Is manual better than 8 speed auto?

[DirkG]

Props to Jeep that you can still ask this question (for the Wrangler at least).

I was describing the manual transmission to my 15-year-old and he looked at me like I was describing how to milk an elephant. I told him when I was a kid, especially as a Gen-Xer driving in the early 90s, we had the worst slushboxes ever designed. If you wanted any performance, you had to go manual.

Sponsored

 

[Utahdirt]

I've had a MT in my Gladiator since 2020. I want an auto.

Sticks are more fun most situations, except stalling the engine or getting stuck on a steep slope going uphill. Possible disasters lurk there

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Is manual better than 8 speed auto

No, yes, sometimes, maybe, not always, it depends, sort of, not sure.

There's your answers.

 

[Advntrbound]

Sticks are more fun most situations, except stalling the engine or getting stuck on a steep slope going uphill. Possible disasters lurk there

Totally subjective! After 4 years. I'm ready to give up the clutch

 

[Utahdirt]

Totally subjective! After 4 years. I'm ready to give up the clutch

As is every opinion...You do you

 

[Jteakus]

The only way a manual would be acceptable to me in a JT would be if I could put it in 4-low and first gear and the engine would not bog/die in any circumstance. That said, I feel reverse gear in the 8A is waayy too high.

 

[Thunderspud]

The only way a manual would be acceptable to me in a JT would be if I could put it in 4-low and first gear and the engine would not bog/die in any circumstance. That said, I feel reverse gear in the 8A is waayy too high.

Not specifically what you are asking for..........but in 4 low, if the truck is stalled, the engine
will start regardless of whether or not the clutch pedal is pressed to the floor. Similar to any of our old manual Jeeps, really. It's just a bit finicky, and you have to hold the start button longer than you normally do, but it's handy for us folks who don't have three feet and just need to pull yourself out of a bad situation using the starter.

Edit: Just realized this may be a Rubicon-only thing due to the fancy transfer case. No way for me to test the other trims currently.

 

[King Nothing]

I’m only interested in a manual if it’s in a sports car or a semi truck.

 

[Liftr]

I have had both Auto and Manual Transmission in my JT’s.
I’m a little disappointed in the feel of the clutch in my 24 Mojave.
It’s too soft, and gives very little feedback during 1st gear starts. It also seems to be “clunky” during the shift from 1st to 2nd.
I’m not an expert, but I have had a manual shift vehicle ever since 1984, and even have a CDL for reference.

 

[georamorim]

When I was 35 years old…. Manual all the way!!!

Add another 20+ years to that….. Automatic all the way!!!

As a 58 year old, manual all the way.

 

[StevieY1]

Just look closely at 1st three letters of each word and I'll leave it at that.

Plus you can do an awful lot to your new rig with the 6-7 K you'll save.

 

[guntrust]

If it's not a manual, it's not a jeep.

Plus you have to take extra steps to defeat ESS rather than simply keeping the clutch pedal to the metal when idling.

 

[LouisvEarlleJT]

simply keeping the clutch pedal to the metal when idling.

“What do you mean throw-out bearings aren’t supposed to wear out every 20,000 miles?”

 

[mendiola21]

I like my manual but I have 5.13s did install a Centerforce clutch so I don’t need to worry about all the recalls stuff.

 

[guntrust]

“What do you mean throw-out bearings aren’t supposed to wear out every 20,000 miles?”

Never had this problem on any manual i've owned.

Is this a real problem unique to jeeps??

Sponsored