RavensEyeOffroad
Well-Known Member
for me since I don't own one yet I have to plan it out. I want a rubicon model but without alot of fluff. In my head I say "ya know the good stereo would be cool" so if i save 2k on a manual i can justify the stereo. In the end Ill have to see what fits the best. My wife is adamant about getting an auto "incase I want to drive it" but she never will. She has never driven my k5 blazer or my ford fiesta. She just got herself a new vehicle (Chevy Traverse) and she has some apprehension driving it. The gladiator has a 17" longer wheelbase and 14" longer overall than her Traverse. She will not want to drive it I am certain. I am also certain she wont be able to park it.I've come to the same conclusion based on manual vs. auto owners experiences. I think overall between both tranny's one should expect a decrease in fuel and power efficiency after installing bigger tires. Having 2 more gears in the auto does allow for better selection of gear for a continuous powerband throughout the speed range, resulting in not having to pay attention to selecting the proper gear to keep from bogging as you would with a manual. The auto is still going to have its work cut out for it searching for gears, especially if you dont recalibrate for tire size. Unless youre paying absolute attention to the auto shifting, you probably wont notice the auto gear searching as much. Us MT's gotta accept the fact that manual means "work", and it will require mental/physical work to maintain efficiency when driving...just more of it if you change any dynamic over stock. That's part of the fun...right?

Really for me I just need to really think about how it will get used. I plan on it being more of a family / errand / weekend warrior vehicle. Jack of all trades which is what I think the Gladiator is really good at anyhow.
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