6sp Manual -- A good choice?
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From: California
6sp Manual -- A good choice?
It's been about 10 years since I've owned a vehicle with manual transmission. Am thinking about ordering an F250 with the 6sp manual and was wondering if anybody who has taken a "break" from driving a stick has subsequently purchased a vehicle with manual transmission and thought to himself "what a pain in the neck, I should have gotten the automatic."
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I just ordered an '05 F250 with the PSD and 6-speed manual - mostly because I just love manual transmisions. The only issue you should be aware of (that I learned about in these forums) in the decreased engine braking with the manual transmission and Diesel engines.
I've test driven the PSD and 6-speed - very fun and easy to drive.
I've test driven the PSD and 6-speed - very fun and easy to drive.
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From: East Central Ohio
Haven't had an automatic in a truck since 79.One went out and cost darn near 2000.00 to fix back then.The key word here is"TRUCK". Haven't replaced a manual ever,only one clutch in a used truck I bought that someone else had misused.
Last edited by RockinB; Dec 26, 2004 at 02:06 PM. Reason: Add something
Thread Starter
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Senior User
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From: California
Originally Posted by RockinB
Haven't had an automatic in a truck since 79.One went out and cost darn near 2000.00 to fix back then.The key word here is"TRUCK"
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From: Guilford Vt
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From: Central WA USA
I have an 02 psd 6sp and I can say I like my 6sp, keeps too many people from "borrowing" it to move stuff. But I have driven the 5sp auto and I have to say I really like the 5 sp. For one it is much quieter inside with the auto, for some reason the 6.0 with the 6sp seems noisier than my 7.3 with the 6sp. Drive both, you'll see what I mean.
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From: Morris, CT
I have to agree with ColtM4, the pool of "borrowers" shrinks rapidly with a stick. Especially the younger ones, which is probably good since they would no doubt shift them like a Honda Civic! I love my '03 PSD 6 spd. Works great for my commute to work and tows our 8K lb camper without a slip or complaint. If you like to shift, get one.
Mike
Mike
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Upper Saddle River, NJ
I think this is a very nice 6spd as well. It shifts nicely, doesn't take too much effort, and the transmission can take a lot of punishment.
Of course, I hate all automatics, so my POV is definitely biased.
Bill
Of course, I hate all automatics, so my POV is definitely biased.
Bill
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Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Lynden, WA
I agree with everything already said and I love my 6 speed setup BUT I want to say that having driven an 05 V10 5 speed auto with 4.30 gears, I think if I ordered another truck today, I would go with the auto. Much smoother and quieter too! My wife drives a stick fine but doesn't always know when to shift down and into what gear as she gets somewhat "lost" in a 6 speed. I find the 6 speed is great for towing and love the close gear splits but other then having a "granny" low, I have nothing the 5 speed auto doesn't have.
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Red XL 04SD 250 4x4 SC SWB V10 6speed 4.30LS, BD short shifter, Edge mini springs & 4" blocks, Bilstein 5150's, 315's on Ultra 16x8, Flexsteel seats & Tuffy console, Warn 12k winch
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Red XL 04SD 250 4x4 SC SWB V10 6speed 4.30LS, BD short shifter, Edge mini springs & 4" blocks, Bilstein 5150's, 315's on Ultra 16x8, Flexsteel seats & Tuffy console, Warn 12k winch
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Originally Posted by mikeyG9
I have to agree with ColtM4, the pool of "borrowers" shrinks rapidly with a stick. Especially the younger ones, which is probably good since they would no doubt shift them like a Honda Civic! I love my '03 PSD 6 spd. Works great for my commute to work and tows our 8K lb camper without a slip or complaint. If you like to shift, get one.
Mike
Mike
Include the manual transfer case, and you can watch them run for cover too....
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Baltimore
That new 5spd automatic is a tough transmission and it will be hard for you to kill it. If you are buying a diesel, you should consider the automatic because it allows the engine to make more power when you start out from a dead stop.
I have always owned Ford trucks and they have always had manual transmissions in them. My next Ford will have an automatic in it. My 1967 and 1975 Fords had the "rock crusher" 4spd manuals in them and the transmissions outlasted the trucks. My 1983 and 1984 Fords both had 4 speed manuals in them that became troublesome before 100K miles. Both began grinding gears when shifting into 3rd gear and both would pop out of 3rd gear. What I really didn't like was the fact that I couldn't find anyone who could do a decent job rebuilding the trannies. I don't know how the new 6spd trannies will be when they get 100K miles on them but I do wonder...
I have always owned Ford trucks and they have always had manual transmissions in them. My next Ford will have an automatic in it. My 1967 and 1975 Fords had the "rock crusher" 4spd manuals in them and the transmissions outlasted the trucks. My 1983 and 1984 Fords both had 4 speed manuals in them that became troublesome before 100K miles. Both began grinding gears when shifting into 3rd gear and both would pop out of 3rd gear. What I really didn't like was the fact that I couldn't find anyone who could do a decent job rebuilding the trannies. I don't know how the new 6spd trannies will be when they get 100K miles on them but I do wonder...
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Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Central WA USA
I've got 75K on my 6 sp and no problems. The only thing I have to report is they don't like the cold, hard to shift into 2nd and 3rd. Mobil 1 synthetic ATF really helps them shift in the cold. I changed out tranny oil at 30k and 70k. First change at 30k the oil was a bit brownish not bright red replaced with mobil 1 and changed it at 70k, the oil looked brand new. I think I won't change the oil now till 130k. As I drained the tranny the last time, I thought to myself, what a waste, no need to drain it at 40k intervals if the oil looked that good.