Auto or manual trans?

[rizoss16]

I am finally selling my 00 toyota celica and getting a ranger. I wanted to know what you all think about the trans, should I get the auto or the manual. I have heard that the manual doesn't actually get better gas mileage, but it will live out the auto trans by a long time, other than clutch replacement (which costs about what at a shop?). I don't mind driving a manual, I have been skeptical about buying an auto ford because I know of a few auto rangers that are at 100k and have already had trannys rebuilt or swapped out. What do you think is the manual alot more reliable or should I just go with the auto? I will do ocasional weekend wheeling and haul my quad, so Im not towing anything. Also, does the 3.0 get noticably better gas mileage than the 4.0? Is it worth it for the power loss? I plan on running 32 AT's, so it shouldn't effect my gas mileage too much right? Thanks for all of your input I appreciate it!

 

[rizoss16]

Also, does anyone know whats going on with ranger-forums? Their website is down.

 

[feellnfroggy]

Also, does anyone know whats going on with ranger-forums? Their website is down.

Are you seriously asking about another site on here? Not to mention hijacking your own thread... I would recommend the 4.0 ranger if your not worried bout gas mileage, if you are mileage concerned go with a 2.5l. manual trannys do get better mileage than autos depending on how you drive them, If you wind them out to rediculous rpm's then yeah...no gas mileage. It will be better for towing even small things, as far as durability. If your playing right your clutch will last 40-70k. Maintenance on the 2.3 is alot easier and cheaper, but a big sacrifice in torque and power. 4x4 with manual trans (and if you go with an older model, manual transfer case) would be ideal I would think. BUt this is all just my opinion.

 

[rizoss16]

ok thanks man, I need the 3.0 or 4.0 because I need to have 4wd. Will 32x11.5 effect gas mileage if I have 4.10's?
I didn't think it was a big deal I figured all you ranger fans contributed to both sites I didn't know that they're enemies, sorry.

 

[rizoss16]

oh and do the xlt's come with 4.10's?

 

[Plum Ranger XLT]

To me, I much rather own a manual transmission over an auto any day.

 

[93_ranger]

i would go with a stick, i beat the snot out of mine and she kept kickin' other than changing the clutch. she kept goin strong until 240k when i finished off the little 2.3l.

 

[97ranger4x4]

I wish my truck was a stick. Even after 140k my auto trans still shifts great. I do baby it though and change the fluid/filter every 30k. I have done some towing with it a few times a year consisting of a 3-4000 lb ski boat.

Also, with larger tires you will certainly be slipping the clutch more as well which will lead to premature failure. I would go with the 4.0 as your only option. the 3.0 wont have the torque down low for the larger tires in less you geared it to say 4.56. Also, 4.10 did come factory in rangers, but only the Fx4 models that I know of. 3.73s would be easier to find. With the 4.10s you will make better use of the motor for towing and hills, but will compromise gas mileage.

 

[JohnnyO]

I'd get a stick unless you're in a lot of stop-and-go traffic every day.

 

[snake]

Are you seriously asking about another site on here? Not to mention hijacking your own thread... I would recommend the 4.0 ranger if your not worried bout gas mileage, if you are mileage concerned go with a 2.5l. manual trannys do get better mileage than autos depending on how you drive them, If you wind them out to rediculous rpm's then yeah...no gas mileage. It will be better for towing even small things, as far as durability. If your playing right your clutch will last 40-70k. Maintenance on the 2.3 is alot easier and cheaper, but a big sacrifice in torque and power. 4x4 with manual trans (and if you go with an older model, manual transfer case) would be ideal I would think. BUt this is all just my opinion.

40-70K? What the hell are you doing to your clutches, running a mail route?!

Usually the hydraulics will fail long before the clutch does, and you'll have to replace it all because the tranny has to come out to replace the clutch slave.

Its personal choice. The auto may have better resale and will cost you about a grand more upfront. I have an auto in the current truck and I like it.

A 2WD truck, the 4.0 and 3.0 get about the SAME mileage believe it or not. I get 21 out of 4.0 auto consistently, every tank. In a 4WD you will not get that for mileage, but the power is worth it.

You won't get a choice on the rear, they gear the truck based on the tire size, engine size, and 2wd/4wd. You do have a choice to get limited slip tho (although I assume most of the 4WDs probably have it already)

 

[kunar]

a manual trans lets you get more power to the ground, and will let you get better mileage, if you know how to drive it. as far as gear ratios, you will just have to check the door tags. i know for sure that in the late 80's, 4.10's were only available with a manual trans.

 

[CJREX]

The autos have a bad reputation before around 2002 models.

I have heard they are OK after that.

That said, manual all the way unless you spend time in traffic.

Also, go 4.0. The power difference is worth the gas difference.

Good Luck in your quest!

 

[4x4RangerGuy]

I prefer manual transmissions, but that's because I am hard on my vehicle and the automatics before 2000 or so were junk. Mine failed twice by 135k. Not exactly my idea of durable.

I have a 3.0 w/ 4.10 gearing (stock) with the M5R1 5 speed manual. People say you have to slip the clutch forever with this setup to get it going, and it's just not true. I barely slip it more than my mom's Subaru, and it takes off just fine. I'm not a speed freak either. Also, slipping it under low RPM will not damage the clutch. Slipping while revving the engine will burn it up.

I'd go with a manual, if you can drive one well enough. Clutch replacement at an independent shop usually goes for about $800 in my area.

 

[GB4000]

Uhhh, sorry if this was covered, but what year are you considering? Brand new? A lot of your questions could be easily ruled out with that piece of info. Again, sorry if this is specified already...

 

[DisturbedESV]

I prefer manual over auto... it's really personal preference and for some people it's a physical issue...

A lot of people do contribute to multiple sites but I think just about everyone has a site they call home....