5 spd vs auto fuel economy

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Joined
Jan 30, 2005
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S. Surrey, BC
Hello all,

Anyone have any idea how fuel economy would compare on a diesel LC, 5 spd vs auto trans?

In the old days on gas engines there was about a 5% difference (worse gas mieleage with an auto). With the more modern lockup torque converters, the difference is even less.

But what about a diesel Land Cruiser? I just had a guy tell me that the auto trans on a BJ74 would result in 20% poorer gas mileage - which is huge. He was trying to sell me a 5 spd and was critical of the automatic, calling it useless - so I took his comments with a grain of salt. He even said that the auto would drop the value of the vehicle by about $2000.

Thanks,

Bruce in Tsawwassen
 
Bruce in Tswwassen, not sure on the fuel economey sounds about right.

I have been pondering this very though as I am also currently working on which transmission to go with in a BJ74.


The auto seems to be a good off road choice, I think the 13BT comes with A442 behind it which is a stoute unit.

Only thing I have to compare it with is a auto and five speed HJ, which is very underpowered to begin with.

As for resale value, guess the depends on the buyer.,

Rob
 
A2B in a TLC said:
Hello all,

Anyone have any idea how fuel economy would compare on a diesel LC, 5 spd vs auto trans?

In the old days on gas engines there was about a 5% difference (worse gas mieleage with an auto). With the more modern lockup torque converters, the difference is even less.

But what about a diesel Land Cruiser? I just had a guy tell me that the auto trans on a BJ74 would result in 20% poorer gas mileage - which is huge. He was trying to sell me a 5 spd and was critical of the automatic, calling it useless - so I took his comments with a grain of salt. He even said that the auto would drop the value of the vehicle by about $2000.

Thanks,

Bruce in Tsawwassen
i will call BS on that claim. 20% totally off. 5% maybe, the 442 has a lockup torque converter so there is minimal power loss due to slippage.
as for resale, i never have had a problem with selling either.
you need to find a more reputable importer, one that isn't just trying to sell you what is in stock at the moment...
cheers
 
Nothing is better than an auto (with a big tranny cooler) for four wheeling. That torque converter acts like gear reduction.


Ive wheeled both all over the US, and I'd go auto everytime.



TB
 
Why would you pick the auto? I kinda like the feeling of being in control. I know recently there is the trend toward wheelin with auto's just wondering the actual pro's and con's. Sorry if i hijacked the thread
 
more control on uphills, no need for 3 feet if you stop. going down being dangerous is total crap, it is just as dangerous as a manual. no riding the clutch over rocks and logs. the 442 has 2nd gear lock out so you can take off in second if the need arises.
down side, very expensive to fix if something oges wrong. should deffinately have a aux cooler installed.
i still like the manual myself but there are lots of pros to an auto.
autos actually came to the fore back in the 70s. there were those that swore by them but it was not "cool" so many went back to the standard.
i watched an auto BJ74 climb a hill that we had been trying to conquer for over 20 years. he made it the very first try...
cheers
 
Personally I would not let the auto determine the final deal when behind a 13BT or 12HT. In fact having never driven an auto Cruiser I would try it so I could add to my experience base. I would also get the valve body replacement unit from Oz, and put in a cooler.

20% sounds extreme.

gb
 
Thanks Greg, Rob, & Wayne

I'm set to make the purchase tomorrow afternoon. One final check and then the $ "check".

I looked at both 5 spd and this auto in the Jap spec BJ74. My fj40 was a 4 spd and I do love a standard - and I'm great at toe-heeling. But, heck, an auto is nice around town. And I've heard they are bomb-proof.

Virtually every single LC owner that I have emailed or spoken to on the phone - most from this site - have been just fantastic and full of help on this pending purchase. That is, except for that one individual. But to my knowledge, he is not connected with this group.

I am looking forward to joining this group on a more formal basis. And I hope to give back as much or more than I have already rec'd from you people and this site.

Thanks,

Bruce in Tsawwassen
 
MY two cents...

The auto in a BJ74 or HJ60 is an A440. A442s came after '93 in the 80 series. I had little use for an auto trans 'till I bougt one. Now I think I like them in every situation except backing down a hill. Failed hill climbs (a reality in the foothills) suck with the auto. There is no compression braking in reverse. Forward down hills is fine. Forward uphills is fine. Forward over obsicles is really fine. Highway is fine and in town is fine. I can't compare fuel mileage since I have only had one auto and it is in the only 2H I've owned. I've never done better than 14l / 100km but I bough the rig at 398,000km.

I got a ride in Brad Taylor's HJ61 with the shift kit at River Shiver and I really, really like it. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a Cruiser with an auto if it was bolted to a diesel with a turbo.

Brad's HJ61...
brads.webp
 
I dont know about the fuel economy of the auto vs manual but it wont be 20% difference .
In Australia,any 7# with a factory auto is rare unless its a grey import.
There is always a buyer for an auto and a selling point if its to be driven by the wife
I have had a short drive of an auto BJ74 and found it great in stop/start traffic.
I could just as easily own an auto as a manual.
 
Good on ya Bruce, Enjoy! Thanks for letting me keep mine for a little longer too...

Cheers!

Mac
 
you are right Bruce L, typing ooops, it is a 440 in a BJ74...

one thing i would suggest Bruce I T , make sure you know the guy you ar buying from. send me a personal mail at:
wayne@crushersrule.com
and i will be happy to give you some questions to ask and what to look out for... buying an import can be a very expensive endevor after the purchase.
cheers
 
Tom Sheppards classic "Royal Geographic Society Expedition Handbook" notes on Table 28.1 that an automatic transmission may result in a "Perceived loss of manhood by some." :eek:

I also chose an automatic behind my yet to arrive HJ61 due to the benefits, rather than the perception. Although admittedly, all my other 4wds have been manuals.

Mike Pedersen
 
There are too many variables to take into account in trying to compare someone else's BJ74 with an H55f and your BJ74 with an A440. Tire size, engine condition (injectors, pump timing, valves, compression, etc.), and driving styles all play into the final fuel consumption...as everyone knows. The best bet to get accurate figures would be if someone could find Toyota's fuel efficiency ratings between the two transmissions.
 
I got a ride in Brad Taylor's HJ61 with the shift kit at River Shiver and I really, really like it. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a Cruiser with an auto if it was bolted to a diesel with a turbo.

Brad's HJ61...[/QUOTE]

That 61 is very cool looking, is that front bumper a Camrock built?
 

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