I once had a 2000 Ford with the 7.3 and manual tranny. Clutch disintegrated at 42000 miles while on vacation. When i limped it in to the nearest Ford dealer, I was told by their mechanic that the manual tranny wasn't designed to handle the 7.3 but Ford put it in anyway. Since I am not a mechanic I don't know the truthfulness to it, but it left an impression with me not to buy another manual. I did like it though and it cost $800 to have it replaced, but since I don't know any better, I just didn't buy another one. It did well outside of Moab though....

And yes, Ford dealer here said that they no longer will have the manual. Not seeling enough of them. I don't see it being a big money loser for them.

 

This isn't really apples to apples...but when my E4OD died on my '92, it was $2400 for a rebuilt or $800 for a complete ZF-5speed out of a low miles '94. Of course there was drive line mods to be made, but I still am very happy with the results to this day.

Long live the handshaker!

 

that mechanic was a tard to even think something like that. i've never owned a truck newer than my 94 f350, but i'm pretty sure i've seen at least 6x as many e40d's and 4r whatever the hell they are's go bad versus zf 5's and 6's

 

My 70 something aunt used to feed her cows that way.
Just in the last yr or so she has gone to the round bale handler but still on a manuel tranny as the autos do not last.

 

Next thing you know, Ford will offer only one engine choice, one cab choice, one trim level...

This is what I want to do to whoever makes final drivetrain related decisions at Ford Motor Company:

 

Who is Manuel and what did he do ?

 

Manuel was a hard worker. People had to do a lot of hand holding with him to get him in gear. He wasn't a real self starter. Ford decided to execute him because he didn't fit well with their "global vision."

 

hmm... every Manual I've ever known would get going with nothing more than a little push.

 

I don't know how to drive an automatic!

 

Don't even try it. It's a lot harder to learn.

 

automatics always seem to lug down when you press the clutch...

 

 

What can I say? I agree that Manuel was definately a great guy, hard worker, low maintenance and reliable. People these days are just rude and don't like to shake hands with basic guys like him anymore.