I find it much easier to creep in a manual than an automatic. The stall speed of the torque converter plays a huge role though.

 

I agree. Having wheeled a manual with 109:1 for a few years, it was plenty low. Starters are not needed to creep a manual.

The key point with an auto I feel is being able to power shift it. Having a torque converter has its advantages.

 

Depends on the application. Just like solid axle is only better than ifs on slow speed applications where lots of articulation is required. For high speed stuff like baja. Ifs all the way. Oh and they have like 24 inchess of suspension travel too.

But anyway I think I know the real answer why so many people like automatics more than manual. My local offroad park is proof positive of this. See automatics answer the age old question of how can I wheel my truck and till be able to hold my beer and drive at the same time. With a manual you have to use both hands to drive, so now free hand to hold your beer. Aha but if i put an auto in my truck than I can drink my beer, or other beverage of choice and wheel at the same time. I have finally found the answer

 

First of all "powershift" is a term used with manual transmissions.

I have NEVER gotten stuck on an obstacle because I shifted too slow. Compared with the advantage of the direct drive and being able to get wheelspeed through the use of whichever gear you need, I think there are some significant advantages to the manual transmission.

Compression braking ... durability ... if it DOES break, you have a lot more options to get off the trail with a manual than you do an auto ...

 

Trust me, I'd be willing to bet I can shift a manual as fast or faster than you. That is not the point.

Powershifting is a term that applies to both autos and manuals. It is shifting gears without ever getting out of the gas. My point is that while you definitely can do it with a manual, its not always a great idea where low gears and big tires are concerned. With an auto the torque converter gives you a bit of a buffer and the shift is generally quicker with less loss of wheel speed.

I am not saying that manuals don't have some advantages. The auto that is in my buggy is the only one I have ever owned. I currently own 3 other manual vehicles. All I am saying is that where rock crawling is concerned, I feel an auto is the best choice...

 

I see the makings for a bet.

 

Ill take a manual with lots of gearing any day of the week. The one and only situation that i prefer an auto is in the sand dunes, but at the same time once you figure out the gear you need to be in a manual works just fine. It just takes some experimenting on the bigger hills to figure out exactly what gear and what speed you need to crest them.

 

NASCAR race cars have 4 speed manual transmissions. But on many oval tracks with the right axle gear ratio they can stay in 4th the whole time.

 

Thanks for the info. I wasn't sure about Nascar. So thats another plus 1 manuals then.

 

Manual all the way baby!