6sp manual - Diesel Forum

1640 · 10-15-2007, 05:58 AM

I'm looking at a new truck, what are you guys thoughts on the manual. I don't do a lot of towing.

1abnengr2 · 10-15-2007, 12:15 PM

I have both. Auto in 99 and 6-speed in 08. The auto is much better for normal stop and go driving but I personnally like the manual for towing and heavy hauling. If you're not towing I would recommend the auto.

OMCUSNR · 10-15-2007, 12:42 PM

In a new truck, you most likely will have to special order a manual trans. Less than 10% of ALL vehicles are now made with manual transmissions.

I have to agree with abnenger, as well. They both have strong points and much is going to depend on your style of driving and personal preferences. I do most of my driving on the highway, over 80%, so there really is little shifting involved. In a heavy traffic situation, it might be better to have the auto. Another real consideration is your spouse / significant other. Can THEY drive a manual? (mine can't and it about ruined our marriage trying to teach her - I gave up).

OMC

Stealth03TDI · 10-15-2007, 02:11 PM

I agree with all the others that it depends on your driving. Also it appears from what I've read here the auto's have a 1-2 mpg penalty. I average high 19's low 20 with the manual, but hate to think if I had to commute to DC every day.

It really depends on your mission profile

1640 · 10-15-2007, 02:42 PM

Are the manual's easy to shift? I can't find any dealers around here that have one to test drive. I've drove a manual Dodge but no Fords. I'm still thinking alittle about a v10 6sp also instead of the 6.4 with all of this emissions with the 6.4. I do alot of short driving, I live 1 mile from work and this re-gen stuff gets me alittle worried.

OMCUSNR · 10-15-2007, 09:31 PM

If the 6.4 is going to be a daily driver & you only live a mile from work, its not the truck for you. In fact, a F-250 V-10 might not even be the right truck for you unless you tow a 15,000# camper on a regular basis.

Or, since you only live a mile from work, a bike or a brisk walk will help defray the fuel costs, so you could get the 6.4 for that honkin' big trailer. [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif[/img]

6SPDMANUAL · 10-15-2007, 09:50 PM

what are your traffic conditions? driving a stick for some people in traffic is not fun. i dont mind it, but thats me.
a gas 6speed with a v10 or v8 would pull good up to about the 13k ish. it will pull more, but when the weight gets up more than that you really notice the better power range for pulling of the diesel. also how long do you keep the truck? a gas, low mileage one owner about 8 to 10 years old is a real good seller. sounds like this maybe you truck when you are done? diesels get expensive to fix after they get older. i put injectors in one of my two trucks, 2900 plus labor. an auto just makes some things more comfy. but i know when i go thru the scholl zones i wish i had my stick cuase idle in 3rd was great. and it would idle at 32-33 ish in 6th for the residential comute i do. now its push let off, push let off.

Ugly-Jeep-Truck · 10-16-2007, 02:30 AM

If the manual is anything like the ZF6 I had in my silverado 2500HD it's very easy to shift, nothing like the dodge at all. I could shift it as fast as my mustang. Pattern is a bit unusual if you're used to traditional sticks, Reverse is where you think first is, and 1st/low is where 2nd should be. If you forget about Lo and reverse, it drives like a 5 speed.

1640 · 10-16-2007, 07:49 AM

I'll usually keep a truck for 6yrs, if I find one I like, it would be longer. I don't really need this big of a truck but its easier to use a big truck for small work than a little truck for heavy work. Does ford derate the 6.4 with the manual like dodge? I haven't been able to find any thing that says so, but they usually don't put it in bold print that there trannys can't take the power.