I know that most all 80 series have an automatic transmission, BUT, given the choice for OFF-ROADING or 4x4ing, which style of transmission is best, in your opinion?
Given Choice: Auto or Manual?
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Wow, 
.
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Stick all the way!
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I'd think auto too, especially if it's built/cooled ... but, I thought to ask, cuz this rig here to my left, in the photo, came with a SBC V8/SM 465 4spd manual trans. I was thinking to use components off it for another build. But, I think I'm just gonna fix a few things and put her up for sale again.
Auto. Only vehicle I prefer a stick in these days is a sports car. Chevy SS with manual WILL be had shortly!
you can take great advantage of a manual in a low power application ( from 40 to 80 series ) being able to squeeze more power with your help ( manual ) over auto ..
I mean, auto are better in all aspects .. when you have plenty power available ..
I mean, auto are better in all aspects .. when you have plenty power available ..
Definitely manual. Auto can be tolerated when there is a ton of extra power, but it is too wasteful when heavy and limited power. I've got a H151 in the garage waiting for me... If I want auto, I'll put my panties on and take the GX
If you are ever going to tow a trailer with your toys, automatic is the only way to go. The torque converter keeps you from constantly have to downshift. Trail riding over obstacles, left foot braking is a lot easier than feathering the clutch and throttle.
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Auto all the way, after decades of wheeling manual, will never go back. So much more smooth and controlled with an auto.
Definitely auto, unless you are geared ridiculously low in the manual
What my brother just said^^^^^^^^
You will want low low low gears for crawling in the manual.
You will want low low low gears for crawling in the manual.
I've had both.. First off, I've never understood those drivers that insist upon abusing their clutches by " feathering " them.. It's no wonder their clutches are prone to failure.. Pick the proper gear, then stay off of your clutch until you want to stop, even then, if you're in 1st gear low range, stay off the clutch and just turn the key off. When you're ready to go again, just start up and go.. No clutch needed.. Most good drivers with manuals understand this practice.. Manuals are also much better at engine compression breaking. I drag an off road trailer and with the manual transmission very rarely had to mash on the brakes, even on very steep descents.. Now in my 80 of course, I have the auto.. I'm hoping a set of Marlin Krawler reduction gears will aid in engine compression braking.. I'm still not used to all the hesitation going on while traversing rough terrain. I liked just picking a gear, dumping the clutch, and walking over stuff at idle,, you just can't do that with an auto.. What do I like about an auto? Easier to drive on highway and easier to drive on typical forest roads, with or without trailer.. If it were possible to easily swap a manual shifter into my 80 I'd be looking into it..
I use H151F - great trans. No issues at all.
Using the auto or manual depends on many factors, I love to see when autos can easily go on loose sands, but when I see the auto trying to get out of mad hole jerking the vehicle back and forth. Autos can never do this without damage to trans.
So it depends on situation, all my life I drove manuals, my wife has auto. When I drive her car I instinctively keep looking for clutch pedal and rev up the engine and drop it out to shift to the next gear.
Pros of manual ( I do not use auto on off-road - can not tell much)
1. Fuel economy - usually +2 liters in average
2. Better control (Snowy road, rain and etc)
3. Direct connection, engine -> trans -> ground. You can feel any slippage
4. Maintenance cost
Cons
1. weak point - clutch
I do not see any other cons, it is most on driving habits of the drivers.
Using the auto or manual depends on many factors, I love to see when autos can easily go on loose sands, but when I see the auto trying to get out of mad hole jerking the vehicle back and forth. Autos can never do this without damage to trans.
So it depends on situation, all my life I drove manuals, my wife has auto. When I drive her car I instinctively keep looking for clutch pedal and rev up the engine and drop it out to shift to the next gear.
Pros of manual ( I do not use auto on off-road - can not tell much)
1. Fuel economy - usually +2 liters in average
2. Better control (Snowy road, rain and etc)
3. Direct connection, engine -> trans -> ground. You can feel any slippage
4. Maintenance cost
Cons
1. weak point - clutch
I do not see any other cons, it is most on driving habits of the drivers.
I've always had manual transmissions. Had a three speed in my FJ45, a four speed (stock then SM420) in the FJ40, and four (later a five) speed in the 60. In fact, until pretty recently, I've only owned vehicles with manual transmissions.
Then I bought my FZJ80. And after doing some wheeling / trails in that thing, I have to say that I think an auto is almost cheating. While I'm still getting the hang of it, and I miss the massive compression braking you get in a low geared manual, the auto sure is nice.
Then I bought my FZJ80. And after doing some wheeling / trails in that thing, I have to say that I think an auto is almost cheating. While I'm still getting the hang of it, and I miss the massive compression braking you get in a low geared manual, the auto sure is nice.
I've been a manual transmission snob my whole life, and that includes my 4x4 vehicles. I'm comfortable enough with using 3 pedals (yes, all at the same time) that it didn't really bother me. Been doing it that way for well over a decade. There have been a few spots when I had a manual when I thought "dang I wish my truck was auto at this very moment" e.g. trying to crawl over a boulder on a steep incline in a 22r mini truck that likes to stall anytime you point the nose uphill.
Got my first auto 4x4 a couple years ago and it was a real eye opener. So much easier and less planning and more relaxing. It did take some of the excitement out of wheeling, but replaced it with general satisfaction. I have never been wheeling in an auto and thought to myself "dang I wish my truck was a stick at this very moment." So I would say auto wins off road.
Got my first auto 4x4 a couple years ago and it was a real eye opener. So much easier and less planning and more relaxing. It did take some of the excitement out of wheeling, but replaced it with general satisfaction. I have never been wheeling in an auto and thought to myself "dang I wish my truck was a stick at this very moment." So I would say auto wins off road.
This is also the first auto trans I've owned. Now that I've figured out how to use it, I like it. A lot.