std trans ?
was looking on the net and through some papers I got from the dealer and I cant find any thing on a std trans avalible on any of the 04 modle f150's

on kelly blue book it lists the auto as std equipment and in the flyer from the dealer (had get one from a friend in svc dept as none in showroom) the anly metion is that the heritage will be the only way to get the 4.6 w/ the std. trans


whats the deal here anybody know ?
will I have to wait till '05 for a manual trans ?
If that is the case I am going to look at the dodge dealer
dont flame me on this but I been waiting to replace my current f150 so I could get an '04 now this , it is just one more example of ford corp not understanding their customer base .

regards w/ respect, Fordblue

 

Not an option this year.

 

considering that over 95% of the trucks Ford sold last year were automatics, I think they DO understand their customer base.

 

As much as I like standard on the hills where I live, it's sure nice to have an auto when towing. I'm not yearning for a stick anymore.

 

looks like manual trans and V6 will return in '05.

Those powertrain options will still be available in the Heritage model for 2004

 

Honestly as a dealer I think it was a good move not to offer a standard trans. 99% of the manual trans trucks I sell (which is not very many) are bought on price. I don't think you'll see the new model be lower priced than the competition this year, and therefore, the manuals wouldn't be selling. I do expect the Heritage model to be the lowest priced 1/2 ton truck on the market and sell more 5 speeds than normal (work trucks and fleets).

Other things that are killing off the manual transmissions are, lower towing ratings on manuals, auto's are holding up better than manuals (don't flame me just reporting what I see in our shop), and with the improvements in automatics, fuel economy is getting to be about the same. Sales are getting to be non-existant on manuals and it will be hard to justify emisions certifying this combination

I expect that sooner or later the only way to get a manual (on any brand of 1/2 ton) will be with a 6 cyl

On a side note, I don't think you can get a 4.6L with a manual in a Heritage either, I think the manual only comes with the 4.2L, but I don't have my order guides with me and the dealer website is currently down.