i am deciding should i buy a manual jeep or auto looking for mostly mudding and offroading and a dd for a while what do you guys prefer which is stronger

 

The aw4 is pretty bulletproof. I would choose a nv3550 over a ax15 auto's are easier to wheel on rocks in mud a can see an auto getting hot heat + auto = bad.

 

The automatic with a beefy external cooler is as close to unstoppable as it gets.

 

Which are you better at driving? They're both extremely durable.

 

I've had both and would highly recommend the ax-15, they're both bulletproof transmissions, I've wheeled them both too, but I really enjoyed having the added control of the ax-15, lower gearing, and you can also put in 1st for going downhill, whereas the aw4 only has the (1-2) gear option, you can modify this for $1-200 so it's controllable, but if I had the choice from the start I'd recommend the ax-15.
It's faster
Gets better mileage
Stronger
Just as durable
Automatics are known for robbing engine power, the aw4 is great, but still an automatic.

 

I'd go with the AX-15. I personally wouldn't buy a Jeep with an automatic, I don't like autos, they take all the fun and challenge out of driving, especially offroad.

 

You mention both DD and off-roading. The more time you spent in stop-n-go and/or city driving the more you'll want an auto. OTOH, that same auto is the pits for downhill rock crawling, never the right gear, uphill just fine.

Pick your poison.

 

I've got an auto trans in mine. It's been used for plowing ever since 01. No issues with it. I would like to have the ability to drop it into 1st gear tho when I'm plowing for added power but I can't complain. She gets the job done. I'm going to put its own trans cooler in as soon as I get some money. I've taken my jeep in mud and trails with no complaints with the trans. It gets up and goes when you want it to

 

The real question is would you rather have auto or manual. Out of those two trannys you wont choose a weak on that's for sure. I prefer Auto for crawling if the elevation changes constantly. more control. Manual is great for long up and down hill runs. It really depends on what type of wheeling you are doing and what you personally feel more comfortable with.

 

Around here, we have alot of mud, long hills but very little rock crawling..

AX-15 all the way for me.