Manual transmissions have their uses, but there is no reason to build what does not sell.
Anyone wanting a manual is free to install one, or to come up with a transmission control override setup so as to have a pushbutton transmission. Can't afford to play in those leagues? Too bad.
There is a solution for people who like old trucks, with manual transmissions (the real, cast iron sort), points ignition, carbs,etc. Drive an old truck, or several. Cheaper than a new truck by far, and the best resource for old Fords is right here.
thats about it monckywrench. People just bitch too much. Got me a 97 PSD. Best of both worlds far as I'm concerned. 5 spd. 7.3l psd. AC CC. And Wing windows baby! Were did the wing windows go? Probably keep my 97 forever. Never buy another truck. Nothings with as good a motor. But whats this talk about Ford puttin Cummins in their trucks round 2012? Dunno Just sayin.
I drive for a delivery company that has a huge fleet of Hino and Isuzu trucks. All the Hinos were 6 spd manuals, we drove them for years and still do. Then we started hiring all these idiots that can't drive. We had guys we were going to send all the way across the country in a Hino manual, they got in the truck, choked it down twice, then came in and asked why the truck has two brake pedals!! No one in the company had took the time to actually find things like this out. So now we buy Isuzu cab-overs, which by the way aren't nearly as good a truck, not even close, with Allison Automatics. They are nicer, smoother trucks than the Hino, less noises and things.
Or a no syncro tranny......also forgot wardrobe changing hard to do with a manual...... I have come to the conclusion a single man needs a automatic let's his gf ride right next to him..... A married man needs a stick helps define personal space. They did come up with a patch for the married guys it is called a center console
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2004, f250, ccswb, 4x4, 6.0, psd, lariat, electric tcase, isspro boost/egt/trans, sct x2 w/spartan tunes, 315/75/r16 bfg km stock rims no lift
pretty much stock
I want to see these kids nowadays try to drive a truck with the gears on the steering column.
Been there done that, my second truck after wreckin my 87 was my F100 with the 3 on the tree, it was weird the first day, but after that I loved it.
I taught all of my friends to drive it cuz they thought it was really cool as well, not to mention watching them try to find the gears (not like theres a whole lot ) made my day better.
I did really enjoy taking that truck to get the inspection sticker. The kid that was doin them at the Goodyear came and got me and made me drive it because he or anyone else in the shop couldn't
But still prefer automatics saves pumping a pedal and having a hand shifting.
who says you got to pump the pedal? If a guy knows his stick well enough *pause for gutter minded folk* he doesnt need the clutch except when hes stoppin or startin...
__________________ 2nd Amendment: protector of the rest!!! 2002 Dakota 4.7L-demoted-108k miles 1992 F-350 4X4 7.3L IDI E4OD 4:10LS -124k miles daily driver 1978 F-150 4X4 4spd 351 Holley 600/Edelbrock P-400 (work in progress)
who says you got to pump the pedal? If a guy knows his stick well enough *pause for gutter minded folk* he doesnt need the clutch except when hes stoppin or startin...
I had that sweet spot down on my old truck pretty good
Dumbing down of America is what it's called. And to think I gave 6 years of my life to serve my country so these morons could live here. Since the late 60's when the EPA was formed, the quality of life has deteriorated in this country. Building and owning an automobile has gotten more expensive. The EPA has managed to make the economical diesel get the same mileage as a big block gas engine because they didn't like the smell. You can't even enjoy a good cigar anymore without worrying about a healthy fine. The tree huggers say it is second hand smoke the causes disease. But actually, they just don't like the smell. Never mind about the offensive odor of the perfume some old bat is wearing. I can't wait until it's illegal to fart in public. This country will never be a world power again until the EPA is disbanded and all of the tree huggers drive their worldly possessions to some other country in their hybrids. Then we can have diesels that perform and big block gassers that perform. And we'll be able to enjoy a good cigar in public with friends without fear of prosecution.
imo, driving a stick is much more rewardind and satisfying and make you feel less than a passenger in your truck. Am sure tons will dissagree but i like to "work" my truck through the gears. I may also be a dinosoar...
