Standard vs. Automatic?

JWhip · 08-12-2010, 06:38 PM

Just wondering what you guys prefer and/or have.
I have a Standard 05' and wish I would have went with an Automatic.

**jbolty** · 08-12-2010, 06:49 PM

personal preference. I would not give up my auto for anything for rock crawling.

**Jerry Bransford** · 08-12-2010, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JWhip

Just wondering what you guys prefer and/or have.
I have a Standard 05' and wish I would have went with an Automatic.

I felt the same way with my '97 that came with a 5-speed and ended up converting it to an automatic several years ago. Luckily my recently acquired '04 came with an automatic... actually I wouldn't have bought it if it had not been an automatic.

**Unlimited04** · 08-12-2010, 06:50 PM

i have a 04 automatic and wish Jeep had put a manual in 2004 LJs. why would you want a 42RLE? you'd love that 6-speed if you drove a 42RLE for a month.

CaptainSlow001 · 08-12-2010, 06:51 PM

Well, there's at least a million threads on this, and in the end it comes down to what YOU like.

**jeepinmichguy_** · 08-12-2010, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptainSlow001

Well, there's at least a million threads on this, and in the end it comes down to what YOU like.

chilipepperjeep · 08-12-2010, 06:58 PM

If someone gave me a jeep I'd be happy with whatever it came with. If it's my money then an auto is the only thing I'd buy.

Mindcrime13 · 08-12-2010, 06:59 PM

I have an automatic, love it, i hate driving manual in trafic jams

Quick question: autos for 2006 should have been 4 speed right? Because i have a 2006 with 1, 2, D, only 3 speeds

**Jerry Bransford** · 08-12-2010, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mindcrime13

Quick question: autos for 2006 should have been 4 speed right? Because i have a 2006 with 1, 2, D, only 3 speeds

Yes, all jeep TJ automatic trannies 2003 and newer are 4-speeds. Your 4th gear control is the OD button on the dash.

**MisfitSeven** · 08-12-2010, 07:05 PM

i converted my 98 to a manual in june this year. my first gear is way lower, plus i now have overdrive.

jbodenhamer · 08-12-2010, 07:15 PM

I see a bunch of stuff on this too, and this discussion is alive and well on Mustang, Corvette, diesel truck, and other forums. The lesson I have learned is to test drive the options on a particular vehicle and decide what YOU really like. I am a good mechanic(not saying that self righteously, just great up working on cars with my dad, who is an outstanding mechanic), and I feel comfortable saying I will probably never convert a car from one transmission type to the other, either way. As you see in the threads, sure, you can do it, but it often ends up being a TON of work and a waste of money in the end. My dad always said that too. If you want a manual, buy the car with it, and vice versa. If you change your mind, sell the car you have and get a new/different one with the trans you want. Also, do not convince yourself you are OK with something when you are really not. If deep down you want a manual or auto, you will always regret the purchase of the other. Even after giving this advice, I own a diesel dodge truck that was a great deal in every way except it has an auto trans, which I hate, and I bought it anyway, and regret it--my dad was right!

Mindcrime13 · 08-12-2010, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerry Bransford

Yes, all jeep TJ automatic trannies 2003 and newer are 4-speeds. Your 4th gear control is the OD button on the dash.

Ahhh ok thanks for clearing that up!

**MisfitSeven** · 08-12-2010, 07:17 PM

in my case i had to swap transmissions rather than buying a different Jeep.

CrzyMtnMan · 08-12-2010, 07:22 PM

Sounds great everyone.

I am a huge fan of manual, just like shifting gears myself.

I am limited to off road endeavors now, as the jeep is a daily driver for my fiance, however the bug has gotten into my system. When off roading, I always take the safest route. Once again, I joined this forum for help with repairs to our new toy, and although I can not chop up her toy...too much...I am already shopping for a Jeep myself, I miss 4 wheeling.

I will go automatic for that, just allows me to focus on the trail and not the gears. When I do go hardcore I will just keep a used replacement transmission on hand in case it breaks.

AAA works 60 miles off the road, right?

He he.

If you own a 4x4 daily driver take it carefull, if you own a toy, hell take it to it's limits! My recommendation is an auto for the trail.

chris142 · 08-12-2010, 07:42 PM

Stick shift for me. IMO theres too much computer stuff in the new Auto's to go bad and give problems. Rebuilding an auto today is a very expensive job too.

Most Manual transmissions (except the ax15 wasn't it?)live the life of the car. A clutch is easy and inexpensive vs a rebuilt auto.

I'm in the market for a newer truck and I'm only considering stick shifts so my search is very limited. Currantly looking at a 1990 Dodge 150 with a 5.9 gasser and a granny low 4sp.