Automatic or manual transmission?

[olburro]

What's best for occassional off-roading, Automatic or manual transmission?

Does anyone have experience with an auto tranny off roading?

I would prefer an auto, but plan on occasional off roading trips.

[Gman]

Welcome , olburro

I guess most people prefer the manual

But I like the Auto best. The torque converter multiplies the pulling power at lower rpm.

Sidekicks/Trackers don't seem to have many overheating problems, so the automatic doesn't tend to make it run hotter.

I know of four manuals that have gotten jammed into both 3rd and 2nd gear when in a bind (and downshifting...) this destroys the trans immediately, and the vehicle has to be towed...

I plan to use Manual Axles (lower ratio) with my automatic to offset the larger tires... and yield close to the original final drive ratio... (but a higher ground clearance) along with the 2" body lift to clear the tires...

Jeff

[louthepou]

I'd be one of those whom Gman's talking about... I prefer manual in the mud. I guess I'd reccomend changing the auto trans a lot more often than the regular intervals if I was off-roading. And keep a spare trans or two, just in case.

Louis

[Gman]

Guys, speaking of spares, a cheap 2WD manual trans contains all the gears necessary to repair a blown 4WD trans... it amounts to removing both output shafts and using your old one in the 2WD trans (along with the transfer case adapter housing)

The issue that I have not resolved is with the shifter... since they're different; you have to use your old shifter (the one that allowed the trans to go crunch...) and I'm not sure which part bends or wears to allow the third gear slider to remain engaged, while the second gear slider engages... at the same time... Crunch, Crunch.

Jeff

[RockvilleOffRoader]

auto vs. manual.

i have the 4x4 sidekick, and in 4 l, the gear ratio is absolutely perfect at getting yourself through most goo and rough spots, once you get into the deeper mud however, the 4 h is better, as your tires go slower and grip better. but either way the auto is very effective if you have the 4x4

[bikemon ("Trent")]

my mud wagon kik is an auto not on purpose, that was the kik that had the most rust and worst body over all.

After driving 18 wheels over the road you would think that I would swear by Manual Trans

I still haven't fixed the motor, so with 2 good cylinders I typically keep it in low if I lock the 4x4. It will go anywhere that the diffs don't get hung up. even soupy soupy mud!!

I enjoy the AT only because it frees up my mind to do other things, like the litter of six baby skunks, momma and baby fox, once in a while a doe and the numerous hawks, turtles, wunny babbits... blah blah blah

in my area, there is about a 1-2 mile power line trail with 3 "main" parallel trails, two in the open and the third about a tenth of mi in the tree line. we have two main mud pits and a drainage ravine trench stretching the whole width that you can cross about 5 different places.
when it gets difficult, I dont have to instinctively think about my "clutch" friction point; I've always used the AT without a spotter going real slow. With the doors off, It's easier to see the rocks and stumps that will cause flats if I hit them. (and rip my muffler off) I've never used the MT out there yet, (it's my daily driver) and never had to juggle the clutch.
but I pride myself being able to pull away from a stop sign on a hill without letting a truck roll backwards.

Other than the mud slide and the ruts from the big trucks, my local trails are very mild. I mostly stick to the atv trails or get off the trail all together and go thru the brush

[Queso]

I drive a stick simply because it gives me something to do. I think it's fun, and I like having that little bit of extra control over the rpms.

[thedendinator]

Main reason I'm considering a Sidekick is because it's one of the few vehicles that does what I require and for kid hauling has 4 doors and a clutch! LOL. Then again I drive downtown Toronto as a courier with a manual so maybe I'm just nuts. As for "rolling back", when I see people do that, I just judge that they can't drive. LOL.