Manual vs. Auto

[4.0B2]

i mean, don't get me wrong. i prefer the manual. but, i have had great luck out of my auto. and its an a4ld.. yes, i just said a4ld lol..

manual rangers in that year are hard to find... around here at least. don't be scared of the dang auto.

 

[Kage]

ive been looking to get another ranger and have been looking for a manual trans. .... I was wondering if I should just get an auto, even though I prefer manual...

You answered your own question (bolded above). ASSuming you're going to hold onto the truck for awhile, hold out until you find what you want.

For my two cents, I spend enough time behind the wheel during the week, that I'd hate to be stuck driving something I don't like/want. And there's been very few atuo-magics that I've cared for.

 

[Original_Ranger84]

Its had to find manual rangers in those years? I found tons when I was looking for mine. But I guess people are starting to keep their manual rangers maybe.

Also looking for a twin stick ranger in that year range is not going to happen. I think only the 01-03 FX4's had them if you ordered it that way.

 

[shane96ranger]

I don't see how an auto is any worse in slippery conditions. Just back off the throttle. Not hard.

It's a matter of preference. I like to still be in a gear when I let off the skinny pedal if I am sliding. Letting off the gas in my truck is the same as if I were to push in the clutch on my Explorer.

There's an auto vs. manual argument in the racing world too. I still hang my hat on a manual there too.

 

[4.0B2]

most auto's can shift faster than most people driving a stick... therefore, in some instances in the race world, an auto is preferred.

 

[shane96ranger]

most auto's can shift faster than most people driving a stick... therefore, in some instances in the race world, an auto is preferred.

If my car ran an low 12 second 1/4, I'd start thinking about it. The AOD sucks performance wise unless you dump a lot of money into it.

 

[mp3deviant721]

Manuals are awesome. I like having control over my transmission. I'd drive autos but would probably convert them as soon as I get the funds.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

It's a matter of preference. I like to still be in a gear when I let off the skinny pedal if I am sliding. Letting off the gas in my truck is the same as if I were to push in the clutch on my Explorer.

There's an auto vs. manual argument in the racing world too. I still hang my hat on a manual there too.

Manually select your gear and you have engine braking. Starting off in 2nd in an automatic also reduces the chances of spinning too.

I do both all the time in the winter, it works great.

 

[Andy D]

I was looking for a project 4x4 to replace my rusted out Grand Wagoneer . My ideal would have been a reg'lar cab, Tacoma 4x4 5spd with a 4 banger, pre- 95, so I dont have to deal with MA emissions. I found a 94 Ranger extended cab with a 4.0 L V6 for 600$. It will need a clutch job really quick, a shift motor , exhaust work and a battery . But it starts and drives great. It is my 1st manual in 25 yrs. I drove manuals for ages. The main advantage in snow is that you can control wheel spin better by lugging the engine. It is gonna be a 4th vehicle and mostly just used 'round town. My commuter DDs will always be automagics.

 

[shane96ranger]

Manually select your gear and you have engine braking. Starting off in 2nd in an automatic also reduces the chances of spinning too.

I do both all the time in the winter, it works great.

Uhhhh, mine doesn't so this. If I start with the selector on 2, it still starts out in first, and won't let the trans shift past second.

I stand corrected.... read my next post below

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Uhhhh, mine doesn't so this. If I start with the selector on 2, it still starts out in first, and won't let the trans shift past second.

hmm, most Fords do that.

 

[press 1 for english]

A manual tranny will get 1-2 more mpg and the constant shifting will help keep you more alert. I drove a manual Ranger from 1984-2008 and I will never own another 5 spd because of the inconvenience of shifting........I live in Florida and the traffic is so bad a 5 spd will get annoying real quick.
In normal driving a manual will feel peppier but at WOT my 5 speed auto will keep up with any manual.

 

[shane96ranger]

Uhhhh, mine doesn't so this. If I start with the selector on 2, it still starts out in first, and won't let the trans shift past second.

hmm, most Fords do that.

You're right 85_Ranger. What I am feeling is my torque converter going into lockup. At about 3100 rpms it drops down 3-400 rpms when it hits lockup.

I'm having a shit ton of issues with this trans. It needs a valve body pretty bad too. I've got a bad 2-3 flare.