<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by timgco:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Jake:
i have to disagree any serious off roaders run a manual tranny.........you have much more control of your rpms which is especially helpful in rock crawling....you can anticipate obstacles and gear down earlier.......also makes downhill descent much easier to handle......I don't know any serious 4x4ers that run an automatic...but its a personal choice......I love the 5spd..more control over your available power </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Most serious off roaders run a manaul trans?
Maybe in the Jeep world. Of all the clubs, freinds, off road trips I have been involved with all use manual trans. Esp. the guys that rock crawl and tha includes quite a few jeeps!
you can anticipate and gear down earlier?
Do you mean to say this cannot be done in an automatic trans?
Down hill descents? The crawl ratio in the auto H3 doesn't even require the brakes to be used.
Like you said, it is a pesonal choice. After running quite a few trails in Moab and a few here in CO, I would never run a manual trans. You stall and loose breaks and steering because you didn't ride that clutch just perffect, you're dead.
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>
I agree. You can downshift an auto as well as a manual for ascending and descending a hill, and you have no clutch to burn out due to having to ride it to keep control. I have tried both, and for off-road, I will take the auto any day.
As for serious off-roaders, in Moab, from what I have seen it is about 75 percent autos to 25 percent manuals that are riding up places like Hell's Revenge.
I say autos in sports cars, just for fun; however, a professionally built auto, with a high stall converter, correct shift points and pressures, can waste any manual at the track.
No matter what you drive, just make sure to drive what you are comfortable with. Auto versus manual is like Chevy versus Ford, no one is really right, no one is really wrong.
As for the manual Hummer. The reason they are not on the lots is not because they are selling better than the autos, it is due to the fact that they projected a very small number of manuals versus autos. GM's research shows autos were more popular for a few reasons; one of which an auto actually affords more control off-road, and for daily driving, it is easier.
And one more important fact, for US sales, manuals are not that popular.