manual vs auto
Senior User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 484
Likes: 1
From: Garden Grove USA
manual vs auto
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 05-Nov-02 AT 10:56 AM (EST)]I am looking at a 2000 F350 with the 7.3 turbo diesel with the manual 6 speed, and about 90K miles. I tow an 8ooo lb fifth wheel. Will the clutch handle towing, or should I go to an automatic? Do the autos hold up? For used ('99 or so) trucks with some mileage, which is more reliable?
Thanks
Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 188
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From: waterford nj
manual vs auto
With the 6 spd you have a creeper gear that will pull a house down and it will pull away from a dead stop with your 8000lb trailer with no throttle added. No clutch feathering either.
I have always owned manuals and would have nothing else for towing as it leaves gear selection up to me based on load, rpm's and road conditions.
They will never make an auto that can "hear" and feel the motor working the way a driver can.
Don't worry about strength as the previous post said, the manual PSD is rated for more horsepower and torque than the automatic.
Scott
I have always owned manuals and would have nothing else for towing as it leaves gear selection up to me based on load, rpm's and road conditions.
They will never make an auto that can "hear" and feel the motor working the way a driver can.
Don't worry about strength as the previous post said, the manual PSD is rated for more horsepower and torque than the automatic.
Scott
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 36
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manual vs auto
I have been wondering the same thing, all these posts where auto's are burning up. I have been reading all the boards I can find on all the different brands of diesels. It seems the one thing they all have in common is the auto's behind them burn up to easy. Even the Gm with the allison is having problems and I read somewhere that the allison can only handle about 120 hp over stock. I would think that tranny would do better.
I drove a dodge with the HO cummins and the 6 speed and it was a nice truck. Even for a dodge.
I drove a dodge with the HO cummins and the 6 speed and it was a nice truck. Even for a dodge.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,859
Likes: 7
From: USA
manual vs auto
I like manuals also,have always had a manual in my trucks!
They do have there share of problems though!
My new 02 had 4800 miles on it when it blew !
The newer 6sp and older 5spd are prone to blow the pilot bearings and front input shaft bearings,caused by excessive end play internally in the trans.If this truck has that many miles on it.is there a clunk when letting the clutch out in neutral? I would look it over real good
Sometimes the clutch disc internal springs wear out and cause a problem also!
There are aftermarket clutch also
Good luck !
Rich
They do have there share of problems though!
My new 02 had 4800 miles on it when it blew !
The newer 6sp and older 5spd are prone to blow the pilot bearings and front input shaft bearings,caused by excessive end play internally in the trans.If this truck has that many miles on it.is there a clunk when letting the clutch out in neutral? I would look it over real good
Sometimes the clutch disc internal springs wear out and cause a problem also!
There are aftermarket clutch also
Good luck !
Rich
