Manual vs. auto

Shenandoah · May 16, 2006

There was a recent article on EO discussing the pros and cons of manual transmissions vs automatics. As I am specing a new truck, the subject has some real meaning to me. I've been weighing the various cost/benefits of the two, but one of the variables is general maintenance and upkeep. Over a 500,000 period what would the related average maintenance be for manual vs. auto? How many miles should a manual clutch be good for? Etc.? Given that the auto is going to cost 6,000-8,000 more than the manual and is going to get worse mpg. is it worth it? I understand that convenience of the auto should be factored in, but I am looking at a bottom line cost only. Your thoughts?

LDB · May 16, 2006

To get a really good comparison you'd have to talk to someone with identical trucks except for manual/auto. Even then it's only an approximation since driving styles vary by individual. I would go to the service department of your dealership and ask them to list the suggested service intervals and costs for the two as well as give you any observations they have from working on the two.

Leo Bricker, 73's K5LDB, OOIDA 677319
Owner, Panther trucks 4958, 5447
Highway Watch Participant, Truckerbuddy
EO Forum Moderator
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dieselphreak2K · May 16, 2006

For purposes of climbing hills, and being on unstable terrain, I like maunuals. 'Course I'm the guy that hates synchronized trannies and prefers 13 speeds.

simon says · May 17, 2006

If you are spec'ing a 10 spd. non-synchro trans, I wouldn't worry much about the clutch. It will need adjustment on occasion, but if you can drive a big truck trans and shift at rpm, you will save money. I have a virtual bullet-proof 8LL, and it is very slick.
However, for the 4 grand more, I could have had an Ultra-shift, and they work very well from what I have heard. No clutch, no hassle, but there is a computer brain and solenoids to make the shifts, so always potential for malfunctions. You can call Knox. Frtlnr. to get his advice.
I would not get an Autoshift 6 spd. The one I had I never trusted- doubt a 10 would have been better. Pete dealer tried to make a fix by downloading a file and feeding it in, and blew the brain and the in-dash unit as well. Down for 3 days...

Broompilot · May 17, 2006

Costs about $90.00 for a flush every 75K for an Automatic. My other truck has a super 10 we both get exactly the same mpg. As for Resale an Auto is generally gona sell fast, wifes do no want 10 speeds and the 6 speeds are nothing but trouble.

Heres what sold me on the Allison, its the same transmission that are in tanks. How much abuse do they take? The Allison is bullet proof, I have never had a problem yet, and I have never talked with anyone who has. It makes driving in those long back ups very relaxing compared to those others.

arkjarhead · May 23, 2006

I'm in a 2000 freightliner century with a 430 det. and a 10 speed eaton auto. The truck has cloe to 700,000 miles on it and it runs like a dream. The only problem I have with it is it take a few seconds to go into gear when you shift from nuetrel to drive. It has the clutch pedal for stop and start. I miss the manual tranny b/c I feel the auto shift at to high of an rpm at times, but the gears never grind. Plus like someone else said earlier the resale value is a big plus. My truck came from ##### "Sweet Simon" Simons' fleet. So its not fully loaded but for the miles it has on it it is doing a grat job. Freightshakers are hard to beat if you ask me.

arkjarhead · May 23, 2006

Man censorship is wicked. The word that got # out is the same as the first name of the ##### Van :censoredsign:

Show if you've heard of that.

Moot · May 24, 2006

At least you didn't type Penis Simon.

Would the name Richard Cranium pass the censor.

Shenandoah · May 24, 2006

Unfortunately, as much as I would like to get an Allison auto or a ten speed, it seems all I can afford or get financed is an Eaton 6 speed. At least one person thought they could be a problem, but in my limited experience they have held up fairly well. What are the Eaton's potential problems?

X1_SRH · May 25, 2006

The Eaton 6 speed has been a workhorse transmission in the expediting industry for a long time now. If you don't abuse it, all you should have to worry about is an occasional clutch adjustment. Do NOT be afraid.

The Spicer 7 speed is the tranny to fear. I have never heard anything good about one of them....ever.

- Scott