I voted manual. Even if I were to update the drive train, I would still go with an manual. However, as my daily driver is a 6 speed Miata, I do find myself looking for another gear, or two, just to get the motor sounding right.

 

I voted manual. It just seems right for these old trucks. Like others, I live fairly rural and I don't drive it daily. I used to have a daily driver manual that I loved, but being the only one in the family experienced with a clutch limits that.

Auto is much easier to deal with, but I love shifting gears. That being said, my truck is in 4th at about 25 mph, so not too much shifting required.

 

Love shifting gears but I have old knees so clutch operation is problematic. As far as building a truck, automatic is much easier to fabricate linkage for...

 

Drove manuals for many years, but as several have said, getting older and bad joints is making clutching more difficult. My 53 and my daily driver are autos.

 

Auto. Bad left knee.

Later!
mr. Ed

 

I'm a big fan of manuals, but autos are easier to use as a daily driver and some off-roading conditions.

It would look like for me, in the end, with my engine that I need the strength of a C6 over a ZF5. Which means auto.

 

Steve, you can check the length of the C6 vs ZF5 if they are the same swaping to manual later would not be too difficult if you want to? That way your drive shafts would not change either! Those ZF's are rated for 420ft lbs and 26000lbs gvwr. Remember they put that ZF behind diesels as well so it should be able to hold up!

 

Yeah that's something I need to research.

My engine should be around 500 ft lbs. I've heard of some people breaking the case on them before the other parts, not that I would push it that hard but I don't want a trailer to become an issue down the line. I'll post over in the 460 section, maybe get a clear cut answer on it.

I will say it is a bit of a pain getting all the right parts to swap it to an internally balanced engine though, lol.

 

I have always preferred synchronized manual transmissions but for everyday driving in traffic it is hard to beat the convenience and ease of use of a modern automatic trans particularly if you are driving your truck frequently. I emphasize the word MODERN as they come with overdrive and lockup torque converters that reduce the stress on your engine and provide better fuel economy. I went with a Ford 4R70W all electronic trans from a 2003 F-150. It is reliable and eliminates the touchy throttle cable adjustment. You can also tune it to perform as you wish based upon your driving style and engine.

 

FORDOMATIC!