4 Speed Auto or 6 Speed Manual
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Tampa, fl
4 Speed Auto or 6 Speed Manual
Ok all, I'm about to make the plunge, but trying to make my mind up on the tranny.I know that its pure personal preference but what do you all like better? The Auto or the manual? 
JK Freak
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 592
Likes: 6
From: Auburn, Alabama
Depends on what you're going to do with it and what your driving conditions are. A manual wins out for gearing (think acceleration, gas mileage and lower RPM in 6th gear since you can get away with taller gears), durability, ease of repair on the side of the road, weight savings, and ground clearance.
An auto wins out for comfort, convenience ... and some would say that an auto is actually safer for offroading since you don't have to worry about stalling, changing gears while in the water/mud, finding the right friction point when in a sketchy rock-crawling situation, and so on.
I drove sticks for 22 years until I picked up my JK with auto. I looked for a stick but could not find one with the options that I wanted at the time. A year and a half later, I think I made the right decision - my Jeep is a DD with frequent trail use and occasional rock crawling. Only annoyance is that it's a 4 speed ... arg.
An auto wins out for comfort, convenience ... and some would say that an auto is actually safer for offroading since you don't have to worry about stalling, changing gears while in the water/mud, finding the right friction point when in a sketchy rock-crawling situation, and so on.
I drove sticks for 22 years until I picked up my JK with auto. I looked for a stick but could not find one with the options that I wanted at the time. A year and a half later, I think I made the right decision - my Jeep is a DD with frequent trail use and occasional rock crawling. Only annoyance is that it's a 4 speed ... arg.
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JK Jedi
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,813
Likes: 0
From: Kenai Peninsula, Alaska
Depends on what you're going to do with it and what your driving conditions are. A manual wins out for gearing (think acceleration, gas mileage and lower RPM in 6th gear since you can get away with taller gears), durability, ease of repair on the side of the road, weight savings, and ground clearance.
An auto wins out for comfort, convenience ... and some would say that an auto is actually safer for offroading since you don't have to worry about stalling, changing gears while in the water/mud, finding the right friction point when in a sketchy rock-crawling situation, and so on.
I drove sticks for 22 years until I picked up my JK with auto. I looked for a stick but could not find one with the options that I wanted at the time. A year and a half later, I think I made the right decision - my Jeep is a DD with frequent trail use and occasional rock crawling. Only annoyance is that it's a 4 speed ... arg.
An auto wins out for comfort, convenience ... and some would say that an auto is actually safer for offroading since you don't have to worry about stalling, changing gears while in the water/mud, finding the right friction point when in a sketchy rock-crawling situation, and so on.
I drove sticks for 22 years until I picked up my JK with auto. I looked for a stick but could not find one with the options that I wanted at the time. A year and a half later, I think I made the right decision - my Jeep is a DD with frequent trail use and occasional rock crawling. Only annoyance is that it's a 4 speed ... arg.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 265
Likes: 0
From: Snohomish,Wa.
You read about more issues with the manual than you do with the auto. Clutches,throwout bearings,popping out of gear,etc.
I like both styles. I have a 6 spd in my Dodge 3500,and an auto in my Tahoe. I've wheeled with both styles and like wheeling with an auto better.
I didn't even drive a manual when I bought my Jeep. I knew I wanted an auto and went down and bought one.
When I need a manual fix,I hop in my truck and drive it for a few days.
I like both styles. I have a 6 spd in my Dodge 3500,and an auto in my Tahoe. I've wheeled with both styles and like wheeling with an auto better.
I didn't even drive a manual when I bought my Jeep. I knew I wanted an auto and went down and bought one.
When I need a manual fix,I hop in my truck and drive it for a few days.