Standard v Automatic (Looking at a New To Me continued)

Not to start an “oil thread” but I’m looking for verification.
I love my standard! I want my next truck to be a stick. However in all of New England there seem to be about 3.
I need to tow. Not an abusive amount but sometimes yes heavy trailers. My ‘05 standard did great with that.
If I cave and get an automatic, when should I expect to replace the transmission?
I’m currently near the end of my second clutch @235k. Some hard abuse on this one that I don’t anticipate repeating (but one can never know.)

 

I wouldn’t worry about the 2nd gen automatic, it’s proven to be reliable and better then the manual.

 

I would never be happy with an automatic. My advice is hold out and get what you already know you really want.

 

That’s a pretty bold statement! good to hear though thanks. I’ll definitely test dive a few just to see how I like it. It’s the wear of towing that concerns me. Aside from the negative-cool factor

 

This is true

 

If you properly maintain an auto and don’t over heat it it’ll last as long as a manual. I personally have never had a clutch last 235,000 miles. I think that many miles on a clutch is more the exception than the norm. But good on you that you got that many miles on it.
Oops, just realized you are on or about to be on your second clutch at 235,000 miles. So that means you are averaging about 115,000 miles on your clutches. I think anything over 100,000 miles on a clutch is pretty good.
I do a lot of towing and only had a problem with one tranny. On a Tundra I had the auto tranny crashed just after warranty but with only about 50,000 miles. I complained and Toyota said they’ve never seen this before. Toyota corporation paid for a new tranny.

 

Tow in 4 and not D and you should go far. But get what you will love, don't compromise for availability unless you're desperate.

 

Anything over 100K on a clutch is good? Wut? Maybe you don’t know how to drive a manual tranny? Not trying to be rude but replacing the stock clutch at 100K miles is absurd. I have 185K miles on mine and it’s strong as ever.

 

For towing the automatic is way better than the manual. Especially the way these trucks are geared and where the torque is generated. Back in the day when manuals ruled it was because 1st and reverse were geared in the 5:1 range. And trucks got their torque at 2000-2500 rpm. Today most trucks have 1st and reverse under 4:1 ratios and most modern engines need 3500-4500 rpm to get their torque. Getting a load moving, or maneuvering in tight quarters is a PITA with modern manual transmissions. And creates a lot of wear on them.


None of the manufacturers who build 1/2, 3/4 and even 1 ton trucks rated to tow 18,000+ lbs even offer a manual anymore. There is a reason for that. The manuals are for guys who buy trucks to use as toys. They guys buying tools choose an automatic.

 

The number of miles you individually have on your clutch doesn’t mean anything. Read some industry literature. You’ll see that the life of a clutch is all over the map. Some last 50000, some 75000, some 100000, some 150000 and so on. Clutch’s can last from 5000 miles to 300,000 miles. Lot of factors and variables involved in clutch life. In general overall over 100000 miles and you’ve done well. As far as my prowess driving manual trannys I’ve driven manuals for over 40 years from pickups, to bobtails to bigger trucks. I’ve driven and owned sports cars and muscle cars, all manuals. I use to race sports cars. I know well how to drive a manual. Replacing a stock clutch at around 100,000 is not “absurd”.
Also what Marshall R says above is 100% spot on.

 

Tow in 4th. Change the fluid regularly.
I think you will be fine, as long as you aren’t expecting it to tow over its maximum capacity.
If so, get a bigger truck.

 

I'd say get whatever you prefer, they are all relatively reliable transmissions.
If you go with the auto make sure you get the tow package or add an auxiliary transmission cooler.

Here's alot of info about them.

4.0L 5spd Auto A750

4.0L 6 Spd Manual R-A60

3.5L 6 Spd Manual R-62 (3rd Gen)

3.5L 6 spd Auto AC60 (3rd Gen)

 

Never say never. Wait until the knees and hips get old and arthritis starts. A reliable automatic transmission will be your dream.

Ask me how I know.

 

I looked it up in a manual. It said standard transmissions are the bitching king. Them who drive ‘em are kings and them who don’t are always bitching. Get yourself that standard no matter what it takes. Don’t give in to opinions from the automatites. Follow the light of the clutch masters. There’s a special place in heaven for men (and dames) what work their own gears. Nuff said.

 

If you do choose the manual trans.
You might look into doing the 4Lo mod.
It should help tremendously when back those heavy trailers.

 

Interesting. Thanks all for the enlightenment. I’ll be looking into the 4lo mod after this.

I purchased the 6speed. I’m excited. It has a plow which is another argument/discussion I’m looking forward to.
It seems that a manual and a plow may not be an ideal combo, so I will likely sell it, depending on how I like using it and if I can stand one more thing cluttering up my yard/driveway.

 

I bought a 87 Tacoma about 12 years ago used I had to put a clutch in it at 205K. I have 125+ K on my 2011 I tow a 3,000LB camper. We have owned a couple of automatics my wife said she wanted to go back to a manual, her (new) 2006 has 150K on it now. I live in Maine I plow with the Tacoma but am smart enough to only use low range and do not try to launce snow over the fence just push it out of the way. My road is about a 1/4 mile long. You can abuse and automatic just as well a clutch remember there are clutches in an automatic also. A clutch replacement in the long run is cheaper than an automatic overhaul Owning a a manual is becoming a theft deterrent also!

 

The plow is much harder on the Auto imo. Nothing wrong with a manual and plow. I’m from Maine and have plowed commercially many years and know first hand that the automatics take it hard. Much prefer the manual myself.

 

Cool. That’s a very inspiring reply. Thanks for the feedback.

 

do you want a vehicle you enjoy driving

or one that sucks to drive

why pick a rusty truck from NE when you can fly to a dry sun state and drive it back