Manual Trans.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,669
Likes: 371
I'd get the manual tranny, especially for better control in tight spots with and without heavy trailer. It's a mute point because too many people will want the auto so we'll never see a new pickup with a manual tranny.
In general, manuals are less trouble, cost less, and provide better "feel" which translates to better control in tight spots. I've replaced several clutches in cars, pickups and tractors but never due to clutch wear. Reasons include leaky tranny seal, leaky engine frost plug, leaky hydraulic release cylinder, and worn release bearing...and in the case of volkswagen a rotted dual mass flywheel damper. In all cases decades and/or well over 150,000 miles were involved.
Cost wise, I guess I prefer the one time clutch job per vehicle (20+ years old/200,000+ miles) over the maintenance required to keep an auto happy that long.
In general, manuals are less trouble, cost less, and provide better "feel" which translates to better control in tight spots. I've replaced several clutches in cars, pickups and tractors but never due to clutch wear. Reasons include leaky tranny seal, leaky engine frost plug, leaky hydraulic release cylinder, and worn release bearing...and in the case of volkswagen a rotted dual mass flywheel damper. In all cases decades and/or well over 150,000 miles were involved.
Cost wise, I guess I prefer the one time clutch job per vehicle (20+ years old/200,000+ miles) over the maintenance required to keep an auto happy that long.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 162
Likes: 159
From: Minnesota
I've been a manual guy my whole life starting with my 79 f150 with 4 speed and granny low. I had to special order my 13 Accord to get the 6 speed manual. More gears is better but I'm getting older and lazier and I frequently skip 2nd and 4th gear in the Accord. The 7.3 with 10 speed auto is what I've got coming and I don't think any manual out there would outperform it. Outlast it yes but mpg would be much worse.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 19,686
Likes: 12,808
From: Wyoming
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,202
Likes: 508
Nope, not for me in a Superduty. Manual mode works for when I think it needs to stay in a gear for some reason. In a smaller, underpowered rig or track car yes. With the level of power the new crop of diesel engines are producing I think many would find the clutch to be not as friendly as they are remembering from years past. At least that's my impression with aftermarket clutches that would stand up to 1000+ lb-ft and 500-600hp in a friend's tuned Cummins trucks.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 206
Likes: 138
If I was buying a truck in 2018 I would have settled for the Ram just to get the manual. I'd absolutely buy a manual Super Duty if that was currently an option. Now that nobody offers a manual option the Ford was the clear winner for me.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 179
Likes: 9
Before the 10 speed definitely, the 5 and 6 speed auto were terrible on gear selection, 10 speed does good. Now If there was a manual with that many gears I would go for it.
But I drive a Kenworth to make my living, and you couldn't give me an automatic for it. I wish I has a 18 speed in it.
But I drive a Kenworth to make my living, and you couldn't give me an automatic for it. I wish I has a 18 speed in it.
