Why a Stick Shift Matters ...
JK Super Freak
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,813
Likes: 0
From: Nokesville, Va
Oh, now it's on!
A hill can look like this and we don't get high centered: /\ 
JK Junkie
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,703
Likes: 8
From: The Dirty South
Former Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,573
Likes: 2
From: USA
I mean it's bad enough we got commie/fascist/socialists doing a bang-up job of dividing the country already as it is as everyone just watches it go down the toilet, might as well go FULL RETARD.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,408
Likes: 6
From: Nashville, TN
Let's not forget, the original Jeep was a manual 2 door. Thanks to soccer moms and families with more than 2 rug rats, the 4 door auto now outsells the 2 door 7 to 3, I believe. Don't hate. If all they made were 2 door manuals still, you wouldn't have one. So be thankful Hummer went civilian and Jeep decided to take their market share. That's why you're on this forum.
JK Freak
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 577
Likes: 3
From: North Port, FL
Let's not forget, the original Jeep was a manual 2 door. Thanks to soccer moms and families with more than 2 rug rats, the 4 door auto now outsells the 2 door 7 to 3, I believe. Don't hate. If all they made were 2 door manuals still, you wouldn't have one. So be thankful Hummer went civilian and Jeep decided to take their market share. That's why you're on this forum.
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JK Freak
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 719
Likes: 0
From: Lakeland, Florida
The original jeeps were manual .... but technically they didn't have doors.
One of the first cars I drove was my grandfather's 1953 (50th anniversary edition) Ford Customline. It was your basic 3 on the column.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/208291551488295370/
Then there was the 64' Chevy Apache 10 step-side. Also 3 on the column.
Bildergalerie Chevrolet S10 Stepside Hot Rod 1964
My '70 VW Beetle, '72 Super Beetle, '73 Dodge Colt (Mitsubishi Gallant), '76 Dodge Colt, '73 Triumph TR6 were all floor shifters.
Triumph TR6
The TR6 was my last stick. Sure I've driven sticks since then: bucket trucks, box trucks, dump trucks, even my daughter's Unimog, but never owned another myself.
http://heavycherry.com/imgs/a/a/v/e/...1966_2_lgw.jpg
(portal are amazing for ground clearance, just not made for highway speeds)
When I got my 2010 JKUS (now up to 4 letters) I just couldn't bring myself to having a stick in a 4-door "luxury" Jeep Sahara. It's not that I can't shift for myself, I just figured with all the computer crap in new cars, it should handle that little task for me. Besides, I've been an automation engineer for 40 years now and I like the idea of machines having a personality and thinking for themselves.
Now for today's rationalization: I would still choose an auto today for a JKUS mainly because with 35s and 4.88 gears, auto, having a torque converter, is gentler on the drive train.
P.S.: Electric windows and locks are a necessity, not an option!
One of the first cars I drove was my grandfather's 1953 (50th anniversary edition) Ford Customline. It was your basic 3 on the column.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/208291551488295370/
Then there was the 64' Chevy Apache 10 step-side. Also 3 on the column.
Bildergalerie Chevrolet S10 Stepside Hot Rod 1964
My '70 VW Beetle, '72 Super Beetle, '73 Dodge Colt (Mitsubishi Gallant), '76 Dodge Colt, '73 Triumph TR6 were all floor shifters.
Triumph TR6
The TR6 was my last stick. Sure I've driven sticks since then: bucket trucks, box trucks, dump trucks, even my daughter's Unimog, but never owned another myself.
http://heavycherry.com/imgs/a/a/v/e/...1966_2_lgw.jpg
(portal are amazing for ground clearance, just not made for highway speeds)
When I got my 2010 JKUS (now up to 4 letters) I just couldn't bring myself to having a stick in a 4-door "luxury" Jeep Sahara. It's not that I can't shift for myself, I just figured with all the computer crap in new cars, it should handle that little task for me. Besides, I've been an automation engineer for 40 years now and I like the idea of machines having a personality and thinking for themselves.
Now for today's rationalization: I would still choose an auto today for a JKUS mainly because with 35s and 4.88 gears, auto, having a torque converter, is gentler on the drive train.
P.S.: Electric windows and locks are a necessity, not an option!
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
From: West Des Moines, IA
Prior to buying my JK I was in a bad accident and have nerve damage in my right arm. I also have lifetime warranty which fully covers auto but doesn't cover clutch on manual. I thought an auto was the best choice for me. Doesn't matter how bad my day is , when I get behind the wheel of my JK I am instantly in a great mood. Maybe it's not the trans...maybe it's because i chose the 2dr? All kidding aside, I can't image being more connected to my Jeep even with an auto. Btw, this is my first auto and every once in a while I will forget and start to lift my left foot. It has been 6yrs since my accident and my arm is much stronger, next vehicle might be stick but I will have no shame if it is another auto.
Thread Starter
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 14,800
Likes: 373
From: Midwest City, OK
If you enjoy driving a manual, that's great. If you prefer an automatic, that's awesome too. I used to drive a stick before I trashed the knee on my clutch leg, and now I drive an auto.
That being said, claiming that you drive a stick because an automatic is moving you too far into a future where all cars will drive themselves, insulating you from the experience, and is sapping your driving skills is just silly. I'm pretty sure you didn't swap out your transmission for one without synchronizers or replace your clutch with a non-hydraulic version. Although it's possible, I also doubt you've disabled your ABS system, removed the rev-limiter, eliminated your brake booster, and did away with your power steering - all of which have made it easier to safely and efficiently operate and enjoy the modern motor vehicle (and don't forget TCS and SCS).
Enjoy your manual - I'm going to do the same with my automatic, and I don't feel like I'm missing out on the driving experience or that my skills are somehow inferior to anyone else's because of my choice of transmission.
We're all part of the same family, and I think we're all pretty cool (well, most of us)
(Now, don't get me started on those lame 2-door JKs!)
That being said, claiming that you drive a stick because an automatic is moving you too far into a future where all cars will drive themselves, insulating you from the experience, and is sapping your driving skills is just silly. I'm pretty sure you didn't swap out your transmission for one without synchronizers or replace your clutch with a non-hydraulic version. Although it's possible, I also doubt you've disabled your ABS system, removed the rev-limiter, eliminated your brake booster, and did away with your power steering - all of which have made it easier to safely and efficiently operate and enjoy the modern motor vehicle (and don't forget TCS and SCS).
Enjoy your manual - I'm going to do the same with my automatic, and I don't feel like I'm missing out on the driving experience or that my skills are somehow inferior to anyone else's because of my choice of transmission.
We're all part of the same family, and I think we're all pretty cool (well, most of us
)(Now, don't get me started on those lame 2-door JKs!)
