I would buy one! I definitely miss rowing through the gears of a zf6!

 

I loved my ZF6 truck, but the maintenance on a 20+ year old truck was getting out of hand.

 

So you would only buy a new f250 if it was stick shift? What exact model are you looking at and what do you currently drive?

 

I used to have an early 2000's F250 that was diesel and manual. It even had manual hubs and t-case. I loved it, but as I said above, the maintenance on a 20+ year old truck was getting out of hand.

View attachment 812687

Nothing wrong with skepticism.

Can we add manual transfer cases to our demands?

I'd be in favor of that, too. I loved the all manual 4 wheel drive.

rather than a 3rd pedal, I would argue the point of better control via the +\- on the shifter

I tried such a system on a company truck. I don't like it nearly as much as a real manual. And I know there's plenty of people that will say the same thing.

I wish they’d bring Back the floor bright lights trigger. If you don’t remember that then you’re not 45+ lol. It was brilliant and never understood why discontinued. Didn’t know you couldn’t get a manual anymore. That is sad. Options is a dying concept. Replaced with conformity. Very sad. Tried to order wife’s bronco with the keys like I have for my 19s. They said that’s not an option anymore.

I also loved the floor highbeam switch.

After spending a year with a 2020 F450 diesel and a 10 speed tranny, I would not even think of wanting a manual tranny. That diesel and tranny work together so slick. I could do without skipping second gear when unloaded, but I understand the newer models don't do that anymore.

The last manual tranny I had was a new 1966 Mustang 4 speed on the floor when I was much younger. I have had no desire to have a manual tranny since then. I bought that Mustang new 59 years ago next month. That will give you an idea of how much older I am now, which is too old to be using a clutch. My kids have never driven a manual tranny and don't want to.

BTW, very few of the semi's going out the door today are manual trannys. Most are some sort of auto tranny. I just hope manufacturers never revert to the days of the early Chevy single speed slushboxes.

When I heard Ford offered their diesel trucks with a "10 speed" I was hoping they meant an Eaton Fuller Super 10.

Why stop there? How about no power steering or brakes? Door locks? Mirrors? Seats? We can really go old school and take out the a/c and heater. Do we switch back to bias tires as well?

I think Chevy's base model truck has crank windows and regular door locks. I like pizza cutter tires, too.

And the wing glasses, starter buttons on the floor, and if you want to go way back,how about lanterns for lights 😝

Wing windows definitely need to make a comeback!

 

Here's quite a way to break the ice as a new member...


I plan to write a letter to Ford, urging them to bring back manual transmission options for their F-series and mid-size pickup trucks. This would appeal to a large group of enthusiasts and drivers who cherish the classic driving experience of a stick shift and clutch. However, I need your support. If you have a moment, please sign my petition in my bio to make your strong desire known to bring manual transmissions back! We need as many signatures as possible if we want this to happen!

 

Can we add manual transfer cases to our demands?

 

Now you are on to something.

 

I drove manual trans cars and trucks for 20+ years, but now I'm spoiled by my comfy F350 Lariat with great power and comfort. Plus I'm 67 and retired! 😁 😁 😁

 

I'm with you there. I'll be turning 69 in a couple months. 3 pedals and two hands driving was good for a time, but I'm good with 2 pedals and one hand now. Frees up a hand for traffic gestures and the occasional nose picking. C'mon - ya gotta do something in traffic! 🤪🤪🤪

 

I’ve become accustomed to eating while I drive and I start the moment I leave the gas pump. So automatic works for me.

 

Ah, yes. Manual transmissions and transfer cases; when men were men and women were women ... and trans only meant transmission.

 

I would like the option of a manual transfer case, and transmission. I love my automatic for daily driving though, it's just more comfortable. Manuals are great for certain things, but city driving is not one of those things.

 

rather than a 3rd pedal, I would argue the point of better control via the +\- on the shifter

 

I love that feature, great addition

 

I believe automatic transmissions these days are far superior to the manual being there’s very little momentum loss between shifts and they typically have very low maintenance regimen. I’ve changed the oil and filter twice on my 6R140 in 230,000 miles and it still hasn’t missed a beat.

I also believe twin disc transmissions are the future for trucks that haul heavy loads as it minimizes the very little momentum loss that’s experienced by the torque converter transmissions of today. That will make trucks more efficient and would decrease acceleration efforts under a heavy load.

