Has anybody ordered the new 2005's with the manual transmission? I am curious to find out how sluggish they are, since the manual trans will only be offered with the 4.2 V-6. I'd like to get a basic manual transmission work truck (XL), however I'd also like it to be a 4x4, which I don't believe Ford will offer with the stick.

Doesn't anybody drive manuals anymore?

 

I don't think they offer the six banger on 4X4s either...Kevin

 

Yeah, I guess the 2005 4x4's are too porky for the poor ol' 4.2 V-6. I just don't understand why they won't offer the option of a manual trans with the V-8's. They mate the 5.4 V-8 with a manual in their Super Duty trucks -- so they've got the manual tranny to handle the torque. Why not at least provide the option for us 1/2-ton truck guys? I'd give Dodge a try if I could get past the way they look. I guess my choice for the near future is a 4x2 F150 or a Ranger 4X4 with 7' bed.

 

I just read on the Ford site that the manual trans/4.2 v-6 combo is a late availability item, which means it could be many months until they start building them. That probably means I'll settle for the Ranger. Makes more sense than an underpowered full-size.