auto vs. stick

[Jeff Clark]

I know this has been covered more times than I can shake a stick at (no pun intended) but I want to go over it again for my circumstances. This will be the first truck that I have owned were I won't have to do anything with it but drive it back and forth to work. No long trips to school, no trailer towing, no hay hauling, etc. I want to build more of a show truck this time. 2wd quad cab dually, lowered with airbags, 19. 5 wheels, mega audio/visual system, etc. All the cosmetic items come first, then transmission, then engine. So the question is, do I go auto or stick. Like I said the truck won't be used for hauling except maybe pulling a motorcycle or two on the trailer or a small boat. I would like to take it to the strip occasionally for a shake down run or two. The stick cost less up front and all it needs is a clutch. The auto is better for racing, but costs more up front and usually needs beefing up. I'm open for suggestions.

 

[Chaw]

Jeff,



I have driven a 03 6-speed and 48re the last two weekends. The new 48re is awesome. I loved my 6-speed, but with all the shifting in town and the quicker gear changes with the auto it would be my choice.



With the number of posts you have on the 03 forum recently, looks like you may have one of these soon. I sure like it and would have one if I could get my wife to drive a truck. No way I can part with my Excursion.



Good luck - Mike

 

[dmurdock]

I've had both... get the auto.

 

[RMcCulloch]

If you're looking at an '03, a lot will depend upon how much stop-and-go traffic you have to fight: the more traffic, the more you'll love the 48RE.



If you enjoy doing a lot of shifting, by all means get a manual.



In the short time that I've had mine, I've come to appreciate the smoothness of the auto, especially in "creep-and-crawl" traffic.

 

[Task125]

I had a DTT auto in my 98. 5 and now the 6 shooter,most of my driving is highway and I wanted HO,thats not an issue now,but I wanted exhaust brake. that still is an issue. I don't drive my truck everyday so its fun to drive the six speed. I use all six most of the time,feels like a truck.

 

[CATCRACKER]

there is a reason why my friends call my truck "the dump truck" that is the feeling when you are going through the gears with the six speed it feels like a real truck. i had auto i will never have another again! 6 speed is a lot of shifting but with the turbo silencer ring out the constant up and down of the scream of the turbo is like music to my ears and for my passengers this will sum it up :--)

 

[Jeff Clark]

Hey Mike! Haven't seen ya in a while. Come to a meeting sometime. I've been back to the last few and should start making more.



I know what you mean Cat. I've had a standard in every truck I've ever owned until I got my Ford. I was just tired of shifting, escpecially the days when I work legs at the gym and had to drive home. The auto sure made it nice. My dad had a 98 with a DTT auto and I really liked it. If I go auto it will have to have an upgraded torque converter. I'll have to drive both and decide.

 

[CATCRACKER]

on leg days i dont use the clutch after 1st gear

 

[Pit Bull]

Originally posted by CATCRACKER

on leg days i dont use the clutch after 1st gear

I only have a problem when I squat over 500#'s for reps :-laf The internet is great, I can say this without you guys looking at how big my legs are :-laf When your an old lifter and get past 50, leg day is when you do over 30 minutes on the thread mill