6 Speed Manual Regrets?

[Jt-wrx]

Yeah, 1st gear is the one I worry more about. 6th has a LOT of room to give, so I think 4.88 would make it much more usable. But 4.56 would improve it a good bit, too. What RPM are you hitting now at 75mph in 6th? I think I'm leaning toward 4.56 if I were to do it. 4.88's would give an incredible 100:1 crawl ratio in 1st and 4 low, LOL! That would be great for bar room bragging rights but completely unecessary in the real world. It does exceptionally well now with the 4.10 gearing.

Every now and then I toss around the idea of regearing but when I go drive it I kindof back off the idea because honestly, 6th and reverse are the only places I'd find it useful. 1st gear right now is short enough that it is a beast off the line and it has no trouble getting my boat up the ramp, either.

yes my set up 1st gear almost isn't even needed and i've started out of second by accident a couple times no issues, normally i'm shifting into second not even 10' down the road, it's stout imo (for those not remembering what i have... 6-spd sport s on 37's with 4.88's, lightweight build, no heavy bumpers, armor or overland gear) it's very spirited driving experience, i forgot to mention i added the idrive throttle controller and can only run it on setting 2 (9 in total) as it's just too aggressive after that

as the mojave owner just stated, the pentastar auto is one of the best driving setups in all of motor vehicles, they have it really figured out, most manufacturers could take some lessons there, i would only drive the auto if i couldn't get a manual, that's how it goes

for the guy wanting stouter gears on the smaller tires...just head to the calculators to figure out what your threshold is for hwy speed rpm in top gear and you'll see what ratio to get, i personally wanted to ensure i could still do 80 mph in top gear and at a reasonable rpm, you'll get it figured out but you have to run the calculators to answer your question there, you don't want to be stuck screaming at 4000 rpm at 60 mph in top gear

Sponsored

 

[DanW]

yes my set up 1st gear almost isn't even needed and i've started out of second by accident a couple times no issues, normally i'm shifting into second not even 10' down the road, it's stout imo (for those not remembering what i have... 6-spd sport s on 37's with 4.88's, lightweight build, no heavy bumpers, armor or overland gear) it's very spirited driving experience, i forgot to mention i added the idrive throttle controller and can only run it on setting 2 (9 in total) as it's just too aggressive after that

as the mojave owner just stated, the pentastar auto is one of the best driving setups in all of motor vehicles, they have it really figured out, most manufacturers could take some lessons there, i would only drive the auto if i couldn't get a manual, that's how it goes

for the guy wanting stouter gears on the smaller tires...just head to the calculators to figure out what your threshold is for hwy speed rpm in top gear and you'll see what ratio to get, i personally wanted to ensure i could still do 80 mph in top gear and at a reasonable rpm, you'll get it figured out but you have to run the calculators to answer your question there, you don't want to be stuck screaming at 4000 rpm at 60 mph in top gear

That first gear situation is why I'm thinking 4.56 is the sweet spot for 35's. Like you, I'm keeping it lightweight with stock steel bumpers, no heavy skids, etc. The winch is really the only heavy accessory and I went with the lightest one I could find. (46bs). I think 4.56 gearing would get that 6th gear into a little more useful place and help it to handle small rolling hills a bit better. I want 1st gear to stay useable. Right now, it is perfect. I don't think going to 4.56 gears would be too detrimental on that end. I really think that with the current 4.10 gearing and 35's, the 5th gear ratio is ideal. I wish that was where 6th was and then 5th and 4th could be shortened a little. 1, 2, and 3 could stay right where they are and I'd be very happy.

Honestly, if it were a 5 speed, with its current ratios, and sixth disappeared, you wouldn't hear a peep out of me. But since I have 6th, I'd love it to be slightly more useful. And I've mentioned it before, but reverse would benefit from a regear, as well. It is just too tall for my liking.

 

[seven30]

That first gear situation is why I'm thinking 4.56 is the sweet spot for 35's. Like you, I'm keeping it lightweight with stock steel bumpers, no heavy skids, etc. The winch is really the only heavy accessory and I went with the lightest one I could find. (46bs). I think 4.56 gearing would get that 6th gear into a little more useful place and help it to handle small rolling hills a bit better. I want 1st gear to stay useable. Right now, it is perfect. I don't think going to 4.56 gears would be too detrimental on that end. I really think that with the current 4.10 gearing and 35's, the 5th gear ratio is ideal. I wish that was where 6th was and then 5th and 4th could be shortened a little. 1, 2, and 3 could stay right where they are and I'd be very happy.

Honestly, if it were a 5 speed, with its current ratios, and sixth disappeared, you wouldn't hear a peep out of me. But since I have 6th, I'd love it to be slightly more useful. And I've mentioned it before, but reverse would benefit from a regear, as well. It is just too tall for my liking.

