Ford to kill Manual?
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,215
Likes: 8
From: WV
I can't remember who posted this a while back, in another manual vs automatic thread, but it made sense to me.
It was something along the lines of:
"people who can't drive a manual have no choice but to buy an automatic. While those who prefer a manual often settle for an automatic."
I guess that's one reason why they sell so few manuals. Barely any dealers had them in stock and some folks don't want to wait for a special order, or don't mind settling for an auto.
I fall into the "settled for an auto" category as I was shopping for a used truck and used manuals were just too few and far between. I couldn't wait forever to get a truck and couldn't afford a new one, so I settled.
Been plenty happy with it so far though
It was something along the lines of:
"people who can't drive a manual have no choice but to buy an automatic. While those who prefer a manual often settle for an automatic."
I guess that's one reason why they sell so few manuals. Barely any dealers had them in stock and some folks don't want to wait for a special order, or don't mind settling for an auto.
I fall into the "settled for an auto" category as I was shopping for a used truck and used manuals were just too few and far between. I couldn't wait forever to get a truck and couldn't afford a new one, so I settled.
Been plenty happy with it so far though
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 435
Likes: 1
I could take either and have owned both over the years. Now with good tow haul programs in electronically controlled transmissions, I prefer the auto. After 120k miles of Dodge's rock solid but faux 5spd auto in a 2500HD Hemi Ram, the TS in my SD is the cat's tail! I'm hoping the real 5spd TS will be every bit as reliable and then some. Too bad the manual isn't going to be available even through special order for those who want it.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
Chalk this up to our out of control government, at least in part.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,424
Likes: 12
From: BC Canada
The new automatic will be a true 6 speed with manual mode, Tow haul, engine braking. Yes, its more expensive to get teh auto, but thats what ford wants, you to buy more product. I would go for a manual 6 speed, IF, I could get it with a factory Exhaust Brake, otherwise, the manual is no longer the way to go IMO, because you have no engine braking. I dont see why they can't program this into the PCM, using the VGT, to have a manual hold back as good or close to as good as an auto. I sure like my torqueshift with the T/H, in the hills, up or down, it sure handles the weight of the trailer well. Before this truck and the 2000 SD, I have only ever owned a manual and I really toiled with this one getting a manual, but like the previous post, it would have been a custom order, and I would have had to wait a long time to get it. Oh well, I sold my sole to get this one, it will be after 2015 before I am allowed a new truck, maybe by then a F350, 6.7 Scorpion, manual 6 speed with 2 speed rear, integrated exhaust brake ect will be possible. I would doa custom order for that. Alternatively, maybe a tuner will allow a retrofit of a ZF 6 speed and exhaust brake for the manual, the market could be there.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,424
Likes: 12
From: BC Canada
Not with a big trailer at max GCWR, even with some hold back with torqueshift, you dont have much more than 100 Hp hold back, with a exhaust brake, more like 200 is possible. With a manual, probably more like 50 Hp is all you can get I think. For my trailer, what I have works fine, I would want a stronger hold back with max GCWR pulling to save on service brakes, thats all I am saying.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,752
Likes: 5
From: Stillwater, OK
sounds like you are flat out looking for a Jacobs compression brake...
The difference between the auto and the manual is that the manual can downshift and then clutch and release a couple of times before downshifting again, never touching the brakes. The auto just knows you are braking and figues it can help out.
Either way, throw an exhaust brake on there and it makes the engine harder to turn over, which aids in braking. Throw a Jacobs on there and you'll probably stop on a dime.
The difference between the auto and the manual is that the manual can downshift and then clutch and release a couple of times before downshifting again, never touching the brakes. The auto just knows you are braking and figues it can help out.
Either way, throw an exhaust brake on there and it makes the engine harder to turn over, which aids in braking. Throw a Jacobs on there and you'll probably stop on a dime.
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Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,717
Likes: 2,643
From: SE Florida
Ford is doing this because they don't sell enough manuals to make it profitable to offer one.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 221
Likes: 0
My opinion only:Six speed manual Xmision is hardly "useless". It is the best transmission put in a domestic pickup.If someone wished to have an exhaust brake on a manual equiped truck it wouldn't be a difficult job.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,290
Likes: 15
From: Toronto, Canada
My dad has special-ordered two trucks (and 02 and an 08) fully loaded with the 6 spd manual. Probably pretty rare trucks, Lariats with a manual tranny!
He loves them and will have a meltdown if he can't get one in 2013!
He loves them and will have a meltdown if he can't get one in 2013!
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Stick can save your a$$
I drive both and haven't yet found an auto that can pick gears better than the selector between my ears. When you want to relax with the brain turned off, go with the automatic. When you want to be engaged and enjoy the ride with maximum control, take the stick-shift.
Last edited by windjamer; Jan 2, 2010 at 07:52 PM. Reason: spelling
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 10,101
Likes: 40
From: Pa
Ford would sell more manuals if dealers would have them in stock, most people buy off the lots. Its a shame Ford is giving up the manuals. With GM axing manuals years ago and Dodge in the near future it would be good IMO if Ford was the only one offering a manual. Always good to have some options. If Ford want to save money get rid of Mercury, Mercury is nothing but optioned out Fords with a different badge on them.
I drove a manual for years and I was one of those guys that "Settled" for an auto in my SD. I felt like I was more in tune to driving with my manual truck and didn't get distracted near as easy.
I drove a manual for years and I was one of those guys that "Settled" for an auto in my SD. I felt like I was more in tune to driving with my manual truck and didn't get distracted near as easy.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
Nope. Only vehicles under 8500 pound GVWR are certified as complete vehicles on a chassis dynamometer. Engines for use in trucks over 8500 pound GVWR (that's all F250 and up trucks) are certified on an engine dynamometer without a transmission present. The engine is certified by itself.
Ford is doing this because they don't sell enough manuals to make it profitable to offer one.
Ford is doing this because they don't sell enough manuals to make it profitable to offer one.
I had heard the emission rumor too, and liked that story better.