We are talking about the F-150 here and the manual trans offered for the F-150 for the past several years has been WEAK!
(example)
2003 F-150 4.6 V8 4x4 supercab 3:55 gears tow ratings:
Manual trans= 2,900 lbs
Automatic trans= 6,500 lbs
Thats a HUGE difference!

And this is NOT a rating game played by Ford because the heavy duty 6-speed manual offered in the F-250 has the exact same tow rating as the automatic transmission. (example F-250 5.4 V8 supercab 4x4) So why would Ford under-rate the manual trans in the F-150 and not the F-250?

I hope when they do offer a manual in the new F-150 it's a stronger trans than last year's.

 

My '92 F150 with a manual trans is getting up there in miles, but I was surprised to see that Ford doesn't offer the new F150 with a manual trans.

I've always had a manual trans, and even though the truck has pulled heavy trailers for all its life, it has yet to need a clutch (at 112K miles). The control you get is *much* better with a manual trans, IMHO.

Hey, it is just a religious argument. The bottom line is that a LOT of people want a manual trans, and if Ford doesn't offer one, they'll go elsewhere to buy one. Ford had to make that calculation when they designed the truck, and figured they could get away without providing the choice of a manual trans. Hopefully, the posters who say it will be here in 2005 will be right.

 

It will come in the late '04-early '05 trucks from what I gather.

 

I don't tow alot, just wood twice a year for the stove and the occasional lumber trip to the Depot. I do a lot of fishing and hunting. I can't "feel the road" when I drive my brother in laws auto trans. I wouldn't do without my manual trans. Just wouldn't work as well for me on those icy mountain roads(for me). Plus you can't 'rock your way' out of sticky mud with an auto. I think the yuppies ruined it for us guys who realy use our trucks for work. I also don't like the fact that a computer controls the shift points. Driving an auto just aint drivin, it's no fun.

If people would put down their make-up and cell phones they might discover they have another hand.

 

Well for those of you who dont care for the 04 redesign Ford has extended the life of the old design in a cheapie model called the 2004 F150 Heritage. It still has the V6 and manual transmission options and is the old body style. Dont know how long it will remain with the line but there you have it. Saw a couple of them today at my dealership.

 

Yes Homer you are right but that truck is built at the CANADA plant inwhich is closing some time in the near future thats why they didn't retool that plant for the new body style. The six cylinder 5 speed will be an option in 2005 for the new F150.


2003 F150 Harley
2004 F150 Crew Cab FX4

 

T100 You never know Trust me ask you'r local ford dealer.