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Stick Or Automatic? In A Land Where The Stick Is Hardly Available, Which Would You Prefer In Your Tow Rig?


Stick Or Automatic? In A Land Where The Stick Is Hardly Available, Which Would You Prefer In Your Tow Rig?

Since the late 1980s less and less manual transmission equipped cars have been sold. And 1990 was the pinnacle of manual transmission truck production according to the EPA. Ever since, the numbers have declined each year. Which is why it is no surprise that MANY manufacturers no longer even offer a manual transmission in any of their vehicles. You can’t buy a full-size pickup in the United States that has a manual transmission in it anymore. But all that doesn’t stop us from debating which one is better in our hot rods, our race cars, or our trucks. Drag racers have argued about it for years. Off-road guys are always arguing over which is better for rock crawling, and I don’t think there will EVER be a definitely answer as to which one is better there. In the Pro Touring world, most people feel that the Tremec overdrive 6 speed transmissions are the way to go, although some are starting to experiment with lockup converters in overdrive automatics.

But whether or not a manual transmission is, or was, offered in your ride might not matter thanks to companies like American Powertrain who offer awesome swap kits and components.

So without worrying about whether one was available, or will be available, in your rig which one would you prefer and why. Remember, we’re talking about your tow rig, not your 1969 Camaro.

So let us know which one you prefer, and feel free to be specific on a model of trans even if you want.

 


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9 thoughts on “Stick Or Automatic? In A Land Where The Stick Is Hardly Available, Which Would You Prefer In Your Tow Rig?

  1. Jav343

    I’ll take the manual transmission every time in this instance. They double as effective anti-theft devices, too.

  2. Oklxs03

    Gimme’ a turbo 7.3 with a ZF 5 speed in any super/crew cab dually Ford and I’m a happy guy! Runner up Cummins 5spd Dodge …

  3. KCR

    Manual only. Had a 98 Dodge with a Cummins . Sold it at 250k miles and it had the original clutch. Learn how to shift ,and you only use the clutch for taking off. Besides if a rebuild has to be done. Its a lot less money than an 8 speed auto would be. No cooling lines ,no computer messing up and putting you in limp mode. Its a tow rig not your daily.And comes in handy ,for downshifting to slow down. Too many people have a lazy left foot.

  4. Donny Chops

    Manual of course . There’s a reason 99% of big trucks have manual trans . I offered my 65 year old brother in law my Corvette while he was here on a visit but he said no thanks ….I can’t drive a stick so Jav343 is spot on with the anti theft comment .

  5. Patrick u

    After owning/driving a power stroke with a 6 speed for several years, give me an automatic all day long. Newer automatic transmissions are far superior to manuals in every way.

  6. Eric

    You can still get a Dodge Ram Diesel with a Manual Trans, that’s the only Full Size to still have one. Thankfully you can still get a Tacoma, Frontier, and Colorado in a Manual but the Colorado is only available in 4×2.

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