xjblake

I have searched all over the forum and I cant seem to find much about Manual versus Automatic transmissions. I'm looking to get another XJ. I prefer automatic. I have found some XJ's for sale that I think are exactly what I'm looking for, Then I see it's a manual and I get turned off to it. Should that be a deal breaker? it seems like It's more personal preference but is one better at rock crawling and off roading than the other? does it mater? what's the pros and cons of each? Thanks

sandaddik2

you dont need as low of gearing to wheel with an auto, no clutch to go out on an auto so theres no need for a 4:1 in your t case,
easier to drive imo

JeepingDan

Automatic is the way to go for rock crawling.
I rock crawl with a 5spd ax15 and it gets hairy sometimes were it matters alot if you roll back a inch.
But for highway you get better mpg's than a auto.

88XJLaredo

I'm siding with Dan. I am a huge fan of manual transmissions. They're generally more reliable, can take a better beating, cheaper to fix and so on. Problem is the time in neutral when you've got the clutch engaged. It's tough starting on steep, slippery inclines and can be a real hassle when stuck in mud and needing to do the "reverse rock". Throwing it from first to reverse takes a lot longer than drive to reverse and you lose a lot of momentum in the process.

djb383

I believe the torque converter "locks up" in both 3rd and 4th on the AW4 auto tranny so I wouldn't think there would be a big mpg difference between the 2.

blasterman93

I prefer auto. I have been out wheeling with a friend and saw him have all sorts of trouble krawlin through rocks and smelt his clutch while trying to maneuver through them.

96_xj

i wheel with a manual. like rocks and mud and inclines and you name it, i find it to be easier to be honest. we went the other day and friend burnt up her torque converter in 4 low where as i just let the clutch out and let it idle over everything and just gave it gas evey now and again. I like the control that a manual has, It is more predictable, and has better gas mileage. I do believe it is all about personal preference

95THORxj

automatic is the best for all types. yes a manual is good for a viper,mustang or a camero. but for jeeps its the AW4!!!!

JeepingDan

I do like the 5spd. But like what 96_XJ says I usually crawl in 1rst in 4L and one foot on brake and feather the gas when I need to.
I don't ever ride my clutch because it's such a hassle to replace it lol.
But everyone I wheel with has a auto and they make it look so easy where I aways need to get a crawling start and keep going.

Irongrave

I like an auto for the wheeling I do. a stick tends to have issues when your trying to climb up rocks and being off camber I like not having to need a 3rd foot. I'm open, open so i like to use the brake to help add some drag to the wheel that now has no weight on it. its all personal and I've wheeled both just love the aw4 in the XJ

96_xj

third foot is not needed lol just properly working E-Brakes !!!

lol i got out of this with almost no clutch!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=http:...?v=3tGUg9wrURo not alot of clutch. Just takes getting used to

Irongrave

yeah about the e-brake thing mine's shot and not about to spend the time to rebuild the 8.25

Gorillaxj

I have a manual and now have an auto XJ. loved them both. there is a art to wheeling with a manual that i miss, and however enjoy not having. wheeling with a manual take more confidence and experience. a auto is nice when you have to stop ON the obstickle and not roll back any. my buddy rolled his toy because he rolled to far back when trying to "restart" mid ledges. but it all comes down to what you want and how you can drive/handle it. I've hated autos untill i got my auto xj.... now I love it (for suv/trucks)

Rock Toy

To wheel with a stick you need a hand throttle, one foot on the clutch, one on the brakes, and use the hand throttle on the gear shift lever. It works great, but there is a learning curve, and some of us take longer than others.
About starting the engine on a hill and pulling forward, put the transfer case in low range and the transmission in first gear and start it with out pushing the clutch in to disengage the transmission. If you have the right gears in the axles you can do it.
At the end of the day though an automatic is far easier and you don't need as low of a crawl ratio.

JeepCoMJ

5 speed DD is nice. but it MUST have cruise for the interstate.

but, then again, I get sick of having to shift.


and then again, I get bored driving an auto.


it's a love/hate with either of them.