Manual or automatic trans?

[Irski]

Hi FJ Masters I`m new to this forum, and I need your valuable opinion. I have 96 Disco 5 speed (manual) great for off-roading, and I know that same one with automatic trans will fail (burned trans). I`m planning to buy FJ soon. I did some road tests, and I like the one with automatic trans. Do you think, that the auto trans is strong enough for off-roading? Normally I would not ask this question (go straight for manual), but after driving LE TT with automatic trans I had to Thanks for for any help!

[76FJ40]

The Trail Teams have been running autos for a couple of years without problems.

[FJJACK]

I have a MT, but I wheel with many that have the auto, no problems that I have heard of. One thing I don't like about it, is the fact that there is no dipstick to check fluid level. Also the breather is on top of the trans, (both auto and MT) so if you get too deep in water it can enter the trans and that is bad news.

[boss73]

IMHO I like the manual trans. I like the compression braking when going down hill. Only problem with the M/T is the full time 4WD.. But there are defnetly situations where A/T would be easier.

[tddfj]

i have the at also had no problems with it but will suggest putting a after market trans cooler on it even with the factory.

[Irski]

Thanks a lot, just what I need to make my decision right - automatic transmission it is I did not want to make my decision on base of salesman words, that why I use The "Real People" voices Thanks again!!! Now to the dealer for my dream car!!!

[T man]

They are both good transmissions. I am a Transmission tec . All I do is rebuild transmisions of all makes and models every day, and I work on very few toyota's compared to other makes. You will be happy with whatever your decision is.

[spaldam]

Originally Posted by boss73

IMHO I like the manual trans. I like the compression braking when going down hill. Only problem with the M/T is the full time 4WD.. But there are defnetly situations where A/T would be easier.

The Full time 4WD is why I love the Manual. I wish they had it as at least an option in the autos.

[1969cruzer]

Go Manual tranny it is great and has a whole lot more quick pick up than the auto does.

[daddybear]

I have the 07 auto, live in Colorado and use it pretty darn hard. Absolutely no problems. I run MT my entire life and was very nervous buying an auto but dont regret it AT ALL. (wife wanted auto !!)

[ZARDOZ]

Originally Posted by daddybear

I have the 07 auto, live in Colorado and use it pretty darn hard. Absolutely no problems. I run MT my entire life and was very nervous buying an auto but dont regret it AT ALL. (wife wanted auto !!)

I agree with daddybear and have the same experience, MT all my life until my SS FJC. I've have mine since last August and wheeled sand, trails and some mud. Doing the Summit in July. Also wheeled with the Trail Team last September. AT rocks.

[bulldog-yota]

The auto on the FJC is the same unit as on the LC100 and 4Runner (V8 and V6), so it is pretty stout. I also believe the last Tundras (before the new ones 0 ran them, I think the new Tundra with the 4.7L V8 runs it too.

So all are more powerful and heavier rigs that can tow up to 7000lbs or so, and very few issues to date with the A750. I seriously doubt the FJC will do that unit damage unless you drown it.

Don't understand why they didn't fit the same config as the v6 4Runner on the auto FJC, with 2WD, fulltime 4WD in Hi and Lo and then separate center diff lock option in high and low range. Gives you the best of all worlds.

BTW: For those who don't know the A750 will lock the TQ converter when in 4Lo, so it has plenty of engine braking downhill similar to crawling along in a MT. Just slap it in 3rd, 2nd or L gears when going downhill and it locks up. Obviously it unlocks the TQ converter when you stop doing engine braking and hit the gas pedal. Very neat AT for wheeling, much improved in smarts over older 4 spds.

[Irski]

Originally Posted by 1969cruzer

Go Manual tranny it is great and has a whole lot more quick pick up than the auto does.

I tried MT and AT (FJ), and shifting thru 6 speed with regular long stick is not impressive. Maybe upgrading to short shifter would change it. AT shifts nice and smooth, with lot of acceleration power. That is one of the main reasons that I started this thread. Thanks for all your responses.