[Jetscuh]

I don't mind my manual off road. I find that my first gear in 4-LO is very low to the point I barely have to use the clutch (it's almost impossible to stall in 4LO). I also have a hand throttle and I feel that it makes things easier for me as far as wheeling with with a manual transmission goes. I do drive my Jeep on the road and I'd rather drive manual on the road, just a personal preference, I like it.

If I were to build a vehicle strictly for crawling, I'd more than likely opt for an automatic transmission.




I know the original topic was about a 5 speed vs. Automatic. I do have a 6 speed FWIW.

[01-TJ]

Originally Posted by EugeneTheTJ

While Autos maybe EASIER to wheel with, I think they take away from the fun and skill of driving. IMO a Jeep has to be a manual to be a real Jeep. I know I am probably going to get flamed for that but seriously drive a Jeep that is a manual and you will understand

Agreed 100%. I would never, ever buy an auto Jeep. Takes away from the fun if you ask me.

[mrblaine]

Originally Posted by 01-TJ

Agreed 100%. I would never, ever buy an auto Jeep. Takes away from the fun if you ask me.

I haven't looked, but a comment like that only comes from a sub 20 year old.

[Jerry Bransford]

Originally Posted by mrblaine

I haven't looked, but a comment like that only comes from a sub 20 year old.

Well you finally got one wrong Blaine, he is actually 20, not a sub-20 year old.

[Apex]

Originally Posted by Wrangler19

My 4cyl is a manual and I LOVE it! Its my DD, today I drove my gf's h3 which is an auto, and I tried flooring it to pass someone, and what a delay! Havent wheeled an Auto, so I dont have any input there, but manual on a DD is WAAAAAAAAY better, imo.

Originally Posted by Ripper3494

ive driven both manuals and autos and i have to say i didnt like the auto at all, jeeps aren't fast cars, you cant turn fast, go fast, accelerate. the only fun part on the road is drivin the stick and havin the top off, offroad id go with auto though because like everyone says, its one less pedal

Originally Posted by mrblaine

I haven't looked, but a comment like that only comes from a sub 20 year old.

No but these two voices of wisdom are 16 years old. So your odds are still running true.

[NH2112]

Originally Posted by mrblaine

And the value in being able to stall your engine with the transmission is what? That's cute, you've managed to take the bane of manual transmission owners offroad and make it of some great value.

You should learn to use the middle pedal once in awhile, that's what it's there for.

You wanted examples of why a manual gives more control over the vehicle than an automatic and I gave you one - I can control my vehicle right to a stop with the gears alone if I want. If it DOES stall on a steep hill, I just start it in 1st or 2nd gear low range (my usual climbing gears) with the clutch engaged and continue on my merry way without having to touch a single pedal.

The only drawback I see to a manual is if you have the bad habit of resting your hand on the shifter like I often do, you can knock it out of gear when you hit a bump. It's made for a few hair-raising attempts to stop while barreling down a steep dry streambed full of basketball-to-suitcase-sized rocks in neutral.

[NH2112]

Originally Posted by mrblaine

I haven't looked, but a comment like that only comes from a sub 20 year old.

Well I'm 41, and before you say it must be a mid-life crisis thing I've preferred sticks since way back in the M151A2 days before we got humvees in the army.

[Wheelin98TJ]

Something must be wrong with me, because I do not get that fun factor when driving a manual Jeep.

Its not a road course car where its fun to downshift through the turns and upshift coming out of them.

Its not a fast car where its fun to pop the clutch every once in awhile and waste some expensive tires.

Its more like a truck with a tranny that shifts like one.

How does one become so inspired by a manual Jeep?

[NH2112]

On the road I drive my Jeep just like a road course car. It's really a lot of fun, and the engine's powerband & gears are just about perfect for winding back roads. I've also driven all my fullsize trucks the same way, it's just a lot more fun than moving the shifter down 3 clicks and never moving anything but my right foot afterward.

[Kiwi]

Originally Posted by NH2112

When I downshift with my stick to keep my speed down, as long as I haven't downshifted at too high a speed the vehicle slows down and depending on the terrain can even stall the engine. On the other hand, the same torque converter that allows the engine to keep turning with the vehicle stopped and in gear will also cause engine rpm to increase while the converter just freewheels. The result? Engine and vehicle speed increase even though you're in a lower gear. It takes special electronics in modern automatics like those used in full-size pickups to keep this from happening. If I time it right, I can downshift multiple times on a hill with a stop sign at the bottom and stall the engine and come to a complete stop as I reach the sign - show me an automatic that can do the same thing without needing to touch the brakes at the end.

Interesting. I can't stall mine on the flat or going downhill with out using the brakes.
On the other hand I have followed Blaine down some steep hills, and just idling with my manual, 4.88's and 4:1TC on occasion I have to brake to stop running into the back of him. His brake lights never come on.

[Robert J. yates]

Originally Posted by Kiwi

Interesting. I can't stall mine on the flat or going downhill with out using the brakes.
On the other hand I have followed Blaine down some steep hills, and just idling with my manual, 4.88's and 4:1TC on occasion I have to brake to stop running into the back of him. His brake lights never come on.

My 3-speed auto on 35's with 4:56 gears and a 4:1 will outcrawl alot of manual rigs as well. It takes the 5.0 Atlas and deep axle gears to really slow down a 5-speed Jeep IMO.

[wushaw]

Originally Posted by mrblaine

I haven't looked, but a comment like that only comes from a sub 20 year old.

Well it shouldn't, a manual teaches one how they should drive & gives em a clue... not just knowing what P, R, & D stand for and what does 1,2, & 3 mean???
Everybody "should" know how to drive a standard then make a decision if they want to row or slush.

[paul0731]

Unless it's the 4 speed auto, I'd go manual. The only exception would be for a trail rig, then I'd consider a 3 speed. I have a 3 speed auto in mine and it is not remotely fun on the highway.

[CreepinWillys]

My CJ3A has 12 forward gears and 4 reverse. Often, I have to double-clutch going into first (no syncro). Often, I have to heal-toe the brake and gas with my right foot, while feathering the clutch with my left. Shifting three levers with my right hand while steering with my left and balancing a coke between my legs (no cup-holders). I suppose a video of me from the dash would look awfully funny, now that I think about it.

But, I could be in an automatic, with one foot on the gas, one on the brake, one hand on the wheel and the other holding that coke. That would be a good time, also.

I also prefer sail boats to power. Slower, working the wind to gain a high speed of only a few miles per hour. Power boats easily go highway speeds, while listening to a favorite rock song; a wheel in one hand and a "beer?" in the other (option: to swap Vivaldi and wine).

The main thing here is to go Jeepin', isn't it?

By the way, I'm older than NH2112.

[monkeygruven]

i was shopping for the best deal on a jeep i could find, found an 04 SE w/ 90k on it for 10k (from a stealership) and its an auto. i wish i had a manual, and i dont even know how to drive one. **** the 42rle! go for the manual