I agree with Heavy GD in that I wish we had a more ergonomical way to control the manual shifts of today’s automatic. I wouldn’t mind a small retractable shifter in the center console situated so that I can shift it easily without lifting or stretching out my arm. This would make life much more enjoyable for those of us who haul heavy in the Rocky Mountains.

EDIT: Sometimes I wonder if posts like this are a manufacture’s way of inquiring with the public to better understand what the consumer is in need of or what options we’re seeking.

 

I believe automatic transmissions these days are far superior to the manual whereas very little momentum and they typically have very low maintenance regimen.

I believe twin disc transmissions are the future for trucks that haul heavy loads as it minimizes the very little momentum loss that’s experienced by the torque converter transmissions of today.

I agree with Heavy GD in that I wish we had a more ergonomical way to control the manual shifts of today’s automatic. I wouldn’t mind a small retractable shifter in the center console situated so that I can shift it easily without lifting or stretching out my arm. This would make life much more enjoyable for those of us who haul heavy in the Rocky Mountains.

There is this option

TapShifter/Exhaust Brake Ford F250/F350 6.0L Power Stroke 2003-2007

Get the total control you always dreamed of with a BD TapShifter. Kit includes a factory looking shift lever that gives you gear control at your fingertips.

us.bddiesel.com

 

Sure would cut down on the texting and driving. Or make it less safe because people will do it anyway.

 

I wish they’d bring Back the floor bright lights trigger. If you don’t remember that then you’re not 45+ lol. It was brilliant and never understood why discontinued. Didn’t know you couldn’t get a manual anymore. That is sad. Options is a dying concept. Replaced with conformity. Very sad. Tried to order wife’s bronco with the keys like I have for my 19s. They said that’s not an option anymore.

 

I'm not that old, but I know the high beam button of which you speak. I've owned a few trucks with it actually. If it doesn't have a physical key and ignition barrel, I won't buy it.

 

Along that line, auto high beams are garbage

 

The hardest learning curve for me has been this knob/dial to shift in the mopars

 

Agreed. My company vehicle is a Ram 1500 with that dumb knob. I still search for the column shifter every time I get into it.

 

428ci, manual transmission, manual transfer case, vent windows, high beams on the floor, engine control computer and diagnostics on the seat.

 

Nice ride! Probably even a manual 👍

From my experience, manuals were good for keeping lead foot drivers from blowing engines when pulling loads with F350s. The clutch would only last about 70k miles when I drove them pulling 35 ft gooseneck trailers and trying to jockey it back up to a work over rig. But I could outrun those dodges in reverse down a lease road 😆😆
What I’m trying to say is the reverse in ford’s zf6 was geared to high for trailering heavy loads at very low speeds. es in 2nd models.
By the way those floor dimmer switches were wired straight to the light and things get really dark when they short out

Ask me how I know 😢🫨

 

After spending a year with a 2020 F450 diesel and a 10 speed tranny, I would not even think of wanting a manual tranny. That diesel and tranny work together so slick. I could do without skipping second gear when unloaded, but I understand the newer models don't do that anymore.

The last manual tranny I had was a new 1966 Mustang 4 speed on the floor when I was much younger. I have had no desire to have a manual tranny since then. I bought that Mustang new 59 years ago next month. That will give you an idea of how much older I am now, which is too old to be using a clutch. My kids have never driven a manual tranny and don't want to.

BTW, very few of the semi's going out the door today are manual trannys. Most are some sort of auto tranny. I just hope manufacturers never revert to the days of the early Chevy single speed slushboxes.

 

What, no PowerGlide ? 70mph in low, wound up - 80mph in high, bogged down

 

Kind of like driving my ‘66 GT-350 with its manual transmission. Same with the Suzuki GS1100E. Used to love driving the Class 8’s on tests with the 13s. To each his own.

Not me …

 

After 'stirring' transmissions for over 3 million miles, I am a fan of automatics. There is nothing worse than rubber banding in traffic while having to stir the transmission. You learn to match the average speed of the traffic and ease up to stopped traffic just as they take off again. The main complaint of automatics in the past has been eliminated with lock up torque converters. I wish there were a feature in the 1- speed for unlocking the torque converter on downshift to make it less harsh.

