Manual or Auto?

[DXprowler]

Originally Posted by NickBeek

DX, when the Torqueshift downshifts the computer also manipulates the vanes in the VG turbo to create back pressure AKA exhaust braking.

Well to a small degree but nothing like a real exhaust brake such as a Pacbrake, a Jacobs or the one made by Banks. I believe that to be the question and 6L and 6.4L enginges equiped with the Torqshift have nothing like this! If you can direct me towards a link that can explain it better, then please do so. BTW it's spelled Torqshift... drop the "qe"!

[CMB430]

I have been watching and waiting to reply to this thread. Many people buy the auto transmission models, and they use them to tow with. Big dumps and some Semi trucks now come with auto transmissions. I have driven many automatic vehicles, and sometimes it is nice to just press and go. But, for the vehicles I am making the monthly payment on, I prefer the manual trans. As others have stated, they are simpler and cheaper to repair. Besides having a squeek, which I fixed because the dealer could not, I have had no problems. With the manual hubs, manual transfer case and manual transmission, that is three less computers with which to worry about. Plus, it knocks quite a bit off the sticker. It has been stated already, shifting becomes second nature. I use it as an exuse not to drive and talk, which urks the hell out of me when others do it. The best of luck in your decision.

[yukondiesel]

The major reasons for commercial trucks going to automatics:
Drivers abuse clutches
Avoids lugging or over-speeding engines
Autos soften shocks to drivelines
Torque multiplication in the converters allow the use of higher diff ratios

I like my manual in my Vette because its fun to drive. I might even like the manual in my truck, except I will NEVER plow snow with a manual again. The auto handles the variable loads from that kind of work MUCH better than the clutch and it handles the "back and forth" in my kind of plowing MUCH better. Its a matter of application and personal preference ...just my observations...Joe

[torino73]

I have a buddy that's been plowing for nearly 30 years, and no, you don't want a stick. Autos go much faster in reverse, and that will nearly double your production plowing.

[Justin C.]

I'm not sure on the 6-speed being rated to tow less, but if it's the same 6-speed Ford has been using for years, it's not because it can't handle the power. I know guys putting 800hp through them as a daily driver and weekend puller with zero problems.

Justin

[fairmontdave]

I've had sticks in everything except my 1996 F250. I've had some races in which I had wished I had a stick because the automatic always shifts well short of redline. One day, with the truck heavily loaded, (2 ton camper, I know...), the transmission died. Upon further review, the torque converter actually warped, taking out the front pump and turning it into many little pieces. I rebuilt the transmission myself, my 5th automatic, ( a couple of C4's, a C6, and an AOD, and then the E4OD). At 100,000, I was amazed at the condition of the seals, they were almost brand new. Older automatics were lucky to last 100k because they became hard and brittle, seals have come a long way since I started playing with autos. I didn't need to replace them, I only did it because I was worried about the metal floating around after the pump gears busted into 5 pieces.
My 2007 Mazdaspeed 6 has a 6 speed, the girls Focii have 5 speeds, my 1985 Capri and 1989 Mustang both had 5 speeds, (blew my budies automatic 5.0 into the weeds).
I still juggle the coffee, the cell, and manage to shift into the right gears in my car. But, the truck will have an automatic, since it is recreational, and I want to just press on the diesel pedal, and relax. I don't know if I will pull the automatic in my next truck, but I don't trust other mechanics either.

[olddieseldude]

I've always liked sticks over automatics but traditionally an automatic takes better care of the engine, as someone mentioned earlier it absorbs driveline shocks that otherwise find there way into the engine. I don't have experience to back this up but I would suspect that, unlike driving empty, when towing a load, fuel mileage of a manual may be very similar to the automatic anyway. To me the primary advantage to the manual is the ability to keep rpms low while transitioning to high gear, but higher rpms are necessary under load anyway. Also, the locking torque convertor clutch in modern automatics reduces/eliminates slippage at speed anyway.

[bobbyc03]

My auto tranny (5 speed) 3.73 axle with 17" wheels spins 1750 RPM at 60mph. I rarely go over 60mph cause it's a work truck and the MPG's go down.

Our work is about to buy another 08 f250, and it's going to be a manual 6 speed with 3.73 axle (unfortunately ford doesn't offer the 3.55 with a manual tranny.)

I was just wondering how the 6th speed on the manual matches the 5th speed on the auto? Will it rev lower at 60mph?

Thanks,
Bob C

[thomatt12]

Even though the manual would be a wiser option especially with the high price of gas. I would still choose automatic for it's more convenient especially on traffic.

__________________
Autopartswarehouse

[tfunk88]

bought an '08 F450 Lariat, Job 1, pretty much every option except Nav (I have decided that creature comforts are quite nice!) with 30k miles on it. Truck drove better than any other I tested. Truck is awesome, 4.30 ratio and gets around 18-20mpg empty so far relatively level ground 60mph. No, not hand calculated since I've really only put 100miles on the truck and haven't filled it back up. Has not had software update 8-13-02 done, don't know if I want to risk it since it seems to be getting better mileage right now than most report. Towing to Atlanta from DC tomorrow, we'll see how it goes!

[Mark Kovalsky]

Originally Posted by bobbyc03

I was just wondering how the 6th speed on the manual matches the 5th speed on the auto? Will it rev lower at 60mph?

Fifth on the auto is 0.71:1. Sixth on the manual is 0.72:1. The manual will rev 1.4% faster in top gear. So if the auto is turning 1750 RPM the manual will turn 1774 RPM.

[bobbyc03]

Thanks Mark! What I should do (if money wasn't a factor) is to get the manual with the 3.73LS, and then have a shop put the ford 3.55 in the front/rear.

Then the shop could take the 3.73 LS and put it in our current 3.73 open diff. Half of my work sites are towers at the end of steep dirt/gravel roads, and quite a few of them require me putting the truck in 4x4 mode because one of the rear tires starts spinning.

Sounds like a plan to me!
Bob C