Off Road Preference? Stick or Automatic?

[OldMan2]

My 4X4 experience is limited to mud bogs with an automatic transmission. Does anyone prefer a manual transmission when off-roading?

 

[Curious Hound]

I like a manual. But I understand the pros and cons both ways. I won’t argue that one is always better than the other. Depends on what kind of off-roading you do. Low speed control might be better with an auto instead of slipping a clutch. Good low gearing can fix that for a manual crawler or trail rig.

 

[OldMan2]

Low speed control might be better with an auto instead of slipping a clutch.

That is the comment I was looking for. But, dang I enjoy a stick shift. I'm not looking to build a trail truck, but was looking for any comment to support my suspicion. I use my Ranger around the farm and have had times when crossing plowed furrows that I would rather have an automatic. I don't care to slip the clutch too much, obviously. Thanks for the reply.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Personally. I prefer a manual.

You dont have to worry about it over heating, you have complete control over when it shifts, IF it shifts, and what gear you wanna use.

Plus id much rather pay to repair a smoked clutch then a smoked trans.

Even in the mud ive always preffered manuals. Granted the only manuals ive used in the mud are old 4 speeds, but 3rd gear and lots of throttle always did wonders.

 

[Dirtman]

Manual for fun. But a well built auto gives better control and torque.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I don't wanna choose... I like both.

If I had to choose... for a 4x4 truck... automatic

 

[Bird76Mojo]

For me...

Manual for the street.

Automatic offroad.

 

[Snoranger]

If I was building an off-road only toy... auto.
Street toy... manual.
Daily driver with my old commute (25 miles 60-70 minutes in traffic)... auto.
My new commute (20 minutes including stopping at WaWa and I sometimes see a car or 2.) ... who cares! It's so nice to not be in traffic anymore!

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Ill change my choice slightly...

Id take an auto to, as long as it wasnt electronicaly controlled.

 

[gw33gp]

I know automatics are easier to use off-road but I still prefer a manual. I have always used a manual off-road in the 40 some years I have been doing it. It just comes natural to me and I rarely get into situations that I wish I had an automatic.
I know some day I will probably not have a choice and will end up getting a new Ranger with an automatic. I will probably be old enough then that an automatic will be welcomed. I think my biggest concern about an automatic is; there are so many things that can break that could leave you stranded. With a manual, things can still break but I think the chance of still being able to limp out is greater that with an automatic. Places I go many times are very isolated and being stranded is very dangerous.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Auto, up shifts are much quicker, easier to go creepy crawly slow...

Manual, no trans cooling to worry about... just the clutch. Usually doesn't just die randomly.

 

[Bgunner]

Having used both off road I have to say that it doesn't matter to me which one. The manual trans has its ups and downs and so does the automatic so for me, I've always had manual pickups and auto SUV's, it doesn't really mater they both work well and none have ever stranded me... ? yet.

 

[OldMan2]

WOW….I never expected so many comments. Thanks to everyone. Looking at the responses I think the majority favor an automatic for 4X4 work and stick for the road. But, favoring a stick shift like I do, I reckon for farm work I’ll just find me a hovercraft and take all the guess work out of it.

 

[Curious Hound]

farmer up the road from me took care of soil fertility this way last week. That's a heck of a load of liquid BS.

 

[OldMan2]

Around here the farmers bring in tons of chicken manure and broadcast it over the fields. Smells just lovely for a week or more.......
My mother-in-law is living in a nursing home. She comes from a farming background. One year she had the home plant a few flowers for her. She kept saying she wanted some chicken shit for her flowers. So, on her birthday I gave her a gallon Ziploc bag of chicken shit for a present. I was the envy of every married man in the county.