Manual Vrs. Automatic
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Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 33
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Manual Vrs. Automatic
I am not sure how to phrase this question, but here goes.
First a couple of things
I have owned both manual and automatic transmissions
I enjoy shifting gears - and take pride is doing a reasonable job with the RPM for the engine.
Having said that here is my delima
I have ordered a new 2003 4x4 F-250 with Diesel. I have told the folks to make it the 6-speed manual trans. Ford does have it's new 5-speed auto out as well.
Here is the driving that I do.
Some city - very little downtown
Around the local area - freeway, standard roads
Freeway - quite a bit
Search and Rescue on all kinds of roads - including 4x4
I also use the vehicle off road {2x4 and 4x4 modes} for not only the search and rescue, but for my own use as well - am very much the outdoor type.
Is the 6-speed manual smooth and quick shifting {and are there dependabality issues with it} ?.
Although not nearly as modern and totally computer controller, my current automatic does not suit my needs very well.
This is a major purchase that I plan to keep 10 years - so want to make the best choice for my use {and dependability} and with much more modern automatics out there I am interested to hear what folks have to say.
First a couple of things
I have owned both manual and automatic transmissions
I enjoy shifting gears - and take pride is doing a reasonable job with the RPM for the engine.
Having said that here is my delima
I have ordered a new 2003 4x4 F-250 with Diesel. I have told the folks to make it the 6-speed manual trans. Ford does have it's new 5-speed auto out as well.
Here is the driving that I do.
Some city - very little downtown
Around the local area - freeway, standard roads
Freeway - quite a bit
Search and Rescue on all kinds of roads - including 4x4
I also use the vehicle off road {2x4 and 4x4 modes} for not only the search and rescue, but for my own use as well - am very much the outdoor type.
Is the 6-speed manual smooth and quick shifting {and are there dependabality issues with it} ?.
Although not nearly as modern and totally computer controller, my current automatic does not suit my needs very well.
This is a major purchase that I plan to keep 10 years - so want to make the best choice for my use {and dependability} and with much more modern automatics out there I am interested to hear what folks have to say.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,410
Likes: 1,015
From: Central KY
Manual Vrs. Automatic
Well, I have not driven a new Ford with the 6-speed. I have driven one of the new Dodge trucks with the 6-speed though. Obviously, I realize that Ford and Dodge are two different companies, but usually their products are competitive with each other. So that being said, I can tell you the 6-speed I drove was real nice. Keep in mind that the 6-speed will slightly improve your gas mileage, will loose less power through the driveline, and will be more dependable over time. The drawback, of course, is that a manual transmission takes up both hands and both feet, so you can't do anything else (that is, if you do search and rescue, it would be harder to talk on the radio with a standard, and would also take up your console space if you mount any of your communications equipment in the floor).
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,594
Likes: 0
From: Campbell River, BC Canada
Manual Vrs. Automatic
I drove a super duty power stroke with a 6 speed and it was a base model xl with vinyl and and an AM/FM radio and after the weekend I had it I was in love. They are absolutely great and you will be very happy. You made a wise choice, good luck
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 5,228
Likes: 5
From: Running Springs CA
Manual Vrs. Automatic
Modern automatics are smooth and efficient, at the cost of durability. Give me an old Torqueflite or C6 or TH400. If you don't commute in heavy traffic, get the manual. A diesel has too much torque for an automatic to last. Dodge won't even sell the H.O. diesel with a slushbox. Also, look at repair cost down the road, if you don't burn up clutches in traffic. At the same transmission shop within the last year I paid $1800 for an E4OD and a friend paid $300 for an M5OD.
Jim
Jim
Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
From: Edmonton, Ab. Canada
Manual Vrs. Automatic
My work truck's a 2001 F-350 XLT 4x4 SRW and it has the standard. You can't beat it for off-roading and ice driving. you can upshift to lessen the torque to not spin the tires and play witht he clutch if you need to.
-but- a month ago after fighting with ford for the 3rd time that my parking brake was a hunk of crap.. my truck rolled down a hill and hit a gate post with me in my mobile lab. (on the back of the truck, no windows) I wasn't really hurt but another 3 inches to the right and i'd be dead.
granted my work truck takes a severe beating and the parkingbrake is used approx 15-20 times a day it still should not be disposable.
i'm on my 5th now between braking cables to get it to stop rolling and Pedal gear sets that keep striping. The little drum brake was not designed to holdback that kinda weight. especially if you are constantly hauling 2000+ LBs in the box.
my 13 cents.
