auto or manual

[carhartt1]

Anyone got any good reason why I should go either way when buying a Ranger? I've got no idea. Thanks.

 

[grey ghost]

depends on how you plan on using the truck. i use mine for a work truck pulling trailers and cconstruction crap and like the standard for helping in braking and for some added gear seliction that the auto 's seem to have lacking.

 

[Hahnsb2]

Manual. The autos for the most part are much less reliable.

 

[dogboy]

I vote manual. Virtually all automatics that came in ranger suck, durability wise!! Manuals last way longer and are way more reliable.

 

[Sunk]

Manual. The autos for the most part are much less reliable.

Definitely. For funsies check Craigslist and look for first gen Explorers (91-94). Almost every one in my area with an auto has a rebuilt tranny, a dead tranny, or one that's going out.

 

[ronclark]

The few auto Rangers the I have tested drove just had the life sucked out of them.
just lack all the power the 5speed has

 

[Zachalanche]

Just converted my auto ranger to manual. the truck has more low end acceleration, pulls steep hills easier, and is much more enjoyable to drive. IF I ever buy another ranger it will be manual.

 

[97ranger4x4]

I wish mine was a 5spd manual. Luckily my auto has been holding up really well after 135k. I change the fluid every 30k on it and it still has firm shifts. I have been babying the whole truck for the last 2-3 years for the most part. I also do not do a lot of towing or heavy loads. So i guess that helps. I think at my rate I could see 160-180k with no issues.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

5 speed.

more reliable. more power to the ground. better fuel economy. better vehicle control. funner.

 

[94RangerMike]

Get a manual. Most all of Fords automatics kinda suck. Plus, you can get a better feel for your driving, whether on dirt or asphalt, with a manual.

 

[Ozwynn]

manual.

 

[Beanmachine7000]

I vote manual also, I've owned a AT Ranger that was nothing but trouble, the slushbox in my Camaro is in constant need of attention (fluid and filter change every 20k, transmission mount every 6 months or so), but the automatic behind the 2.5 in my Ranger is at 188k and still going strong (and that's with absolutely no fluid or filter changes for 150k miles). Manual is always the better choice... saves gas, cheaper/easier to maintain, more power transmitted, etc.

 

[Z3CHYD]

Just converted my auto ranger to manual. the truck has more low end acceleration, pulls steep hills easier, and is much more enjoyable to drive. IF I ever buy another ranger it will be manual.

I got a 92 ranger with the 2.9. Its auto right now...and sitting in my backyard because the a4ld in it is junk. How hard was it for you to swap your 4x4 ranger from auto to manual? I just wanna make sure I have a good idea of what would be in store if I did this swap
thanks