No more Manual Transmission !!!

[TimboDiesel]

I've driven a manual all of my life, truck, Jeep, VW, etc. and find out that Ford doesn't put a manual with the diesel option....WTF?

It's been a while since I've researched new trucks, obviously.

Are the automatics that good? I always thought the manual tranny was supposed to be better in nearly every way: cheaper, less weight, less maintenance, better pulling power, better MPG. The only downside -- you have to shift gears, which is not a problem for me.

Dodge Ram is the only one now putting a manual with their diesel. But I've always liked the Ford products I've bought.

What do y'all think about driving these diesel automatics?

Thanks.

[dhanna6powerstroke]

You can't beat the new autos and the auto weighs less that the ZF6 that use to be behind the 7.3, 6.0 and 6.4's.

[pete37922]

I luv my zf-6 in my 06 F350...had 2 order it tho...

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[6.0f250firstcar]

The new autos are tuned to the engine and they are so efficient that there isn't enough of a reason for ford to offer a manual trans I guess. Plus, the new autos can handle more power and use it better. You can still get a manual in the ram but they detune the engine by 200 ft-lbs of torque if you choose a stick.


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[TimboDiesel]

Weird, I also noticed the Ram had 200 ft.-lbs. less of torque with the manual, couldn't figure that out. Are they afraid you're gonna bust an axle or strip a gear?

I still can't imagine that an automatic is smarter than a good driver. Am I one of the few that still think Ford ought to put a stick with their diesel?

Was it '08 or'09 that Ford took away the manual option?

[kendallcschm]

Originally Posted by TimboDiesel

Weird, I also noticed the Ram had 200 ft.-lbs. less of torque with the manual, couldn't figure that out. Are they afraid you're gonna bust an axle or strip a gear?

I still can't imagine that an automatic is smarter than a good driver. Am I one of the few that still think Ford ought to put a stick with their diesel?

Was it '08 or'09 that Ford took away the manual option?

i think they should ALWAYS offer the option, I would always choose a manual if i have the option to just because i enjoy driving a manual more and i don't always like the way my transmission shifts. I do like that they offer a manual mode on the new auto though, and its supposed to be the most stout transmission ford has ever made.

[TimboDiesel]

Regarding the Dodge trucks, I think they de-tune the engine mated with the stick because auto's NEED more torque to pull the same load.

[99' Powerstroke]

I too love driving a manual transmission. It's just more fun for me. I think they don't offer it anymore because it's cheaper for them to just eliminate it entirely because so few people want it. Their new automatic just sounds like a very complicated and expensive option. Newer trucks seem to be for people who trade in their vehicles before the warranty expires because they're getting harder and harder to work on yourself, and you'd almost need to take out a second mortgage on your house to take it to a shop.

I won't be needing a newer truck for a very long time, but I might just rebuild mine when the time comes.

[05_PSD_Erik]

Originally Posted by TimboDiesel

Weird, I also noticed the Ram had 200 ft.-lbs. less of torque with the manual, couldn't figure that out. Are they afraid you're gonna bust an axle or strip a gear?
The "official" answer that was cropping up a LOT was the factory could not get a clutch to hold up to the torque the new engines make Thus the 'reason' the Dodge is derated in manual tran form
I still can't imagine that an automatic is smarter than a good driver. Am I one of the few that still think Ford ought to put a stick with their diesel?

Was it '08 or'09 that Ford took away the manual option?
2010 was the last year you could get a handshaker in the Ford Diesel with the 6.4 the 2011 6.7 PSD is not available with anything but the auto, I am a huge fan of a manual but I will say these new Ford autos (like my 08 and dad's 11) are pretty darn good transmissions

Replies in red

In reference to my first reply about not being able to install a clutch that holds up to these torque numbers:
Yes, we know that South Bend and other clutch companies make some AWESOME clutches that will easily hold north of 1000 lbs of torque, but, these clutches are noisy and can cause a really stiff pedal that is a nightmare to hold in (I never held mine in at a stop, but some do) and though we CHOOSE to deal with these minor nuances, these are not things that a factory will install off the assembly line.

Just take a look at the intake piping found on the average gas engine, piece of pipe hooked to the filter housing that also has odd shaped chambers and bends throughout the pipe work for one purpose, keep it quiet. No the factory setup is not the nest flowing option, hence cold air kits, but it is a functional design and there are people that if they drove a car and could hear the noises created by a high flow filter setup (the woosh at initial throttle application and the nice sucking howl of an intake at full throttle) they would whine, cry, and complain that the car makes weird 'horrible' noises. Same with the stiff heavy duty clutches. Basically, they CAN install clutches to handle 800+ lbs of torque, but they WON'T because the "average" consumer sucks and is a wuss(from a performance/modified stand point)...

[pete37922]

Can always buy an auto and have a handshaker put in if u have the money 2 swap them...

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