Humm... not going to agree with the "constantly" word here. Ran a D300 behind the 454 for years without breaking it, and... I don't drive carefully
Every time someone tells me a manual is better for off-roading it usually usually goes like this, "Manuals are better, you have better control, drinking mercury is good for you and, I am also married to my sister".
Let's address the first problem
Allowing a spouse to participate (drive if desired) is the best thing you can do to increase enjoyment of wheeling. Just remember to take it easy and don't pressure her into doing something she doesn't want to.
That said, we switched from manual to auto with a v8 swap and it's been a good move.
Winters is the manufacturer.
real men drive manual transmissions on pavement
Having wheeled with two manual trans equipped rigs and two auto equipped rigs (one was the same rig) I've arrived at the simple equation........Two feet=Two pedals
I'm not that coordinated. When I need three feet I use the ebrake handle.
Having wheeled with two manual trans equipped rigs and two auto equipped rigs (one was the same rig) I've arrived at the simple equation........Two feet=Two pedals
Never heard of a Hand Throttle...
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I prefer the manual purely from a maintenance/repair standpoint. My old 2000 SD had 240,000 miles original transmission and clutch, changed the transmission fluid every 100k. I don't know of a 2000-2007 SD that has over 200k on the original auto tranny. my father-in-law just had his tranny rebuilt in his excursion... Yikes$$$$$!
But longevity usually doesn't factor into a wheeling rig since it will only get a few miles a year.
Drive what you like.
(oh and yes someone will point out that their transmission has 200k + on it without being rebuilt, but for autos that is the exception not the norm)
Nathan