Absolututely I agree. Getting a nice smooth shift and double clutching
downshifts with the slickness of a greased ball bearing:
well, it ain't as good as sex,
but I can shift many more times in a row, (than I can enjoy sex)
and the aggregate sense of involvement in the process
is mighty gratifying.
I test drove a nice pretty gas V 10 Lariet crew cab:
wifey liked it a lot:
but it just was missing something, while driving.
Needed a manual tranny, to be fun.
Also, when buying used,
an automaic transmission can hide the fact
that it's going to take a crap in 600 miles,
and cause you about a $3,000 bill:
whereas a manual transmisioin is MUCH less duplititous,
in that regard.
This 350 6 speed is the most fun car to drive
since I unloaded the 88 BMW 735i two years ago:
totally different experiences, but both involving and fun.
Long live manual trannies!
(Do you think if you put "manual trannie"
in a search engine, some strange Latin porn would pop up??)
i gotta agree with what was said earlier, more people now days are wimps and dont have a clue on how to start and or drive a standard transmission. i think it should be mandatory when a person gets their licesne that they know how to drive a manual transmission. every one now days wants a automatic cause of ease and comfort but i say hell with that cause that the problem with half of the drivers on the road now. they are to comfortable and therfore they have more wrecks. in a manual transmission you have to pay more attention then you do in an automatic. look at the statistics more automobiles that are automatic have more wrcks than manuals and im not talking about little roll back on a hill and tap some ones bumper im mean totalled vehicles (not drivable). does any one else agree on this
It is in England. If you pass your test in an auto it's a special kind of license that restricts you to just those, and 95% of vehicles over there are manual.
Don't discredit the IDI's they may be slow stock, but put a turbo and they can keep up with the Gen1 7.3
Also why did you split the 6.9 and the 7.3 IDI, they are 95% the same motgine, and I've driven both and my butt dyno can't tell a difference in 26 cubes.
what about the 6.4 engine? Maybe too early to tell but so far I love it. I hope its as good as any International built. Guess we will see.
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01 Supercrew 4x4, 5.4 eng, 160K Awesome Truck
08 Dark Stone F250, 6.4, 3.73, 4x4 Lariat, Job3
ATS Color Matched Street Flares
Eaton Elocker "front" / Truetrac Limited Slip "rear"
Banks Ram Air Intake
Spartanized 75, 150, 210HP
I think it comes down to part just lack of interest in manuals anymore....and part warranty claims......combine them both and sticks just don't make sense financially for ford...
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2007 Lariat screw - White Sand Tri Coat - chrome package - Black leather captains chairs - sunroof - audiophile - 20" Mark LT wheels - Color Matched Door handles -
2005 XLT scab -
1995 xlt scab - 13 inches of lift - SAS
Needed: 2004-2008 OEM cat back for F-150 supercrew
In my experience being a mechanic at several dealers the problem is just as was posted. People want quiet, smooth ride, easy to drive and a cup holder. They do want their trucks to drive and feel like a car
and that is the problem with the new trucks these days.
One little squeek, rattle or harsh feeling from running over a pothole and it's back into the dealer for warranty problems. Probably more than 75% of the repairs I did at the dealers were for squeaks and rattles. People like that do not want stick shifts. It takes too much effort on their part to drive.
HAHA they sure wouldn't ride in my truck, a 1990 F250 4x4 5 Speed with 371,000 miles. Lets see.... No A/C, front Leaf Springs, noisy old 7.3 IDI, floors are gone from rust, no cruise control, no tilt steering and to top it off a good ole 3 passenger bench seat. Gotta love it!
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2008 F250 PSD Crew Cab 4x4, X-liner, 
) made my day better.
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