With the advent of a center console shifter for the automatics it brings me to wonder whether or not a 5-speed manual 2004 will be readily available when the trucks go on sale in August.

My only major complaint over Ford's truck production the last few years has been the back door the manual transmission has been given. When I go looking at the dealership I consider it to be a rarity to see a clutch in a SuperCab or SCrew. Nowadays if you want the 5-speed you have to buy an XL Sport. And forget about getting it on a loaded Lariat or XLT because the automatic tranny comes standard after all the options that are added.

Why doesn't Ford sell a fully loaded truck with a manual transmission? And even while I'm thinking of it, Has anyone even seen a picture of a 2004 with a manual? Will it been on the center console as a short throw just like the automatic? (But wouldn't that be something?)

Will someone give me some facts or their opinions of this quickly fading memory?

 

The new lightning was said to have a 5 speed short throw in it, whether that will actually occur or not is in the air as far as i know. I like the idea of a manual in most trucks, but fact is autos are popular, and i think there arent enough advantages to a manual anymore. Torque converters are a nice thing and with a good VB the only thing you lose is a little more hp. I do however feel that ford is losing some people because of a lack of manual, they should at least let people choose.

 

Yes, the automatics are very popular. It's just that if you don't mind having to cycle through the gears you can save $1000 on every vehicle you ever buy.

I always felt that the manuals were a little easier on the gas mileage too, due to the fact you don't have to run those high RPMs all the time, likewise when you're stuck in between gears in the automatic. And all in all, a truck is a truck and to me price is a very big factor. Now I just wish Ford could help us all out in 2004.

 

to the best of my knowledge manuals get better milage because they have less drive train loss (less moving parts?) and also, theres the tq converter, which in the old days meant the engine was always turning faster than the driveshaft even in a 1:1 gear ratio. Its probably not exactly that, but thats the concept. However locking tq converters assist this quite a bit, and lets face it, its a 5000 lb truck, torque moves it, not horsepower, i think that avantage on the automatic makes it worth while, curious to hear if someone has a more informed answer tho.

Cost is a different issue tho, yeah manuals are cheaper, which always nice

 

Why doesn't Ford USA install Durashift transmissions on these trucks.
Like on European models.

You can use it both as an auto and manual.
Just push the shifter forward/backwards left or right I don't know exactely and it will shift up and down.

Now that would be cool.

"Ford Mondeo Durashift


Ford can rightly claim to be at the cutting edge of motoring technology – although in certain areas it lags behind the crowd by an embarrassing margin. Take its automatic gearboxes, for example. While rivals developed their new CVTs, clutchless manuals and six-speed self-shifters, the blue oval had still to get around to offering even a Tiptronic-style sequential change. But now, at last, the company is starting to catch up.

Designed to appeal to enthusiastic drivers, the £1,500 five-speed Durashift 5-tronic is currently only available as an optional extra on 170bhp 2.5-litre V6-engined Mondeos.

Whatever the car's speed, drivers can switch between the new unit's two functions simply by pulling the lever to the side, away from the D and towards a gate marked with + and -.

Used as an automatic, the changes are smooth and swift, and the system offers an impressive degree of refinement. Pull the lever across to the right, however, and the gearbox transforms seamlessly to a sequential mode in which the driver is given virtually full control over changing ratios.

Move the lever back towards you, and the car changes up into a higher gear.
Push the lever forward and the system shifts down. To prevent expensive damage, an override system stops the gearbox from selecting a ratio that would cause the engine to rev higher than 6,500rpm. Similarly, the gadgetry makes it impossible for the driver to change up too soon, and offers a low rpm kickdown set-up that only functions at speeds below 45mph.

There's a stop-go feature for use in busy traffic, too. It alters the gearbox programming, preventing jerky starts. In all, the Durashift suits the V6 engine well. Although purists may still want the ultimate control of a manual, the new box strikes a balance between the two systems that should appeal to long- distance cruisers and city drivers alike."

 

There are no 2004 new style F-150's with a stick, at least at launch. If you want a stick, you'll have to settle for a Herritage Edition which means current body style, but a 2004 model. And like you said, lower equipment models only.

Also, not all automatics will have console shifters. Only those with captain's chairs.

People that buy a load up Lariat that stickers for $35-40k are not trying to save $1000 by buying a manual tranny. If you just like rowing your own gears, I understand as I prefer sticks in most vehicles too. But you are in the vast minority, and Ford does not have a decent manual transmission to put in the F-150 to handle the 5.4L.

 

i see where you're coming from, as far as the interaction with the vehicle that you get with a manual trans.

but my question is, why?

why do you want a manual on a 5000 lb vehicle? especially in the area where i live, there are a lot of intersections where rolling backwards would be a major issue, especially when the vehicle weighs that much.

 

Pretty much all I'm saying is that in the long run, especially if you plan on keeping your truck for 15+ years, the manual will be much, much cheaper. A clutch is like $120, an automatic tranny is $1500.

It's almost impossible to tear up a manual transmission (don't think of the super-charged Saleens you see at the track).

And I am dumbfounded that there are no plans to release any sticks in the launch. I find it very hard to believe.

And while everybody likes talking about the new and old styles on this board, I think that when Ford puts on sale the 2004 Heritage Editions they will be extremely affordable. I mean that can't charge near as much for a vehicle that is a generation behind, or can they?

 

Yes, the Heratige editions will be rather cheap, but not much cheaper than they are now. $4000 in rebates in my area. Sticker prices between old nad new may only be $1000 different, but sales prices will be farther off. The way Ford is making the optin packages on the 04 model mak be wonder if you'll be able to do an apples to apples comparison, though.

 

I spoke to a dealer 3 days ago and he advised me that manual transmissions will no longer be available on the F150. In addition the biggest optional tire on the XLT is the 255X70R17. I know you can get at least a 265X70R17 on the 2003's. If you want an 18 inch rim you have to upgrade to the Lariat. Makes you want to throw your hat down and curse!

 

its sad to see the manual tranny a thing of the past I had to get use to an auto in my truck when I bought it 3 and a half years ago there are some days I'm glad I got an auto but most days I miss the Manual tranny as I liked shifting gears.

 

Everything I've read states that the manual will be available for the 05 model year. Which trim packages it will be available on are still not clear.