Standard or Automatic?

[caissiel]

I have my truck wiring diagram.
As a used truck its scary at how many sensors on a modern automatic transmission.
Not for me.

[IamJerryP]

The advent of reliable 5. and 6 speed auto transmissions has killed the market for manuals, along with the dumbing down of our culture. Companies are simply responding to the market.
I personally love a manual for real driving.
People simply do not know how to drive an manual anymore, much like most people can't change a car tire, air filter, or their own oil.....

[Chuck24]

Originally Posted by caissiel

I have my truck wiring diagram.
As a used truck its scary at how many sensors on a modern automatic transmission.
Not for me.

That's true-but there is just as many sensors controlling your motor. And a bunch of smart chips inside your radio and other places.

[jamesrxx951]

Originally Posted by caissiel

I have my truck wiring diagram.
As a used truck its scary at how many sensors on a modern automatic transmission.
Not for me.

Not that many. Most sensors are shared with the engine controls. The specific sensors for a Ford transmission is an Output Shaft Speed sensor, Turbine Shaft Speed sensor, Transmission Fluid Temp sensor, and Transmission Range sensors. All of which pretty much never fail. The solenoids are pretty much in the same boat as the sensors. While it is true a manual tranny does not have any sensors but there are also wearable parts on a manual that I have seen many people need a tow for repairs. Cannot say I have ever seen anyone need a tow for a bad sensor of any kind due to fail safes.

[Scottybdivin]

I always drove standard trannys in my Fords up until the 6spd came out in the new 99's. I had it for 60K mi and passed it down to one of my foremen. It was just too much shifting in heavy traffic, for a daily driver.

[rlwithrow]

Most all people today need an automatic so they can eat their Big Mac, put on eye shadow,text, surf the web, talk on their cell phone or read the news paper...

[laj]

ie females. that when they started to gravitate more to autos is when they became kid haulers and used to go get groceries. sad.

[RoyM]

What Scotty said. The clutch work and constant shifting get really old in city driving. Plus with the slush pump I can put one of the grand kids between us before she spills her sister's blood on the rear seat.
I did hate the auto in a medium duty truck I got stuck with driving. The shift points were too high, engine was screaming much of the time, and fuel mileage was atrocious.

[Texas Bohunk]

Originally Posted by WaterFolk

I'm contemplating buying a used F350 with a 6-spd. What has your experience been with a 5-6spd towing a heavy 5er?
I currently have an F350 w/auto tran but am looking at a screaming deal on the std (because it's std).
Constructive comments please.

Standards are ok until you get into heavy traffic. Get caught in a traffic jab for an hour or longer and you will be looking for a place to trade your standard for an automatic.

[Randy Q]

I am in similar situation as OP but looking at the 03-06 model yrs, and Dodge in lieu of Ford, as I understand more engine issues started in 07. Info on these model years would be greatly appreciated. Have same concerns as some stated about wife being able to drive the Manual, she is fairly handy with a straight shift in cars, but truck with load, on a hill?? We are planning on full time RVing later this yr and truck & 5th wheel yet to be purchased. I am seeing a lot of 06 models with auto tranny having just been rebuilt with 220-260k miles, what would normal life of clutch be? and cost to replace?

All constructive advice welcomed and appreciated. Was Looking at 2002 Ford with the 7.3 but seems the dodge yrs mentioned can be bought for less than the last yrs of 7.3 in a nice dually, with larger selection. Thoughts on that matchup as well?

[caissiel]

My wife tested our truck, I was on the passenger seat most of the time. She was ok with it so we bought.
Diesels are better to take off from start then gas cars.
The Heavy trucks have a lower gear then 1st gear that makes take of loaded or unloaded in hills a breeze.
I had a Standard Ranger towing heavy once and it was very hard not to stall it in the hills while taking off. Had to use low range to get going and back to high on flat ground.
A friend with a Ram went through a clutch within 1st 60k miles.
4 x 4 manual hubs like only the Fords have can save the clutch while parking in though situation. I use 4 x 4 low range often.
Its my 4 th standard 4 x 4 truck and would not have any other. Had an automatic GM was ok but traded due to transmission getting old.
Therefore my only choice for a standard is a Ford. Though I would believe there are much more Ram in those Years having standard tranny. Had a GM standard but many times wanted to put a manual front end lockout to use the low range. Never had it long enough to do it.

[WaterFolk]

Thanks for all the input. Most of my driving is highway so I guess I wouldn't be averse to the standard. It'll probably be up to the DW.

[elkhornsun]

Automatic transmissions absorb some of the shock between the drivetrain and the load and this makes parts last longer. Towing capacity is greater with the automatic transmissions and for towing purposes they are smarter than the average driver by a wide margin. GM has a tow haul mode that integrates with the cruise control to select the best gear based on the upgrade or downgrade to minimize heat in the transmission and to keep the speed under control. I have gone done many 10 degree grades without having to touch the brakes or touch the transmission controls and stayed within the speed at which I first tapped the brakes. I grew up using manual transmissions on jeeps and sports cars and trucks but for towing the automatic transmissions are the best solution. Drag racers switched to automatic transmissions in the 1970's so they can take the heat. My automatic handles 765 lb-ft of torque from the diesel engine which I would not be doing with a clutch and expecting long life or reliability.

[jamesrxx951]

Originally Posted by elkhornsun

Automatic transmissions absorb some of the shock between the drivetrain and the load and this makes parts last longer. Towing capacity is greater with the automatic transmissions and for towing purposes they are smarter than the average driver by a wide margin. GM has a tow haul mode that integrates with the cruise control to select the best gear based on the upgrade or downgrade to minimize heat in the transmission and to keep the speed under control. I have gone done many 10 degree grades without having to touch the brakes or touch the transmission controls and stayed within the speed at which I first tapped the brakes. I grew up using manual transmissions on jeeps and sports cars and trucks but for towing the automatic transmissions are the best solution. Drag racers switched to automatic transmissions in the 1970's so they can take the heat. My automatic handles 765 lb-ft of torque from the diesel engine which I would not be doing with a clutch and expecting long life or reliability.

I also rather tow or even have a daily driver or even a just for fun car/truck with an automatic. Todays transmissions are so much better than what was out there 12 or 13 years ago. With GM going with the Allison and Ford building their torqshift transmissions, drivability, towing, reliability has
increased substantially. Autos and "slip the torque converter" to get you going in that up hill start when slipping a clutch even in creeper gear can still cause harm to a clutch. Just about everyone now uses Tow/Haul mode to help with up hills and down hill management. If you want to see something really fun go to H&S performance on you tube. Look for duramax breaking point and ford 6.7L breaking point. The new Ford torqshift handled 890HP and 1650 TQ before it started to slip. It didn't kill the trans because they beat on it later. A stock Duramax went to almost 1000HP before the engine grenaded. The Allison needed beefed upped for those runs. Pretty neat to see what your dollars get you now.