manual vs. automatic
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 170
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From: New York
manual vs. automatic
Hi guys, considering a 7.3 PSD and wondering if you guys think the auto setup is any better or worse than the manual. I could go either way, I guess the auto is easier, but I'm curious if there's any discussion points on advantages/disadvantages
thanks,
Charlie
thanks,
Charlie
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,821
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From: South Dakota
When looking for my SD, I was really dead set on getting a 6spd as I really don't care for an auto.
It's getting ever harder to find a 6spd mated to a 7.3L, and even harder yet to find the combo that hasn't been abused.
When I came across my '00 SD, it was exactly what I wanted, except that it was a auto.
I'm not that anti auto, so I ended up getting it.
I will add that the gap between auto's and manuals is getting ever small, so small that's its almost non-existant.
My word of advice is this:
If you aren't sure what to get, chances are that you'd be happy with either.
With that said, I'd shoot for the configuration that you are after 1st (Super cab, CC, 7.3L, 4x4, etc, etc) and let the auto vs the manual thing go by the way side.
It's getting ever harder to find a 6spd mated to a 7.3L, and even harder yet to find the combo that hasn't been abused.
When I came across my '00 SD, it was exactly what I wanted, except that it was a auto.
I'm not that anti auto, so I ended up getting it.
I will add that the gap between auto's and manuals is getting ever small, so small that's its almost non-existant.
My word of advice is this:
If you aren't sure what to get, chances are that you'd be happy with either.
With that said, I'd shoot for the configuration that you are after 1st (Super cab, CC, 7.3L, 4x4, etc, etc) and let the auto vs the manual thing go by the way side.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 256
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From: Denver, CO
If you can find a 7.3 mated to the new torqueshift 5spd auto, you'll probably be OK (some '03's). If it's the older tranny, you will more than likely have problems down the road. If you run empty most of the time and plan on keeping the truck stock AND the previous owner did the same, you'll have longer life, but eventually you'll probably have problems. No overwhelming problems with the 5 or 6spds.
J.D.
J.D.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: New York
Originally Posted by jesus_man
If you can find a 7.3 mated to the new torqueshift 5spd auto, you'll probably be OK (some '03's). If it's the older tranny, you will more than likely have problems down the road. If you run empty most of the time and plan on keeping the truck stock AND the previous owner did the same, you'll have longer life, but eventually you'll probably have problems. No overwhelming problems with the 5 or 6spds.
J.D.
J.D.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 256
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From: Denver, CO
It really all depends on how it was treated before hand. I am a 6spd guy and I bought that for the reliability reason. It was very hard to find, but I have no regrets (except with my broken ankle now). I can't really give a mileage figure, but there is a replacement that won't let you down. It's called a BTS tranny and it's out of Arkansas. They are not cheap, but they are awesome tranny's. My local PSD club uses some of them to tow, drag race, dyno...Not a problem with any of them even with some 35+ tires! Someone else here might be able to help you with auto tranny failure symtoms.
Rangerman is correct in that the auto tranny's from the factory are becoming as reliable as the standard, but they're not there yet. I hope you find something you like! Let us know!
J.D.
Rangerman is correct in that the auto tranny's from the factory are becoming as reliable as the standard, but they're not there yet. I hope you find something you like! Let us know!
J.D.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,821
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From: South Dakota
The torque shift was never offered with the 7.3L in '03. The TS wasn't available till early-mid '04 and the only motor that is mated to it is the 6.0L.
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Posting Guru
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From: The Great Plains
I like auto's, but after going through the big E4oD fiasco with my dads 460 dually, I wanted something tougher, I've heard too much about 3k dollar rebuilds that last 35-40k miles.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Denver, CO
rangerman, there were very few (almost bought one), but they were made in early '03. and the torqshift was an option.
http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/ov...=10370&src=vip
http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/ov...=10370&src=vip
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,550
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From: Lancaster County PA
I have an OBS with a 5 speed and love it. I've had auto trannies, but to me, it just doesn't feel right unless I am shifting the gears my self.
The only complaint I have with the 5 speed is that when I am cruising at 65-70 in 5th OD, I really feel like grabbing one more gear! I have never driven the 6 sp manual, so I don't know if maybe 6th gear isn't over-overdrive! In my 97, I know that 7.3 could handle higher gearing than where it stops with 5th gear.
The only complaint I have with the 5 speed is that when I am cruising at 65-70 in 5th OD, I really feel like grabbing one more gear! I have never driven the 6 sp manual, so I don't know if maybe 6th gear isn't over-overdrive! In my 97, I know that 7.3 could handle higher gearing than where it stops with 5th gear.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 256
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From: Denver, CO
The 6spd has 1 OD. 4th is 1:1 and 5th is .72:1. Yes my rpms are lower than a 5spd, but even then, I feel I could use another gear! Genuine gear makes splitter for our trucks and that would help a lot, but they are not cheap.
If it were me, I would go 5spd manual. Or plan on replacing the auto down the road.
If it were me, I would go 5spd manual. Or plan on replacing the auto down the road.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,821
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From: South Dakota
Originally Posted by jesus_man
rangerman, there were very few (almost bought one), but they were made in early '03. and the torqshift was an option.
http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/ov...=10370&src=vip
http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/ov...=10370&src=vip
Here's the Specs for the '03 model year SD trucks. The only trannys available are the 4r100 and the ZF-6, and that's for all motor options.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/specs/20...perduty_1.html
The TS was offered starting the '04 model year, behind the 6.0L.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/specs/20...perduty_1.html
EDIT:
Upon some digging I see that there were some very, very late '03s with 6.0L and the TS, but not any 7.3Ls and the TS. Apparently the bolt patterns are different between the 7.3L and the 6.0L.
Last edited by superrangerman2002; Apr 8, 2005 at 11:20 AM.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
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I got the auto only cause I found a 97 350 for $4000 I was looking for a truck and was not even considering autos.. If my trany gose out I''ll be putting a 5 or six speed manual in... in my mind especaly now after pullling a trailer with my auto the stick is way better!!J
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 13,653
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From: Cabot, Arkansas
Originally Posted by Kwikkordead
No question in my mind. Manual. Immune to the overheating problems of the automatics, more efficient transfer of engine power to the wheels.
The manual is still, and will always be the best way to go on a working truck. If you treat your truck like a car, or if you're into the hot rod scene the auto will be better, but you'll still have to spend some money on it to make it last.
