F-350 7.3 - AUTO VS MANUAL TRANS - Durability & MPG?
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F-350 7.3 - AUTO VS MANUAL TRANS - Durability & MPG?
I’m looking for a used F-350 4x4 with 7.3 diesel to carry my Lance cabover camper. What transmission will be the most durable? I’m trying to decide between auto vs manual.
Are the newer auto transmissions (98-03) any better than the E4OD (89-97)? I know that some E4OD’s didn’t wear well with the diesel engine.
What about diesel mileage? Will one type of transmission give me any better gas mileage than another?
Are the newer auto transmissions (98-03) any better than the E4OD (89-97)? I know that some E4OD’s didn’t wear well with the diesel engine.
What about diesel mileage? Will one type of transmission give me any better gas mileage than another?
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It all depends on where you drive most of the time if your in stop and go creep along bumper to bumper traffic you may want a automatic. If you live in a rural area with steep hills like I do a 5spd or manual is a must. Most of the time once your in OD you shift down to 4th to climb a hill. I never owned a automatic truck they are no good for a truck heavier than a 1/2 ton.
As for whats stronger a manual is its cheaper to repair when you have to spend 4 grand plus to repair a automatic I you may feel its easier to deal with shifting.
The only thing with automatic you don't loose boost with a turbo diesel so you tromp it to the floor the truck will take off faster.
As for whats stronger a manual is its cheaper to repair when you have to spend 4 grand plus to repair a automatic I you may feel its easier to deal with shifting.
The only thing with automatic you don't loose boost with a turbo diesel so you tromp it to the floor the truck will take off faster.
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From: Northeastern Pa - USA
If you are the only driver and you can handle the standard trans, get the standard. If you will have someone else driving your scooter, get the automatic, additional trans cooling and anything else to keep that oil cool and clean. As kwik stated, the shift kit will also help improve the auto trans from any slippage. If you are going auto used, take it for a ride, get the trans up to op temps and get a sample of the oil before you buy it. Good luck.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: North Carolina
I agree with Kenworth. If it's a lot of stop and go driving, get the automatic. Same if you're not the only driver. Most people don't keeps the revs up like they should on a diesel. I got a automatic because the ex-wife couldn't drive a stick, but would have prefered a standard transmission. The '97 automatics were spec'd by Ford with a higher towing capacity. If you get the automatic, do the suggested mods.
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Thanks much you guy for the info. I'll take a spin in a manual trans truck and see how it feels.
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More Turbo
Joined: May 2005
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From: Thousand Oaks, CA
if i could do it again i would have bought a truck with a manual. i replaced the old burned up auto with an ATS trans and $6800 later i still wish i would have bought a manual. just my opinion, and good luck.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: NorCal
I would of bought a manual, no doubt. But, I had to consider the other people that would be driving the truck sometimes. G/F (Don't know how to drive stick), dad (Old man), possibly friends (Idiots), etc. 
Posting Guru
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If (when) my auto trans dies, I'll replace it with a 6-speed manual. A couple of Powerstroke gurus have told me that a modified 4r100 will take a lot more power than the stock 6-speed - that the stock 6-speed is limited to only about 400hp and maintain its reliability.
Even if that is true, I don't care. I don't plan to pump mine up to 400hp anyway.
Even if that is true, I don't care. I don't plan to pump mine up to 400hp anyway.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: BC Nevada
STICK IT!!!! Only way to go inless you have a lot of stop and go. The guy I bought mine from went to auto on his 01 and boy is he sorry. He said his mialage is now 10-12 with his camper on and he used to get 15-17 with my truck. Good luck finding one I heard they put out about 10% as 6 sp and 90% autos.
LPR
LPR
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Joined: May 2001
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From: Cabot, Arkansas
Isn't it ironic that only about 10% of all Superduty's produced have manual transmissions in them...and yet every post in this thread (so far)recommends them.
My vote is also for the six speed. I do a moderate amount of stop and go, and it doesn't bother me a bit. The wife also has no difficulty on the (extremely) rare occasions that she drives it. Of course my clutch has a better pedal feel than the stocker did, she didn't care for the stock clutch all that much.
BTW. Upgraded clutch...~$600, Bulletproof slushbox....~$4000
My vote is also for the six speed. I do a moderate amount of stop and go, and it doesn't bother me a bit. The wife also has no difficulty on the (extremely) rare occasions that she drives it. Of course my clutch has a better pedal feel than the stocker did, she didn't care for the stock clutch all that much.
BTW. Upgraded clutch...~$600, Bulletproof slushbox....~$4000
More Turbo
Joined: May 2005
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From: Thousand Oaks, CA
[QUOTE=arninetyes]If (when) my auto trans dies, I'll replace it with a 6-speed manual. A couple of Powerstroke gurus have told me that a modified 4r100 will take a lot more power than the stock 6-speed - that the stock 6-speed is limited to only about 400hp and maintain its reliability.
i would love to know how you plan on converting your truck to a stick. i ask this because i wanted to when my auto blew but many people told me i was crazy.
i would love to know how you plan on converting your truck to a stick. i ask this because i wanted to when my auto blew but many people told me i was crazy.
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Originally Posted by sean23johnson
i would love to know how you plan on converting your truck to a stick. i ask this because i wanted to when my auto blew but many people told me i was crazy.