Hand shaker???

[WV Diesel]

Is it true that Ford is doing away with the hand shaker just like chevy did? If they are my next truck will be a Dodge......Trucks are supposed to have three pedals not 2!!

[APEowner]

It's true. I'm also thinking that it might be time for a Dodge.

the autos are so far advanced that they will out perform the sticks all around... its the world we are in now

[Ryan Rønning]

Yes I have heard it is true. I may go the way of the Dodge to if I cant get a 2010 F450 with a stick.

[elibenson]

That is true. The only reason why dodge still offers one is because they can't make a decent automatic. The new Ford automatic is a 6 speed with two overdrives. The gears and clutches are designed to hold any gear as though it is a manual. It also has a re-designed fluid system that reduces parasitic loss of power. Also a bigger torque converter that can be locked at a lower gear.

Basically, there is no need for a manual. They may also have made the change due to emission standards. The truck has more control over emissions with a computer controlled transmission. Being computer controlled, it also lets you set any gear, or do manual up or down shifts.

One thing they are changing on the new engine is that the bell housing flange is a standard size and bold pattern. It is designed to mate up to the new automatic, but also to bigger transmissions that will be used with the engine in medium duty trucks. This could mean that you could put a big truck allison or manual in it perhaps with some cutting or changing perhaps.

[azkcr]

When I first heard about it 2-3 months ago, I was ticked.. But then I started warming up to the idea because my 4dr long box stick is not the easiest thing to maneuver in the city. So it'll be nice when there are a few used ones on the market in 3-4yrs

[APEowner]

I sure sound like the auto is going to be a nice unit and with the manual override I don't think I'll mind it when I'm towing but I've got some issue with it for plowing.

I'm skeptical about it holding up in that environment. Plowing is about the worst thing you can do with an auto since their pretty much constantly in that high slip, heavy load mode with no air running through the cooler for hours on end.

I have the snow plow joystick mounted on the shifter in my truck so I can steer, adjust the plow and change direction all at the same time. Between that and the ability to change direction more or less instantly (which you can't do with an auto without tearing it up) I can clear snow in the tight, weirdly shaped places I plow a lot quicker than I can with an auto.

The other problem I have with an auto is when I'm sneaking the plow uphill next to a garage door or something so I can back drag from it. I can ease up to it at idle with a stick. I keep light pressure on the brake and tease it up with the clutch. I can drop the plow within an inch or so of the door. With an auto you have to have the RPMs up enough to get the truck to move with your right foot and hold it back with your left on the brake. I can do that but it's nowhere near as precise, it's hard on the transmission and if the A/C clutch cycles (because the defroster is on) that snowplow can be an inch or two on the other side of the door before you know what happened.

[Cutty72]

I heard a reason for dropping the Manual was with the variable vane turbo it works better with an auto as the computer is controlling both.

I know they have said that in manual mode the new tranny won't upshift, even when held at redline, but I am curious about the other way. Will the trans hold a higher gear and allow the engine to lug down to 600 RPM or so, or is it going to downshift far sooner?

[SuperStroked]

It is true. My bud just ordered a 2010 so he could get a manual tranny. i believe that 2010 is the last year that they are available. In my opinion, and like a few others have said, the auto tranny's that are out now are just as good if not better than manual ones.

[SANDSAILOR]

2010 is in deed the last year for a manual in a 6.4. The 2011 is all auto but who knows maybe they will bring it back as a half year model or a 2012 model.