"I hate to say it but I may actually have to look into Dodge. My understanding is that you can still get real transmissions with them.... Too bad, I have been loyal to Ford forever.
Good thinking bean counters, you did your job well. To save a penny you lost a dollar. With thinking like this we wonder why Ford is in trouble. "
Dodge offers a manual on every half ton except the high end Laramie trim level. The even offer a manual with a V8 and with 4X4, Dodge keeps looking better. Mainly because they have choosen not to screw the people who got them where they are, Dodge has always been known as a tough-get the job done-truck. Looks like they are samrt enough to remember that. Unlike another (name need not be mentioned) brand of truck.
Dodge does not offer a manual with the 5.7 L at any trim level. They mentioned no manuals for the 2009 MY in the new release.
I was reffering to the current model year. I have no idea on the upcoming. Go to the Dodge website and the "build your own" thing. The 5.7 is offered with a manual on the 2500.
its not that its difficult to offer....but since they sold less than 1% of them last year with manuals....it just doesn't make financial sense
True. But one has to hypothesize the raise in that number if they DID offer it with the V-8's... more than likely the <1% bought the manual equipped truck based on its price, not because it had that particular transmission. Not everybody needs a Super Duty, but thats Ford's way of making more money - selling a truck that's more than what a particular person might need at a higher price.
I remember when I bought my Ranger in 2003, I went to 5 different dealers to find an extended cab V-6 with a manual. I could only find one, and it's sitting in my driveway (still... it needs to SELL). Even they are getting harder and harder to find in a manual configuration. I hate to say it, but I do think the manual is slowly dying. I still get a kick driving my 72 with the 3 in the tree.
__________________ Current:
2005 Ford F-150 STX Regular Cab 4.6
1989 Dodge Ram 318/A727 225K - all original. My slow-to-get-going project
Previous:
1972 Ford F-100 360/3.03
1991 Ford F-150 Lariat 302/AOD - wish I still had it
2003 Ford Ranger SCab 3.0/M5OD
I think Ford decided to get out off the manul transmission business years ago. The last really good manual transmission GFord had in a truck was back in the late eighties. The old 4 speed Ford had for years was virtually bullet proof. It had granny low 2,3 4 an R. When Ford went to the 5 sppeed it was pure junk not near as durable as the old 4 speeds an way more shifting 4 times instead off two an a reverse gear that was way to fast for anybody. I said enough. I had a 5 speed for a year an went to automatic an havent looked back. If Ford had a 4 speed manuial todya I might look at it. But 6 speeds no way. Way to much shifting for me. Automatics do so much better anyway an shift when they should shift. Its my bet most off you guys on here an have never driven a 4 speed. I have they were a great transmission. But thats in the past.
+1 on that too. People quote the 1% sold number because the people had no choice but to get the auto if they wanted a V8 and 4x4 like most do. When my dad got his 2000 he wanted 4x4 and the 5.4 with a manual but they didn't have that option so he settled for the auto. It they had had the manual he would have bought it and I'm sure many others would have. The sales numbers would have gone up much more than 1% then!
If you dont drive over 55mph the 4 speeds were great. Driving 75mph today maxs out the rpms and gets terrible gas mileage.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 150ford
I think Ford decided to get out off the manul transmission business years ago. The last really good manual transmission GFord had in a truck was back in the late eighties. The old 4 speed Ford had for years was virtually bullet proof. It had granny low 2,3 4 an R. When Ford went to the 5 sppeed it was pure junk not near as durable as the old 4 speeds an way more shifting 4 times instead off two an a reverse gear that was way to fast for anybody. I said enough. I had a 5 speed for a year an went to automatic an havent looked back. If Ford had a 4 speed manuial todya I might look at it. But 6 speeds no way. Way to much shifting for me. Automatics do so much better anyway an shift when they should shift. Its my bet most off you guys on here an have never driven a 4 speed. I have they were a great transmission. But thats in the past.
Even in '08 you cannot get a manual except in an XL, V6, 4x2 model. So what's the big deal. You kids will just have to learn to drive an automatic.
You aren't going to buy one anyway, you're just whining.
Bill
Not quite true. Yes I'm whining, but I will be buying a truck this year to tow a small camper (6,000 lbs gross).
An F-150 with a V-8 and 6 speed manual would do quite nicely.
An F-250 is overkill.
I'll probably get an f-250, but the fact that I can't get what I want is causing me to delay my purchase and look around at other brands (Dodge).
That could end up costing Ford a sale.
wow...i dont' understand why you absolutly have to have a manual to tow a 6000 lb trailer....you won't even consider a six speed auto? I wonder how many of you that won't drive an auto have actually ever owned one?
__________________
2007 Lariat screw - tri coat met - chrome package - Black leather captains chairs - sunroof - audiophile
Not quite true. Yes I'm whining, but I will be buying a truck this year to tow a small camper (6,000 lbs gross).
An F-150 with a V-8 and 6 speed manual would do quite nicely.
An F-250 is overkill.
I'll probably get an f-250, but the fact that I can't get what I want is causing me to delay my purchase and look around at other brands (Dodge).
That could end up costing Ford a sale.
I'm mostly fun'in with ya. But seriously, if you plan to pull a 6k travel trailer, get the Super Duty with no less than the V10. I pull a 5,200 lb (actually weighed) and I traded off an '04 F150 with the 5.4 motor because it was underpowered. I don't expect any big improvements for '09. It's clear to me that Ford is embarrased to release the figures right now because it would have made the unveiling anti-climactic. You will enjoy your towing experience far more in an SD.
No further comment on the choice of transmission. But at least you'll have a choice with the SD.
Bill
__________________
Folks call me Bill.
Member So.Cal.Chapter
Please pass the GREEN nozzle.
Join Our Site - Its free, quick and easy!
