Ok guys.. Im going to start saving up for a big down payment on a 06 F-250 6.0 4x4 super cab. I dont know what to get either a Auto or manuel trany. I will use the truck for awhile as a Daily Driver and to pull my Drag car back and fourth to the track when I get it finished. I really dont mind changing gears, I always liked a manuel trany, but an automatic would be nice too. I want a Lariate so if I got the 6spd in that I would have to order it from factory. Any of you all have there picks of what they like better?

 

i like automatic because it all you can do is mash the pedal, dont have to let off to shift, and have to rebuild boost every change that escapes via "wa pa pa pa" sound. plus youre always in the right gear, in the meat of the powerband. also in tow haul, it will downshift smarter then you could with a manual, alot less to think about when driving. they just overhauled my -20,000 mile transmission, so i believe a manual is stronger.

 

Test drive one of each. I thought I wanted the standard (still do, actually). But it's a real truck transmission (especailly compared to my wife's car): different pattern, longer throw, and a real granny low. Since I wasn't going to be the only driver of my rig, the automatic fits us better.

You will probably get replies indicating that:
- You'll get better fuel milage with the standard (the auto is heavier, is not 100% efficient at all rpm/load combos <by design="">, etc., but they'll be close)
- The automatic runs warmer (yep), and will wear out faster (depends on your driving & hauling)
- Theres something to be said for never having a publicly embarrising clutch pop accident at the boat ramp. (and my aunt's dump truck service were all autos for starting out loaded in soft sand to avoid the quick spin to the hubs).

Check out a thread titled AT/MT (or was it MT/AT?), it wasn't about tires after all.</by>

 

The only problem in my opinion with a stick shift is the difficulty to sell a second hand one in the states.

And I don't know why either. Even with a 7.3l, equipped with a less than reliable 4R100, it will sell much quicker than an uber-durable ZF-6.

However, the Torqshift masks the 6.0l's turbo-lag brilliantly, but I personally will still only have a manual.
Sheer stupidity it may be, but that is reason enough for me.

 

Currently, the next 3 or 4 thread topics after this one, are about problems with the automatic trannys..... Of course, there are probabley 9 times as many automatics out there as well. In one of the last off road magazines (can't remember if it was Four Wheeler or Peterson's) there was a blurb from the company ZF. It stated for 05 , of all of the light trucks available with an optional ZF manual, only like 9% had the manual. For 06 it was expected to be something like 4%. Don't quote me on those numbers, just wanted to convey the jist of the article. Anybody else see it?

 

I grew up driving manuals and always liked the control they gave me over an auto. But as I have gotten older and traffic has gotten heavier I've found that I'd rather let the tranny do the work in stop and go traffic and not wear out my left leg.

I went with the auto and have been very happy with it. Especially with the tranny braking feature in T/H mode. When towing my 10,000 lb toy hauler that feature alone was worth the switch.

 

So, it really sounds like the automatic transmission has gotten stronger over the years. Itest drove a Automatic yesterday afternoon. I liked the power but never have test drove a standard yet. A 6spd 6.0 F-250 ive seen on lots are just plane reg cab XL's and even they are hard to find on lots. Looks like I'll have to find a pretty big dealer to find a 6spd to to try out around here.

 

I believe Manuels are only available for the Mexican market.

 

I was recently researching this topic myself. Search for manual, Zf-6, six speed, etc.... you'll find quite a few topics to read through with lots of good answers.

 

The best thing to do is drive both and see what you like. I have the 6Spd. and I love it. It shifts like a truck so banging gears like a car is not really possible but shifts are very positive. I always had stick shifts in my trucks it seems like I have more control over whats going on but that is what I like.
Can't go wrong with either but drive a 6Spd. and put it in granny low you may just buy it over the auto.
Good luck with you choice.
Glen
05 F-350 4x4 Reg Cab PSD 6Spd.

 

Strickly from a common sense stand point, you'd have a hard time selling a lariat with a stick. Resale value would also be a lot lower. I think sticks are fun to drive, but get stuck in traffic some time.
I also know everyone knows how to drive a stick (HEE HEE), but when it comes time for a new clutch, ouch!

 

As has been mentioned already - test drive both for yourself. I've always been biased toward manual transmissions in trucks of any kind. I can give an unbiased opinion in spite of this however. I've driven and/or owned just about every granny 4/5/6speed that has ever been made, and the ZF is is tops, along with the NV5600 from Dodge - (hope not to be cast out or baited over that remark).

I've driven a few Torqueshift AND ZF6speed 6.0's as well. Only one of the Torqueshift trucks with which I'm personally familiar (9), has ever had a transmission related repair performed on it. I would take a Torqueshift truck in a minute - IF I could'int get the 6speed for whatever reason. They are very sweet transmissions once your up and running.

Here's my take on both from a standstill.

Torqueshift; Put it in gear and let it crawl out on it's own, tap the throttle a bit and your off to a good start.

ZF6speed; Put it in first and let out the clutch, your moving! After 1700 RPM - you're REALLY moving, at this point it's time to shift and this is'int anything which can be rushed. Put the 6speed in granny low from a stop and mash the throttle as you let the clutch out...of course, do this only if you don't mind your guts being pushed through the back of your seat...lol.

There's no doubt the torqueshift is a fine transmission, and that the ZF is brutal.
The ZF will never win a race between the two, but boy you can really feel the power.

 

I think the resale issue depends a lot on geography. Where I live and work most of the time, western SD and eastern WY, a used 6 speed is snatched off the dealer's lot almost immediately. I would not be suprised if a 6 speed would go for a grand more than an auto. It is so hard to find a manual trans. anymore and I think most people in my neck of the woods prefer all of the advantages of a stick and really don't have the disadvantages. This is a pretty rural area, so for the most part once your on the road, you don't have to shift anyway. i.e., no driving in traffic, no stop signals, no trying to eat fast food while driving, etc.

 

There are lots of Manuels in Phoenix.
I agree with everyone about the auto being more convenient and pretty strong for an auto. Mine seems to be at its limit though when I have the predator set at max horse power so I have it set at 60hp. I don't know how it would do with the addition of propane in conjunction with the predator.
steve

 

manual for me. If you have to ask, you wouldnt understand.