Autos are better for the mud cause you don't lose momentum as you shift. Just have to regularly check/change the fluid and filter.

 

I love my 5 speed crawling and in mud. Crawling usually in 4 Lo 1st gear and mud 4 Lo and 2nd gear. Bot my xj are sticks. And a lot better on the wallet at the gas pump and on the brakes coming down steep grades I usually crawl down them in first gear 4 Lo and hardly ever have to use the brake

 

Welcome back bro. I use autos when racing the mud bogs down here but mine are modified with manual capability.