Well, i think it really depends on your preference again. I have heard that automatics are much better/easier to mess with in an offroad situation. HMMV's (hummers) use autos to my knowledge. When offroading, i think the auto matic provides more control. Thats not to say a std tranny with a highly skilled driver can't do the same.

 

WITTOM
The reason that E250 feels like a slug is that it's draggin around an extra 1/2 ton. My co-worker has an E150 with a 5.4 and auto and I know I could smoke him if I could keep my old tires from breaking loose. Extra weight is a monster.

 

5 speed 4.2 will beat an automatic 4.6

 

Yes, weight is a killer. This van is loaded up with all the crap I need to do my job. We need to have the E250 because an E150 would wear out quickly with our type of use. I understand the weight situation, I'm just really dissapointed with the way the auto tranny handles this weight. If I owned this van I might put a chip in it to improve shifts and remove some of the delays and retards that slow the whole process of getting going. I just drive it though so any money I spend will be on my F150.