The foot switch save my patoot one night when the headlight circuit went out on a '68 Freightliner. The foot switch turned on the fog lights and I was able to complete the mission.

 

The hardest learning curve for me has been this knob/dial to shift in the mopars

Agreed. My company vehicle is a Ram 1500 with that dumb knob. I still search for the column shifter every time I get into it.

It all started with the 1958 Ford Edsel with the Teletouch ....

 

Why stop there? How about no power steering or brakes? Door locks? Mirrors? Seats? We can really go old school and take out the a/c and heater. Do we switch back to bias tires as well?

 

We are talking about choices right? The choice to choose and auto or manual transmission. options, choices, freedom. Yes. Choice to order your truck with or without AC or radials, that would be rad. That’s freedom. Only scares sheep. Bring back the manuals!!

 

You forgot 8tracks and no seat belts in your rant

 

And the wing glasses, starter buttons on the floor, and if you want to go way back,how about lanterns for lights 😝

 

 

That was painful to watch.

 

After 45+ Years and 4 Million Plus Miles, I'm Sure I've Shifted 13 Spds, 15 Spds 18sps and a Couple of Old 2 Stick Transmissions Millions of Times. I'm getting kind of Spoiled to the Auto in my F-350 Dually, but I can see how some people would like a "Standard" Transmission in a Pickup Truck. 👍👌😉

 

I really think the Raptor steering wheel gives you the best of both worlds. Being able to use the engine brake, keep rpms where you need them, have instant acceleration, and make your brakes last more than twice as long is great. The reward of driving with precision and using these amazing engines the way they are designed is even better. It sucks with the shifter button on the arm. Putting a Powerstroke in D and forgetting about it is a good way to clog it up and create expensive problems.

I'm in a big city highway environment and my rear brakes were at 10% left in June of 2024. I still haven't used them up, 15,000 miles later. I have a 4" lift and 37's which are much harder on brakes and suspension, so I am getting more performance and the truck runs smoother and better than when I bought it at 85,000 miles. I'm at 117,000 now.

 

Over the last 30 years I've had probably 30 trucks and Jeeps. A large number of them with manual transmissions. In the "old days" (and by that I simply mean up until around 2000 or so) the reason people wanted manual transmissions is because they offered more gears (5 versus 3 or 4 in an automatic) and they achieved better fuel economy. Well, starting in the early 2000s we began seeing 5 speed auto transmissions, then 6, then 8, now 10. AND, new electronic controls and internal designs have eliminated a lot of the parasitic loss through the driveline with automatics. So today you get more gears and better MPG with an automatic versus a manual. And so, there's just no reason for a manual transmission in a truck anymore. This is compounded by the fact that automatics can hold more power than your typical 6 speed manual. That's why Ram derated the Cummins with manual trans until until 2019 or so and then ditched the manual trans altogether.

Lastly, emissions requirements are MUCH easier to reach with automatics, because the OE can control the powertrain electronically. This makes the EPA happy. That's why many muscle cars with manual transmissions got hit with "gas guzzler tax" over the last couple of decades.

I still have a manual trans in my muscle cars. But for my daily driver trucks....give me an automatic!

There is a zero percent chance Ford will ever put a stick in a Super Duty. Too many reasons against it....

 

Over the last 30 years I've had probably 30 trucks and Jeeps. A large number of them with manual transmissions. In the "old days" (and by that I simply mean up until around 2000 or so) the reason people wanted manual transmissions is because they offered more gears (5 versus 3 or 4 in an automatic) and they achieved better fuel economy. Well, starting in the early 2000s we started seeing 5 speed auto transmissions, then 6, then 8, now 10. AND, new electronic controls and internal designs have eliminated a lot of the parasitic loss through the driveline with automatics. So today you get more gears and better MPG with an automatic versus a manual. And so, there's just no reason for a manual transmission in a truck anymore. This is compounded by the fact that automatics can hold more power than your typical 6 speed manual. That's why Ram derated the Cummins with manual trans until until 2019 or so.

I still have a manual trans in my muscle cars. But for my daily driver trucks....give me an automatic!

There is a zero percent chance Ford will ever put a stick in a Super Duty. Too many reasons against it....

Agreed. Most people now cannot drive a standard, so automatics are the only choice.