Not sure I have asked this before and my search didn't reveal anything.

Most of these trucks are equipped with autos and a few of them with manuals. I am a big fan of driving a manual however I haven't had a chance to test drive one yet.

I also sort of like the idea of replacing a clutch over an entire automatic tranny if it just craps out. Obviously the manual transmission could give out too but I like to think there would be some signs of weakness before it gave out.

As far as towing and reliability are both transmissions about the same?

 

Put it to you this way, I have 235k on my original tranny but with a new tq converter and I tow everyday. Auto tranny and the heaviest I will tow is gross combo 23k. It seems like I remember hearing that the auto trannys were stronger than the manuals but I say that the manual will give you better mileage

 

Thats does make me feel better. I just get nervous when I see 200K+ truck for sale and you never know how they were treated before you pick it up.

 

Well I do take very good care of my truck too. If your thinking of buying one just smoke it over really good.

 

Which by the way I talked to brain yesterday at bts. I was concerned about my tranny raining parts since I have this kind of mileage. he said it is not that uncommon for him to pull one at 300k if they are taken care of it. He also told me that mine might last longer since I changed my tq converter before it went and scattered parts inside the trans.

 

I have the 6sps manual and have pulled some heavy loads and it will also burn rubber in a few gears. Never a tranny issue, know you may need to put in a better clutch if you throw in some mods and get some bigger hp.
My .02 is that the tranny is tuff.

 

Thank you to the both of you for your inputs!

Its is nice to know about the auto being good for the long haul with the right care. The initial impression was scary based on what I had read but while I still would love a manual I have a little more confidence in looking for autos from private seller who obviously took good care of their trucks.

 

The key to remember with ALL automatic's is you wouldn't dare try to make it up a hill in 5th gear with a manual (or 6th if you got it), why try it with an automatic? Turn the overdrive off when under full load, the little extra fuel is cheaper than a tranny.

 

I have the six speed manual transmission and have had no issues with it at all. I did own a 1 ton dually with the 6.9 C6 tranny and it was replaced several times due to failure of the trans. 6.9 was a good engine also.

 

I have the six speed manual transmission and have had no issues with it at all. I did own a 1 ton dually with the 6.9 C6 tranny and it was replaced several times due to failure of the trans. 6.9 was a good engine also. I do a fair amount of towing in the summer months, 4 place horse trailer with living quarters.

 

I kind of like my stick. Easy and cheap to change the fluid (drain it out the bottom, refill from the side). I've pulled a 20k trailer with it. The granny gear will get you moving with most loads with no slip of the clutch. I had to replace my stock clutch at 212,000 because it started to slip just a bit when accelerating.

 

I don't know what I will get next time I get a truck. I like them both and good luck finding a manual on a dealers lot. I would just like to drive it and see the difference. if it wasn't too much of an issue I think i would pick the manual next time just for scats and giggles

 

Kevin Barr's truck has a manual transmission.

YouTube - SLEDPULLMOTORSPORTS Somerset PA Fair Pull

 

I have had both I like the stick. I think you feel it a little better, if you have ever had a hot rod with the stick you will know what I mean. Auto is great if you dont want to do any thing but mash the go pedal. I am not picking on the Auto's but if you ever had to pull a HEAVY load I love my bulldog to get started.

 

I drive a 5 speed Mustang GT and I love it! Some days I wish I had an auto but driving a manual is a ton more fun at times.