All things manual must go?

[blue61]

Before ordering a new F-350 4x4, I'd like to wait until the 6.2L "Boss" V8 gasjob is available (MY2010?). Rumor has it though, that doing so might cause me to miss out on a few of my very favorite Super Duty trademarks (like I did in the '90’s when losing the floor-mounted high beam switch )...

• Manually locking hubs, to be replaced by ones similar to the auto-sensing type F-150s already employ.
• Manually shifting 2-speed transfer case, to be replaced by electronic push-button style, which is already available as an option.
• Manually shifting 6-speed transmission, to be removed, leaving only the automatic breed.

Somewhat related: I *hear* the solid front axle (such as the Dana "Super 60") will become limited to just those 4x4s equipped with DRW, leaving their SRW counterpart (which I am in the market for) with a new-fangled IFS. If true, I hope it will at least be as robust as the old Dana 50-based IFS found in F-250HD 4x4s between '88 and '97.

Based on recent statistics, I feared that Regular Cabs might also go the way of the Dodo. So, I dug around and was glad when I found a blurb indicating F-150s are actually reverting back to a TRUE regular cab soon. Phew! At least I feel confident I won't be forced into a 4-door pickup w/ 6’ bed anytime soon, hah.

Are there any facts out there to solidify (or calm!) my worry? And if true, have there been any proposed model year(s) in which they might take effect?

[shakinIH]

i have no clue as to weather these things are true or not. but i fell confident in the fact that one day the manual transmission will be the thing of legends, to be mentioned only by geezers around a campfire...."i remember when........"


and that will be a sad day............................................... ...........................

[blue61]

A sad day, indeed!

I found a couple links to the Tranny rumor here:
Ford Considers Leaving Manuals Off The Spec Sheet | Miscellaneous Blog & Opinions at Four Wheeler Magazine
and here:
Rumormill: Ford may drop manual from Super Duty lineup - Autoblog

[blue61]

I "answered" one of my own questions, and just wanted to share it...

Here a poster mentions the new front suspension rumor (with effective model year):
IFS 4X4 in 2011 - Blue Oval Forums

[shakinIH]

Originally Posted by blue61

I "answered" one of my own questions, and just wanted to share it...

Here a poster mentions the new front suspension rumor (with effective model year):
IFS 4X4 in 2011 - Blue Oval Forums

wow, that is a total joke. it just keeps getting worse, lol. maybe by 2015 all trucks will come standard w/ heated pink gucci leather wrapped stearing wheels. and by 2020 trucks wont even have the automatic lever anymore, just be push button actuated from the radio buttons on the wheel.

[bosefes]

I'm not saying that they will not do any of these things mentioned... But, compare the undercarriage from a 1985 or even a 1995 F350 to a new 2008 Super Duty, there is no comparison really. Everything is bigger and stronger. I think they went a little astray with the engine choices but I don't think you'll need to worry about having a weaker truck in the future. If they don't get the engines figured out maybe just a less reliable one. I do agree it would be a sad day if they dropped the Manual Trannys but you know there are kits to install that floor clicker for high/low beams if you want one back.
Oh and the OBS F250HD's had a Dana 50 IFS not a Dana 44 IFS..

Dave

[blue61]

Oh man, now I have two reasons to /palmface!

First, I didn’t know that the aftermarket had kits for those floor clickers – very cool! I'll research that later tonight.

And secondly, as embarrassed as I am now about saying the 4x4 F-250HD had Dana 44s up front, I’m really glad you caught my mistake. You are oh-so right. Dana 50s were used. (Duh, I should know that... having owned two) I’ll go back and edit my first post.

[jimmy]

The toughening emissions and low demand have killed manual trannies. With an electronic trans and electronic throttle, the torque of engine and the load change during shifts can be controlled. Whenever you lift to shift a stick the emissions spike on a gas motor or they spike on throttle apply in next gear on a diesel for an instant. Every one of these "holes" in regulating the emissions becomes a target area for scrutiny when the regs get tougher.
The stretched reg cab on f 150 was not matched by competitiors so I guess it goes as a result.

[shakinIH]

Originally Posted by jimmy

The toughening emissions and low demand have killed manual trannies. With an electronic trans and electronic throttle, the torque of engine and the load change during shifts can be controlled. Whenever you lift to shift a stick the emissions spike on a gas motor or they spike on throttle apply in next gear on a diesel for an instant. Every one of these "holes" in regulating the emissions becomes a target area for scrutiny when the regs get tougher.
The stretched reg cab on f 150 was not matched by competitiors so I guess it goes as a result.

jimmy: i agree 100% about the emissions part of the statement. but as far as demand goes i dont agree. yes, im sure if someone got a fact sheet out and showed sales comparisions that the autos WAY outsell the manuals, but what else does the consumer have to pick from???? the manufactuers want us to be mindless puppets in our vehicels. they want as lil input from the driver as possible, this minimizes accidents and undue stress or wear on the vehicle itself. they (the manufactuers) want us to do one thing when we buy a car/truck, pick the color. it is much easier, and cheaper in the manufactuering process to make the choices as small as possible. i.e. less odd ball parts to stock, less chance for a lineworker to make a mistake installing something, ect...

dodge doesnt have a hard time selling sticks. go to a dodge lot there is usually more than one new manual diesel truck on the lot. now go to 10 ford lots......good luck. go ask a used truck salesman what is the hardest vehicle to keep on the lot. DIESEL W/ A STICK SHIFT! ask ppl that have sticks, they love em. it seems to me that ford wants everybody to have a pewter, crew-cab shortbed, lariat, diesel, atutomatic.

what really cracks me up is that autos are still more expensive.... you would think that since the auto outsells the manual by a large market it would be the other way around. they want to have their cake and eat it too. eventually they will phase out the nocost manual while we arnt even looking, and yet they will still ask 1500 bucks for the automatic.