Using a gear calculator with 33" tires and 4:10 axle 5th is almost exactly where 6th would be with 4.56 axle. 2389/5th/410 2362/6th/456

Dont use 6th for a tank or two and compare.

 

[DanW]

Using a gear calculator with 33" tires and 4:10 axle 5th is almost exactly where 6th would be with 4.56 axle. 2389/5th/410 2362/6th/456

Dont use 6th for a tank or two and compare.

Then that sounds exactly like the sweet spot. I don't get into 6th until 65mph, anyway, so I'm in 5th quite a lot on the highway. And the 3.6 is pretty comfortable in that rpm range. Much more so than the old 3.8 in my JK, which still does ok there.

That would also put 5th in a good spot to pull steeper hills.

 

[Jt-wrx]

4.56 is the match imo, as you talk weight and 37’s or as you keep going that direction there’s a lean to adding a few more revs for compounding issues around weight and drag as you see the 37’s argument around 4.88 and 5.13 is very common. Heavier builds better to compensate with 5.13.

your build will be happiest with 4.56 imo, 4.88 gonna be another 10% more aggressive, and 10% is not an insignificant number, see if you can run the calculators with you desired top rpm you wanna see on highway with your top empty cruise speed, if your not an 80 mph empty guy 4.88 may still work and keep rpm reasonable? You’re on a line, you need to see that difference in rpm between them at your cruise speed to make final call imo

 

[hjdca]

Also, the higher gears give you much better acceleration in city and canyon driving. It is like getting more power from the motor. So, although you may debate the rpms at 70 mph; if you take into account the added acceleration in the city, the higher gears always win out.

 

[Jt-wrx]

You have to set a limit somewhere. Logically for me I want the most aggressive acceleration and power I can get while still pulling an acceptable hwy rpm running empty on top gear. There is all kinds of power at 2500 rpm for empty cruising so I was aiming for that at the fastest I’d likely every want to highway cruise.

So really that’s the simplest fastest way to figure out how aggressive you can go with axles for tire height. Match your top gear with desired speed and rpm and away you go.

 

[Choatecav]

Then that sounds exactly like the sweet spot. I don't get into 6th until 65mph, anyway, so I'm in 5th quite a lot on the highway. And the 3.6 is pretty comfortable in that rpm range. Much more so than the old 3.8 in my JK, which still does ok there.

That would also put 5th in a good spot to pull steeper hills.

Here in the hills of Tennessee, I haven't been using 6th at all on the county roads. No need for it. When I go to Nashville and get on the interstate, I use it then, but that is it.

 

[seven30]

Right the use case is a big factor in ratio choice. For a weekend getaway machine you might go 4:88 or even 5:13 but if its your daily maybe 4:56/4:88.

 

[Gladys21]

Sounds like you need to trade in your girlfriend...

That's what I did!! Cheaper in the long run. JK : )

 

[Oldmon]

No.

The "experts" who reviewed the Gladiator early on panned it, and so did a few members here in a lot of posts last winter. Mostly the complaints seemed to be that the trans is "poorly matched" to the V6, because the V6 power band is near the top of the RPM range. In essence, these experts were looking for a close-ratio 6-speed.

Here is why I think they were off the mark. I am certainly no automobile expert, but have driven in my days many (well, maybe 10) different vehicles with MT, ranging from 1943 Dodge 6x6 to 1971 Mercedes 280SL, and other trucks and passenger cars.

The Gladiator is not a sports car, not a street racer, not primarily a truck, not even a dedicated off-road vehicle. It is designed in nearly every sense to be a general-purpose vehicle with wide appeal. It can run errands in town, go on a long highway trip, seat 5 people relatively comfortably, haul DIY stuff, go off-road, and even go topless.

The V6 was developed as a mid-power engine with reasonable fuel economy. In my opinion, it is a good choice for the general-purpose use of the vehicle. I do not know engine design; why a particular design reaches maximum power at a particular RPM, but in any case, the engine is a good performer and the power band is what it is.

Now the 6-speed: it is not close-ratio, it is to my mind a typical 4-speed, designed with the 4 ratios appropriately spaced for typical everyday driving, and two overdrives for better fuel economy at highway speeds. What could be more general-purpose than that arrangement? You might nit-pik about the individual ratios, but IMO it is a balanced design.

Now if you need performance at a given point, you gun it and wind it out in the lower gears. Not a hot-rod, but it will definitely scoot if you do that. After all, when you do that you are getting 285 HP at the top. Not too shabby. Need fuel economy? Drive with a light foot and shift earlier rather than later. Your choice.

ESS? It works beautifully. Stop at a light that you expect to be a long one, shift into neutral and let the clutch out: engine turns off. Light turns green, push in clutch, engine starts by the time you shift in gear again. Don't want the engine to turn off? Keep the clutch depressed. Total control without doing anything special.

Cruise is also a beauty. You can shift up or down as needed with cruise engaged, seamless.

