Auto or manual?

[blairboyd]

which is best for offroad? with auto you don't stall, and i hear all this stuff about all of the torque going to the rear in manual. but with manual i'm sure you have more control, maybe. i don't know, what do you think?

[Joker®]

Don't let the auto fool ya, you can still manually shift to 1st and 2nd if needed. With a few engine mods, I'm getting almost 21 MPG. You can stall an auto, it's just a little harder to do than a manual tranny :) I can't tell ya how an auto handles the rocks, there ain't ant around here, but it runs the mud pits with narry a problem :t

[Bull]

This is kinda of a personal preference question anyhow. I know people that will stand toe to toe with someone over this. I see benefits with both setups. With the automatic there is no shifting and no clutch to worry about burning up. But if you rev it up some, it will put you into another gear. You can manually select a gear, but a manual tranny is what ever gear you need until you decide to change it. The manual tranny you have to worry about the transmission specific parts, clutch disk, bearings and flywheel, and they do need to be replaced on occasion. But you can select what gear you want. Another problem is the fact of needing 3 legs to work the pedals. This problem can be rectified by installing a hand throttle on your shifter so you can use your feet for the clutch and brake and your right hand for the gas and shifting while steering with your left. I prefer a manual tranny, because it can be more fun shifting, but I also recognize the fact that they can be a PITA in city stop and go driving.

[thejeepingoat]

i love my manual tranny, but if you have an automatic, you can put a shift kit in and have the same selectability as a manual. drag racers often use them. availabiltiy for specific trannys...i dont know.

-goat

[TjCowboy]

This is kinda of a personal preference question anyhow. I know people that will stand toe to toe with someone over this. I see benefits with boths setups. With the automatic there is no shifting and no clutch to worry about burning up. But if you rev it up some, it will put you into another gear. You can manually select a gear, but a manual tranny is what ever gear you need until you decide to change it. The manual tranny you have to corry about the transmission specific parts, clutch disk, bearings and flywheel, and they do need to be replaced on occasion. But you can select what gear you want. Another problem is the fact of needing 3 legs to work the pedals. This problem can be rectified by installing a hand throttle on your shifter so you can use your feet for the clutch and brake and your right hand for the gas and shifting while steering with your left. I prefer a manual tranny, because it can be more fun shifting, but I also recognize the fact that they can be a PITA in city stop and go driving.

i agree

[blairboyd]

you mean like the "his/hers" thing in Volkswagons? explain cost and how it works.

[Bull]

As far as cost I am assuming that you are talking about either a) hand throttle or b)auto vs manual.

A) handthrottle should be relatively simple and cheap to install using a lawnmower throttle switch and cable to the throttle linkage in the engine compartment (carb or TBI assembly)

B) auto vs manual depends mainly on the type of wheeling you do with it. You would have to adapt whatever you get to existing equipment (engine, TC). Major costs you need to remember afor each setup are of course routine maintenance.
The automaticss need filter changes and you have to check the fluid routinely, whereas the standard tranny is a sealed system that does not require as much maintenance as the automatic. But you do have to replace the clutch disk, throwout bearing, and pressure plate occasionally (this also depends upon usage and wear and tear). I can't say specifically which is better for you... only you can decide that, but once you are informed about the benefits and downfalls of each system, you can make a better decision based on your needs and wants.

[dh_4_ever]

I got a manual. I like it for doing everything except stop and go trafic, but then again, im suposed to be on the trail not the city. I have also found a manual to be better in the canadian snow for many reasons...So thats why I chose manual when I bought the thing.

[jdogg4]

I would have to go with it's a personal preference. I've 4wheeled with both and they both have there ups and downs.