Im going to be in the market for a newer truck next year and Im curious about the 5-speed manual transmission. I'll be looking for a regular cab 4x2 XL and Im noticing that quite a few of used F-150s like this have manual trannys. Its been about 10 years since I owned a vehicle with a manual tranny, but Im sure I could pick it up again pretty quickly.
Are there any common problems/issues with this transmission? The only real beef Ive ever heard about the manual is that it isnt rated for as much towing capacity as is the automatic, but I will be using the truck for haul a bedload of firewood a couple times a year and for hauling my snowmobile every now and then during the winter months, so I dont see myself going anywhere near the tranny's limits in terms of towing.
Ive owned my '99 F-150 since '01 and Ive pulled a trailer only twice.

 

ManualF150 to the rescue to tell you how great they are... (and show you pictures and brag about everything it has done) :o

 

LOL...Id much rathar hear any common issues with them and whether or not in the long run Id have fewer probelms with an automatic.

 

my friend had an 06 he just sold w/ the 4.2l. it ran great. was just a hair slower than my truck before it was lifted. i have the 4.6l. so hauling should be no issue. he did have an automatic tho. truck ran great and he drove the hell out of it. he hauled a polaris 800 in the back of it as well did fine w/ that in the bed. good luck on your purchase!