery store, Home Depot, ect., they make them as fluffy as a car. That way, Ford can keep them satisfied with their trucks.
The drawback is, that all the fluff ads up. Which is part of the reason the new trucks weigh in at nearly 6K Lbs.
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93 F One Fiddy- 5.0/AOD/3.55 230K OEM
93 F Two Fiddy Scab- 7.3/ZF5/4.10/Sidewinder II,94 Turbo pump,G Inj's, Velvet Ride, Turbo Bumper, Alcoa's
85 F Two Fiddy-6.9/C6/3.54/ Holley Red, Racor, Soup Bowl,AutoJet 3",Ride Rite Rear
Last edited by fonefiddy : 05-01-2007 at 03:56 AM.
If I was to buy a pickup now days it would have to be a 3/4 ton. The only way you can get a pickup anymore. And all the makers are just as quility as far as I'm concerned.
I pesonally don't own a newer truck. My job provides me with one. I'm lucky in that aspect. Right now I'm driving an 04 F150. Even though it has the newer ammenities, it still can outwork any of my older trucks in all aspects. I will say that there are a couple of features on older trucks i would enjoy having on the new ones though. Leg vents and wing windows. I miss 'em.
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