The TONKA Projects Continue...
1981 Bronco, Mostly Stock Needs Motor
1986 Bronco XLT, Headers, dual exhaust, K&N, 32's
-but- a month ago after fighting with ford for the 3rd time that my parking brake was a hunk of crap.. my truck rolled down a hill and hit a gate post with me in my mobile lab. (on the back of the truck, no windows) I wasn't really hurt but another 3 inches to the right and i'd be dead.
granted my work truck takes a severe beating and the parkingbrake is used approx 15-20 times a day it still should not be disposable.
i'm on my 5th now between braking cables to get it to stop rolling and Pedal gear sets that keep striping. The little drum brake was not designed to holdback that kinda weight. especially if you are constantly hauling 2000+ LBs in the box.
my 13 cents.
The TONKA Projects Continue...
1981 Bronco, Mostly Stock Needs Motor
1986 Bronco XLT, Headers, dual exhaust, K&N, 32's
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 858
Likes: 14
From: Virginia
Manual Vrs. Automatic
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 01-Oct-02 AT 07:20 PM (EST)]In a sports or sporty car, or even a mini truck, I'd go with a manual trans in a heart beat. In a truck or jeep for serious rock crawling I'd want a manual too. In a full size truck that will stay on the road most of the time, nope, make mine auto.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 202
Likes: 0
Manual Vrs. Automatic
01 sport trac 4x4 black
97 explorer xlt AWD v8 blue
91 f-250 xlt lariat 4x4 blue/gray
84 ranger xlt 4x4 black
94 explorer xlt 4x4 purple/gray
96 explorer limited 4x4 green
iv had a manual for 2 mounths and sold it because i hated it i can drive them well i just hate them. i go off roading often and id want to have a auto in traffic/offroad/city/highway any way u look at it the auto is better (in my eyes) i like them in the winter mostly i just thing thar better.
97 explorer xlt AWD v8 blue
91 f-250 xlt lariat 4x4 blue/gray
84 ranger xlt 4x4 black
94 explorer xlt 4x4 purple/gray
96 explorer limited 4x4 green
iv had a manual for 2 mounths and sold it because i hated it i can drive them well i just hate them. i go off roading often and id want to have a auto in traffic/offroad/city/highway any way u look at it the auto is better (in my eyes) i like them in the winter mostly i just thing thar better.
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 833
Likes: 0
From: Port Perry Ont Canada
Manual Vrs. Automatic
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 20-Oct-02 AT 11:26 AM (EST)]My new used 88 is standard I have mixed emotions about it. Being a truck driver I'm spending a lot of time shifting the 2 weeks that I'm out in the big truck. So when I rolled into town I used to look forward to driving an automatic.And the space a stick takes up renders the center seat almost usless. The upside to the standard is constant rpm control no suprise shifts, fuel milage,repair cost,perfomance performance performance,
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 780
Likes: 0
From: US
Manual Vrs. Automatic
Right know i am the only one in my group of friends that has an automatic, and that will soo be changed. My buddies old 2000 cummins had the 5 speed, in it and he was running 1200+ footpounds touque through it all it needed was a better clutch. try that one with a slush box. Im just trying to show the durability factor of a stick. That truck could smoke 38's in 4th gear while mooving. From what i hear from people around here the new ford 6 speed is one mother of a tranny, People would do anything to get ahold of one.
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
Manual Vrs. Automatic
Hey, I got a standard, you can say it takes up space in the center seat, thats untill you got 3 cute little chickies in the truck with you heading to the beach, if you know what i mean
. Seriously, standards are excellent, tough, reliable, just sucks in heavy traffic. other than that, give me standard any day!
. Seriously, standards are excellent, tough, reliable, just sucks in heavy traffic. other than that, give me standard any day!
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
Manual Vrs. Automatic
I like manuals for off-road, for one reason: Durability. If you drive over something, and it flips up and whacks the tranny, you don't have to worry- there's no easily dented oil pan hanging down there wiating to be smacked. Also, no exposed cooler lines, no extra load on the radiator, and it feels better to have a direct connection to the engine. That said, I am putting an auto in my truck. Why? Traffic. Plus, it was get a big ol' boat of a car, or put an auto and a/c in my truck. Which would you choose?
Jared
Jared
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