Expedition vehicle transmissions: Auto or manual?

[trailrunner]

I prefer the feeling of my manual transmission off road and on road, i just feel as though I have more control over what the vehicle is doing. On that note, there are often times I wish I had an automatic, particularly when stuck in traffic. Ultimately it's personal preference. Though I do think that auto's do have some negative characteristics, particularly potential downshifting on icy highways when going uphill. I've seen other vehicles dangerously lose control when their transmission downshifted on ice. Admittedly it can be overcome by paying attention an shifting the automatic transmission manually, I just feel people can be lulled into a false sense of security. Also I feel that driving a manual is a much more engaging experience and it also has the positive effect of forcing the driver to pay significantly more attention to their driving. Personally I know that driving a manual causes me to look farther ahead and plan my route through traffic better mostly because I want to start and stop as little as possible.

 

[thebrassnuckles]

I'm keeping my eyes open for a 3500 Dodge, and just read a very similar thread on Cummins Forum. The majority over there say autos are better overall. I was leaning towards a six speed, but between the wife giving stink eye for ever (she hates manuals), and hearing about all the problems discussed by t&a xj, I think I'll vote for the auto. Easier coffee drinking clinches it!

I just drove a 3500 cummins 6 speed, for 6 hours in traffic. Suck city. 1st gear is useless.. unless offroad I imagine. Shift pattern is extremely close. Not much fun. nothing like my 4runner.

my 1500 Ram is auto. I love it. I have the manual shift option for all gears. its awesome. slipping in mud? hammer down, transmissions got you covered.

 

[bob91yj]

My '91 Jeep Wrangler is a manual, the '05 is an auto. I'm learning to like the auto but still prefer the manual.

 

[Dave Bennett]

Good point. I often drive my auto-equipped 4runner like a manual, especially when pulling the trailer. I go back and forth between 4th and OD, and if I start climbing a steep hill I'll drop it down to 3. Going downhill I normally drop it out of OD, sometimes down to 3rd, off-road I'm often switching between 1-2 (nice thing about the Toyota A740 is that it has gear selection for all 5 gears, not all autos have that.)

This. I do the same in the Tacoma.

 

[Ozarker]

Done both for many years. It certainly depends, but all things considered, AUTO!

If your vehicle is dedicated to competition rock crawling maybe a manual, but if 90% of your use is running around town, down roads and traffic......well, there are comfort considerations, I'm tired of working clutches, turning a corner shifting while holding my coffee.

 

[craig333]

Never have burned up a clutch. Linkage issues rock crawling sure. Bump starting? Not something I worry about having three batteries and solar. I had no choice in my truck. I would have had to go out of state to get a manual. I do sit in traffic jams somewhat frequently and the auto is nice for that.

If I were 50 miles from anything and the auto broke I'd be screwed. A manual you can usually at least get to limp back.

Now the Jeep is ridiculously easy steal but I'm comforted knowing most thieves will see four shifters and just move on

Jimbo, I'm not sure why you think an auto is better in deep water. Please explain.

 

[Martinjmpr]

Jimbo, I'm not sure why you think an auto is better in deep water. Please explain.

Maybe just because there's less chance of accidentally killing the engine and having to restart?

 

[Buliwyf]

I prefer auto's in fullsize trucks and manuals in Jeeps.

Fullsize trucks are pretty much designed from the ground up for auto's. The only manual users I see anymore are folks who professionally haul cargo trailers or deliver RV's with F550 sized trucks.

And the autos are way more friendly for Detroit lockers in the rear.

 

[jronwood]

Hmm, that might explain the "I just ran over a large dog" feeling I used to get in my 550 manual w/ a Detroit. ...... Current 550 has a True-Trac and automatic and does drive/plow nice. For over the road, I would perfer manual. The bigger diesels seem to REALLY do better towing with an auto due to the turbo boost staying constant as you accelerate, but I DESPERATELY miss my manual for decellerating with heavy loads. as for simply downshifting an auto, that will overheat and auto QUICKER than a slow (converter not locked in) climb with marginal cooling (dont ask how I know, lets just say the largest trans cooler for $600 fixed the issue)

Manual

Jronwood

 

[thedjjack]

Bump starting? Not something I worry about having three batteries and solar...

all the batteries and solar would not have helped when my starter broke an internal part in the middle of no where...little push and we were off (there are a few autos you can roll start thank you Mercedes )...

 

[bftank]

manual all the way. self explanatory.

 

[bfdiesel]

Manual. Never had a manual lose a hose and burn up. Never had an automatic that I could roll start.
Don't get me wrong I loved my allison and newer autos do get as good or better mpg , but for down to the wire or an older platform which would I pick? Manual hands down.

 

[Regcabguy]

manual all the way. self explanatory.

X2 here. I had a DTT auto on my last Dodge which was great,but would get real hot in the lineup heading north through the border. Can't beat them in town,but I prefer the manual on my '07 and making the decision when to shift.
Prior to ordering my '07,I drove a 2006 with the 48re. Going from a built auto to a slushbox wasn't going to work and $5000 for a built one wasn't in the budget.

Just got to save up for an SBC dual friction 3250 dd in the spring.

That being said,after returning from a 3K vacation in the Beast it sure was nice hopping in my wife's Honda Pilot.

 

[JIMBO]

:sombrero: Heh Heh, well I'm refering to the jeep JK/JKUs, I also had danger warning in Nissan sticks--

Never have burned up a clutch. Linkage issues rock crawling sure. Bump starting? Not something I worry about having three batteries and solar. I had no choice in my truck. I would have had to go out of state to get a manual. I do sit in traffic jams somewhat frequently and the auto is nice for that.

If I were 50 miles from anything and the auto broke I'd be screwed. A manual you can usually at least get to limp back.

Now the Jeep is ridiculously easy steal but I'm comforted knowing most thieves will see four shifters and just move on

Jimbo, I'm not sure why you think an auto is better in deep water. Please explain.

Sometimes when crossing a creek/puddle (mud) and even snowmelt--if your driving a stick and have to reverse/chg gears, or clutch to start--the clutch disc is ruined, because the bell housing has-no-seal and everyting gets in--

If you can traverse these hazards without using the clutch--it's OK, but one time--"BAM"-the disc is a goner

The auto couldn't care less in any case and

Just for kicks--professional rockclimbers use autos !

Merry Xmas

:costumed-smiley-007:wings: JIMBO

 

[I Leak Oil]

Sometimes when crossing a creek/puddle (mud) and even snowmelt--if your driving a stick and have to reverse/chg gears, or clutch to start--the clutch disc is ruined, because the bell housing has-no-seal and everyting gets in--

If you can traverse these hazards without using the clutch--it's OK, but one time--"BAM"-the disc is a goner

Apparently someone forgot to tell my 4 speed that it's clutch should be dead then.....