Dad was pokin around 05 150s and was wonderin why there are no sticks even available. Dealer said "duhhhh, soon you can order a V6 with a five speed, why do you need a stick anyway?"

Well, whats the matter with a nice optioned V8 4x4 handshaker that ford wont even make one?

Adrianspeeder

 

Probably because they have less warranty claims with automatic transmissions. Therefore they mae more money.

 

Resale:
The autos get better trade-in-value at the lots.

Technology:
How are you going to talk on your cellphone, hold the steering wheel, and grab gears...all at the sime time?

Technology is the Debil!!

 

99.9% of the people spending $35,000 on a truck do not want to shift. Look at how most cars, even cheap ones do not even offer a manual tranny anymore. I would never buy one.

 

You would think so though since they offer the little Ranger Edge
with a 4.0 H.O. 5 spd std..

 

Its all based on customer demand.

Its the same reason they don't offer a 6.5' bed on a screw or why Nissan doesn't offer a standard cab Titan.

Not sure where the "warranty" theory above came up. A manual transmission will generally last forever (much longer than an automatic) and clutch changes are pretty straight forward.

I had a 5 speed in my '98 Dodge 4x4 but had no problem with the auto in the F150 because at least 50% of my driving is stop and go and manuals suck when it comes to that.

 

Figured it was demand related. I dont really want to start a stick vs auto war, but dad and i just prefer sticks. The only thing i dont like about the diesel actually is the auto and stupid ESOF 4x4. If ford is going to do a V6 handshaker, why not a V8? It doesn't even have to be the 5.4, because the 4.6+fivespeed= great driveline.

Adrianspeeder

 

hey--a local guy...

with the 4.2 v6 in an almost 6000 lb truck, they won't have to worry about longevity issues. That little engine pulling a truck that heavy ain't gonna last long. My 4.6 is bad enough. If they build a truck that will last forever, you ain't gonna buy a new one in 5 years...