Longer life, fewer things to fail, lighter, stronger, better MPG and more power to the ground.
People keep regurgitating this and I just don't buy it. I wouldn't call the automatics behind these engines very advanced technology, maybe you could make that case as you get well into the 2000s. There is slippage and you're driving a pump, that's gonna lower MPG.

More reports I see from owners, the 5 speed trucks tend to have a couple MPG advantage. I've never managed to get less than 14MPG, I see plenty of reports down in the 11-12MPG range from auto v8 Dakotas.

Manual transmissions are simple





Autos don't excite me. My tranny has 230k miles on it, my motor makes about 200ft/lbs more than it's rated for, and my truck returns great MPGs. And I don't have a stupid slushbox deciding when to shift for me.

 

I'm with you, Hahns! Manual is on my dream list for my '93! Check this guy driving his 6 speed!

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=JmRDirm_SlA

 

Now, hey, if that doesn't make you want a stick shift, well... I just don't know boys! I'd pay good money to get that transmission in my Dakota, but unfortunately, I think they stopped selling them.

 

I don't know how many HP the pump sucks up, but it's not that much. And once the torque converter locks up, there's no slippage.

 

I'm aware TCs lock, but there is still considerable slippage until they do. A properly used clutch is only slipped for a second or two from a stop and that's it. There is a bigger MPG advantage than you let on.

 

Well, it would be interesting to see some real numbers. I have a 5-speed and I get 10.5mpg, lol.

 

I just spent a few minutes googling and the difference for my truck is 1mpg (12/16 city/highway vs. 12/17). For a 1997 3.9L, there is no difference at all. YMMV (literally).

 

you probably get 10 due to the lift and tires. mines a stock 93 2wd thats getting the 5.9 so I probably won't get that bad of mileage.

Hahns you have a really good point about drivetrain life, I've never seen anyone with a stick vehicle who knew how to rive it properly, have any trouble till well after 300k miles.

That and hat 6 spd video reminded me of a buds old truck and now I'm sold on a stick lol.

Question on parts though, the trucks I have access to for parts are 95-97. I know I need the hardware for the linkages, floor trim and whatnot, far as master cyl and slave cyl go, is that the brake master cylinder that needs to be swapped out? and will 96-97 stuff work on my gen 1? need to get my homework done and in the bag before I head to the junkyard on friday.

 

I'm sure that's why my mileage sucks. It was in the high 14s before I lifted it. I only have a five mile commute, so I'm not that worried about it.

BTW, I'm not arguing against the 5-speed. I like mine and I wouldn't trade it for an auto. I just don't think gas mileage should be the driving force behind switching to manual.

 

Yea thats not the only reason I was considering it, I would much rather not have to worry about it for a longass time and be in better control of my vehicle that way, lets me drive it more effeciently for gearing etc etc. that and its f***king fun lol.