Why do Ford Diesel Vans come with automatic transmisssions only and not manual/clutch versions? - Diesel Forum

BravestDog · 05-15-2003, 02:14 PM

Can anyone tell me why the diesel ford vans come only as automatics?

Why aren't manual/clutch transmissions used?

If you had the choice between an automatic vs a manual/clutch transmission in a diesel van, which would you choose and why?

Thankyou for your opinions.

BravestDog

yaric008 · 05-15-2003, 06:30 PM

I never really looked it up but i figured you could get a manual in a van. I would guess there is space issues or the shifting lever would be like.. 5 feet long.

Torstein · 05-15-2003, 06:36 PM

I have a VW Caravelle with the engine in the back and manuell tranny. It has about 15 ft shifting lever ... It works perfect.

Torstein

Larry M · 05-15-2003, 06:47 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Can anyone tell me why the diesel ford vans come only as automatics?

Why aren't manual/clutch transmissions used?

[/ QUOTE ]

Really don't know but the Vans are mainly people haulers ... what else can haul 12 or 15 passengers as a POV or commercial use vehicles and the Auto is a better choice for these uses. Just look at how many commercial vans are Fords and would you want/trust every employee to be able to handle a hand shaker and why would it be better in these two main uses than the Auto. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]

[ QUOTE ]
If you had the choice between an automatic vs a manual/clutch transmission in a diesel van, which would you choose and why?

[/ QUOTE ]

Auto, don't need or want the manual or hassle of it with how I use my Van ... I chose one gear (D) and can go 5, 10, 100, 1000 miles and never move anything unless I stop and turn the engine off.

Larry

yaric008 · 05-15-2003, 08:49 PM

Another advantage to the auto is you never have to worry about killing yourself on boat ramps. Pulling out of boat ramps with a manual can be tricky sometimes, specially if the person driving doesn't drive that vehicle much.

toalpi · 05-15-2003, 09:31 PM

My first van (in 1983) was a 1978 E100, straight six with three on the tree. Larger than stock rear tires and off roading was tough on the clutch(es). After the third clutch I put in a three speed with over drive and the floor shift. From 75 to 86 the manual transmission was only available with the 6 cylinder. I'm guessing that the introduction of the AOD transmission is why the manual option disappeared. It was pretty tight with 4 pedals in there too. An auto is better in the snow also, since most vans don't carry alot of weight in the back most of the time. Tony

Johnny96 · 05-15-2003, 09:47 PM

Most people are either too lazy to be bothered, or simply have no clue how to operate a clutch. Every time I drive the Econoline-chassis shuttles at work I wish I had a 6-speed. Slushpumps are for grandmothers & people with one leg. Give me a manual transmission. Every time. No exceptions.

jbhall · 05-22-2003, 04:18 AM

hey guys,

I'm new on the Forum because I never knew it existed here until a few days ago.

I'd just like to add that I know Ford made straight drive vans until around 88-89. I think they were four speeds, but I've never seen one myself. I'm just posting here to let you know that I've been looking to switch the body on my 86 Quigley 351W C-6 Dana 44 and try to swap it over to a Dana 60 diesel 6-spd straight drive while the body's off (the last owner abused it and I mainly bought it for the chassis anyway).

Less desirable would be build the 351 or go 460, but I'd prefer a diesel. If anyone has ANY info, I'd REALLY appreciate it. I can't find anything about straight drives anywhere.

Thanks for all the great posts.

J

PS - I can't get on www.fordcummins.com to find out about the swap. Anybody know anything about them?

GraemeDiesel · 05-23-2003, 10:15 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Most people are either too lazy to be bothered, or simply have no clue how to operate a clutch. Every time I drive the Econoline-chassis shuttles at work I wish I had a 6-speed. Slushpumps are for grandmothers & people with one leg. Give me a manual transmission. Every time. No exceptions.

[/ QUOTE ]

I agree completely.

Torstein · 05-23-2003, 04:22 PM

Well you shold try to combine an automatic and a manual.

I drive my wifes SAAB occasionally, and you should hear the sound of me putting it in reverse [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/phoney.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/phoney.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/phoney.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/phoney.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/phoney.gif[/img]

Torstein

(It is a miracle that it is still possible ...)

Johnny96 · 05-23-2003, 08:57 PM

I have both. And I only tried to "push the clutch & shift" once in Liz's K-Blazer.

However, I've waited for glow plugs in her Cherokee & my Cadillac a few times.

Defective · 05-23-2003, 09:32 PM

Every time I get into one of those silly chevy vans at work, I turn the key & can't find the light...usually takes me a minute or two to remember they're gas (under)powered. Makes the boss mad when I tell her the glowplug system is dead in one of her chevys...