Do many people here have automatic transmissions?
- Thread starter B1Toad
- Start date
Auto trans get pretty hot blazing trail in the snow.usually better for a manual rig to go first.other than that not many scenarios I'd prefer a manual in though
Checked that box already,low speed, high throttle torque converter slip is pretty tough on fluid temp
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2006 with an auto here!!
I have always been a manual guy.
Trucks, cars and jeeps.
Now I am happier with my auto than I ever thought I could be. Probably won't own a manual again!!
I have always been a manual guy.
Trucks, cars and jeeps.
Now I am happier with my auto than I ever thought I could be. Probably won't own a manual again!!
It depends on your preferences, your use case, and the size of your wallet.
Mine's a trail Jeep - that's what's here in Florida - so the supposed "advantage" of the auto doesn't come into play here. From what I've *OBSERVED*, an auto isn't any "better" than a properly setup manual for rock crawling (watch "Trail Mater" or somebody with an old Unimog) - but it certainly is easier. In my case, the "tactile driving experience" of the manual is preferable because that's what I enjoy. My wife and I own 3 vehicles, only one of them is an automatic - and that one may get changed over some day. The fundamental fact of the matter is the auto will succeed where a stock manual will fail - because manual transmissions have been geared higher and higher over the years. The Jeep manual has nowhere near low enough of a 1st gear (nor does it have a 2-Lo which would help at times), so you have to spend beaucoup bucks on an Atlas or similar to make up for this lack. This is one thing the Bronco got right - at least on paper. Its 1st gear is 7+, similar to an SM465 - the way it should be. Only the fabled SM420 was lower geared (among lite truck transmissions), but even I wouldn't want an SM-420 today without a splitter attached to it, making it pretty hard to put into a Jeep, but it might be fun in a large pickup. So bottom line: its far easier and cheaper to simply use an auto if you need very low speed control and as Jerry says - the "infinite" crawl ratio, at least until it overheats. But boring.
Mine's a trail Jeep - that's what's here in Florida - so the supposed "advantage" of the auto doesn't come into play here. From what I've *OBSERVED*, an auto isn't any "better" than a properly setup manual for rock crawling (watch "Trail Mater" or somebody with an old Unimog) - but it certainly is easier. In my case, the "tactile driving experience" of the manual is preferable because that's what I enjoy. My wife and I own 3 vehicles, only one of them is an automatic - and that one may get changed over some day. The fundamental fact of the matter is the auto will succeed where a stock manual will fail - because manual transmissions have been geared higher and higher over the years. The Jeep manual has nowhere near low enough of a 1st gear (nor does it have a 2-Lo which would help at times), so you have to spend beaucoup bucks on an Atlas or similar to make up for this lack. This is one thing the Bronco got right - at least on paper. Its 1st gear is 7+, similar to an SM465 - the way it should be. Only the fabled SM420 was lower geared (among lite truck transmissions), but even I wouldn't want an SM-420 today without a splitter attached to it, making it pretty hard to put into a Jeep, but it might be fun in a large pickup. So bottom line: its far easier and cheaper to simply use an auto if you need very low speed control and as Jerry says - the "infinite" crawl ratio, at least until it overheats. But boring.
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You're in AZ so I'd defer to their recommendations on a 'best' for the local terrain.
For me, I enjoy the manual off-road and on-road. It's the only vehicle in my family's inventory with a manual and (as it is up on jackstands under upgrade) I miss rowing gears.
Hand throttle is a must with a manual.
Decide on your build level before you do take each person's recommendation that you 'must or should' go one way or the other. Big build with big obstacles - auto removes another lever(s) to work.
I like the challenge of working the manual correctly over an obstacle, but again that's build, terrain, and driving style dependent.
For me, I enjoy the manual off-road and on-road. It's the only vehicle in my family's inventory with a manual and (as it is up on jackstands under upgrade) I miss rowing gears.
Hand throttle is a must with a manual.
Decide on your build level before you do take each person's recommendation that you 'must or should' go one way or the other. Big build with big obstacles - auto removes another lever(s) to work.
I like the challenge of working the manual correctly over an obstacle, but again that's build, terrain, and driving style dependent.
GTFO!! Rory aint no real Rock Crawler! His two YJ's are autos along with his buggy. Those are the real Rock Crawlers.
Watch him drive "Mater". Usually while hauling somebody's (automatic) ass out. That's some real skill! *RESPECT*
You taking a piss mate?!! You don't know what you don't know.
Not if its all geared right
If its geared right, it'll do what you want at idle. No hand throttle required, but still a good idea. I have one on mine!
Not if its all geared right
Talk to me after a hill climb where you stop mid way.
TH99TJ
TJ Enthusiast
32RH and I went right past several manuals to get an auto. I enjoy driving a stick, but it gets old quick especially when you drive a semi. My 99 has 208K on the odometer, not sure if the trans has ever been touched other than me servicing it. It has recently developed some morning sickness in reverse. (time to rebuild) OR an LS swap with a 4L60 LOL
Found one Unimog video with crawler gears, dude stopped the video 90 seconds in after it rolled like 10 inches. I think the Comp rigs having autos strawman is an Easy Button. In a comp or a race, time matters. One less thing to do making it easier.
I expected to miss my manual when I auto swapped. I haven't for a second since, even though I did enjoy the manual while I had it. I need more wheeling time on my auto, but even in the snow I can tell the difference the control in an auto affords.