All of the above applies to 2H (and 4H, when appropriate). Shift into 4L, and it then becomes a close-ratio 6-speed. In that case, closer ratios might have been too close. It is a balanced design.

So if towing capacity is an issue, or you just prefer an AT, don't get the 6-speed. But if you, like me, are a MT aficionado, don't be afraid to get it. One man's opinion.

P.S. The shifter is a beaut to use.

I think this post sums it up well. I picked up a Mojave manual and never really considered the auto. That's not to denigrate the auto, which is almost universally well-regarded with a number of real-world advantages...I just like manuals. I'd pay MORE for the manual over auto if I had to, which might make me insane. I was fairly nervous about the 6 speed after reading all the critical commentary, but I'm really happy with it so far. Coming from a manual JK, it's a completely different experience. Honestly, the clutch feel is different than any other manual I've owned and I don't love the vagueness of the take-up/lack of feel, but I'm adjusting to it. The first few times I pulled into the garage, I used 4-lo and crawled in because I didn't trust myself enough to get it in there smoothly. It's a fairly tight fit! Now, it's fine, though I still get a little nervous at red lights with the music up. The combo of low clutch-feel and quiet exhaust is dicey at first, but again, has improved as I get used to it. The gearing, shifting, etc. Is all fine for me and I really enjoy driving it around town. My guess is nearly anyone who likes manuals will like this manual as they adjust to it. If you're not that into manuals or want/need some of the advantages of the auto, that transmission seems like a great choice, as well.

 

[AustinL911]

I think this post sums it up well. I picked up a Mojave manual and never really considered the auto. That's not to denigrate the auto, which is almost universally well-regarded with a number of real-world advantages...I just like manuals. I'd pay MORE for the manual over auto if I had to, which might make me insane. I was fairly nervous about the 6 speed after reading all the critical commentary, but I'm really happy with it so far. Coming from a manual JK, it's a completely different experience. Honestly, the clutch feel is different than any other manual I've owned and I don't love the vagueness of the take-up/lack of feel, but I'm adjusting to it. The first few times I pulled into the garage, I used 4-lo and crawled in because I didn't trust myself enough to get it in there smoothly. It's a fairly tight fit! Now, it's fine, though I still get a little nervous at red lights with the music up. The combo of low clutch-feel and quiet exhaust is dicey at first, but again, has improved as I get used to it. The gearing, shifting, etc. Is all fine for me and I really enjoy driving it around town. My guess is nearly anyone who likes manuals will like this manual as they adjust to it. If you're not that into manuals or want/need some of the advantages of the auto, that transmission seems like a great choice, as well.

LOL! I'm glad I'm not the only person who feels this way about my new 6spd JTR. I legitimately turn the music down at lights so I can hear the thing. It's too quiet and I have no idea if I'm about to take off or stall it. I either turn the music down, or stare at the tach to make sure I don't look like a moron while holding up traffic due to a stalled take-off. I can't even 'feel' it through the clutch pedal. Prior to buying the thing, I had no intentions of putting an aftermarket exhaust on it, but now I'm heavily considering it just so I can hear what the engine is doing. It'll only get worse from here as I have eventual plans to put in sound assassin/Armorlite flooring and HotHeadz Headliners.

 

[Choatecav]

LOL! I'm glad I'm not the only person who feels this way about my new 6spd JTR. I legitimately turn the music down at lights so I can hear the thing. It's too quiet and I have no idea if I'm about to take off or stall it. I either turn the music down, or stare at the tach to make sure I don't look like a moron while holding up traffic due to a stalled take-off. I can't even 'feel' it through the clutch pedal. Prior to buying the thing, I had no intentions of putting an aftermarket exhaust on it, but now I'm heavily considering it just so I can hear what the engine is doing. It'll only get worse from here as I have eventual plans to put in sound assassin/Armorlite flooring and HotHeadz Headliners.

I completely agree with the two previous posts as I love my MT and the feel of shifting. I also can relate to the "quietness" issue above. I love that it is quiet but with a clutch, you want that sound so you can feel your way into the take off from the stop light or wherever.
One thing that I think will help me is I have ordered an iDRIVE throttle controller which, by all accounts, should quicken the pedal responsiveness which will help in feathering the throttle to build up rpm's when taking off. I will report back as to how I feel about it once it is installed.

 

[Puttyandnapalm]

I regeared from 3.73 to 4.56. I am only on 33s, and kind of wish I went to 4.88. I’d like to get up to a 34-35 and a steel bumper, but I might end up being back to to not being able to hold speed uphill.

but I live in a mountainous area, so ymmv.

 

[Deleted member 30519]

I just went with 5.13 Yukon gears. Waiting to get them installed. I was originally going to do Dana Spicer but would have to wait a while and Yukon got here in a week

Where did you order from ? I ordered the Yukon 5.13 gears from a well known vender last month and still waiting for Yukon to send the bearings this week. I'm cutting it close on my re-gear trip in two weeks.

Sponsored