Manuals might be dead

[HTXGladiator]

So, I prefer old school although I'm not old. My first truck was a manual, my first car was a manual, and now my first Jeep is a manual. It would have been manual regardless of what the gear ratios were. As long as its an option, that's the option I will always choose. Not a fan of the "bells and whistles". No adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitors, parking sensors, etc. Hell, if it was an option, I probably would have gone back to manual door locks and roll down windows too!

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[DreamedofaJeepSomeday]

So, I prefer old school although I'm not old... Hell, if it was an option, I probably would have gone back to manual door locks and roll down windows too!

It is an "option" It's called the Sport trim (not Sport S).

 

[HTXGladiator]

It is an "option" It's called the Sport trim (not Sport S).

ok....if it were an option on the Rubicon.

 

[WhatExit?]

The auto trans has too many compromises for some. That is why Jeep gives us a choice.

Please do tell how the 8-speed auto transmission “has too many compromises.”

I’ve always been interested to hear how some swear feathering a clutch and rowing a manual transmission while going up a grade negotiating a challenging off road trail is so much better than an automatic Jeep that allows you to focus on driving and throttle control while taking the proper line and negotiating rocks and obstacles.

 

[DreamedofaJeepSomeday]

ok....if it were an option on the Rubicon.

After I posted, I realized what you meant. (Looked at your picture).

 

[DreamedofaJeepSomeday]

Please do tell how the 8-speed auto transmission “has too many compromises.”

I’ve always been interested to hear how some swear feathering a clutch and rowing a manual transmission while going up a grade negotiating a challenging off road trail is so much better than an automatic Jeep that allows you to focus on driving and throttle control while taking the proper line and negotiating rocks and obstacles.

First, not all Gladiator purchasers (or Wrangler, for that matter) are going to be "going up a grade negotiating a challenging off road trail". If fact, I imagine most will not be. Remember, I said the auto has too many compromises for some. I did not say for all. These compromises include:

1. Not being able to shift it yourself.
2. If you are able to shift it yourself, too many restrictions on shifts allowed.
3. Boring when driving on the streets.
4. Nothing for left foot to do.
5. Any more questions, see #1.

 

[eternus]

A fanboi here with MT on Rubi. I know you meant "fanboi" as a derogatory descriptor, but I guess it is indeed descriptive of me.

But you can use that on many broader levels, like the JT in general when compared to other vehicles...I guess you're a fanboi as well. Or Jeeps in general. I guess several hundred thousand of buyers over multiple generations are fanbois as well.

As others have, stated it's geared well for off-road use. But this great truck and it's vast fanboi network pulls in many demographics whom not all will go off-road. So unfortunately it won't check the box for everyone. Thank God we all have choices and can find a perfect vehicle so everyone can be a "fanboi"of their choice.

To be clear, I don't mean it with derogatory intent in any mean fashion. I apologize if it came off that way. I'm a fanboi of plenty of things, and I do enjoy driving a stick. My point is that there are some people that shout all day long that if you don't drive a stick you're subhuman. This is the case with so many things we get passionate about.

 

[ciarraikerry]

Stay the course and call, email and post about MT!!

I got my rig back a day early. Really missed it and now I’m considering keeping it a little longer rather than trading for the JTR. At the very least I’m set to hold out longer for the manual to come back. Maybe I can keep both...

 

[Blknblu]

I wish this wasn't my first post and be the bearer of bad news. I was suppose to have a Sport built 2 weeks ago with a manual and it went on hold. Got the same call as others with orders from Jeep. They had no details on the issue, but i have found out the Manual transmission are on hold for a Recall. No details as of why, but guessing a weak clutch. I guess better to hear now then having one with the recall already in it.

Bruce

 

[Empty Pockets]

I own one and it sucks. I'm not wanting a close ratio gear box, I just wanted a 6 speed not a 4 speed (It's 2020). Anyway, I love my truck just wish it could maintain speed in going through hilly roads. The combo of this transmission and the V6 does not work.

I don’t really mean to sound judgmental, but... buying a manual because you WANT to shift your own gears and then complaining because you have to shift on a hilly road is a bit contradicting, don’t you think? The 8 speed certainly shifts a lot in the hills, it just does it on its own, without your mental or physical involvement.

This thread has turned from an informational thread about Jeep possibly discontinuing the MT to the same old crap about MT vs AT. Just buy what suits you and get on with it.

in 45+ years of driving I’ve had a bunch of manuals and only 2 automatics. The first auto was a Land Rover Disco. The tranny failed. The 2ed was a Silverado. Nice truck, but I knew driving it off the lot that I’d never be satisfied. I love my JT with the manual. Yep, it did take some time behind the wheel to get used to the sweet spots for shifts and to learn to feel the clutch engagement. But so did every last one of the nearly 20 other MT vehicles I’ve owned. The JT is a good solid truck. In the city traffic, in the mountains, on the freeway, I don’t really think about the need to shift at all. Just do it. But......when I do drive an auto it frustrates the crap outta me. I’m happy for you folks that prefer the auto. Genuinely happy that you can have what you prefer. Dang glad that I can have my stick shift, too.

 

[flyinj]

A dealer posted on the wrangler forum that they were notified that the halt on manual orders is due to a shortage and that people "should" be able to order again in April. Hopefully that's accurate....time will tell.

If that is true, it's cool that demand for manuals is exceeding supply. Hopefully it sends a message to Jeep (and other brands) that the MT shouldn't die yet.

 

[Bobzdar]

First, not all Gladiator purchasers (or Wrangler, for that matter) are going to be "going up a grade negotiating a challenging off road trail". If fact, I imagine most will not be. Remember, I said the auto has too many compromises for some. I did not say for all. These compromises include:

1. Not being able to shift it yourself.
2. If you are able to shift it yourself, too many restrictions on shifts allowed.
3. Boring when driving on the streets.
4. Nothing for left foot to do.
5. Any more questions, see #1.

You either have bad info or are misinformed, there is no issue shifting the auto manually or any restrictions other than it won't let you over rev it or massively lug it, both things that would otherwise damage the engine.

 

[3-pedal-Rub]

It sounds like the only detail to dealers is that they are no longer offering the manual as an option. Could go either way. I know that I had to wait 4 months for mine which tested my patience, but it was only because it was a manual. It just showed up last week so I may have gotten one of the last ones.

 

[jimbom]

It sounds like the only detail to dealers is that they are no longer offering the manual as an option. Could go either way. I know that I had to wait 4 months for mine which tested my patience, but it was only because it was a manual. It just showed up last week so I may have gotten one of the last ones.

Technically the Auto is an option. So for whatever reason, they're forcing buyers to buy the $2k option or wait (possibly) for a standard issue Glad. Obviously most buyers aren't affected by this.

 

[jimbom]

I’ve always been interested to hear how some swear feathering a clutch and rowing a manual transmission while going up a grade negotiating a challenging off road trail is so much better than an automatic Jeep that allows you to focus on driving and throttle control while taking the proper line and negotiating rocks and obstacles.

1st gear/4L on the Rubicon is an 84:1 crawl (a little better than the auto's 77:1) No feathering, in fact you don't need (or want) to touch the clutch while idle pulls you steadily along at ~3/4 MPH (or use whatever gear/speed is appropriate.) Not like a slippy automatic where you constantly have to alternate goosing it and checking with the brake. And the manual is tough to stall. Even if you do stall there's no need to touch the clutch, just hit the start button and it gets you rolling and the engine pulling again.

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