They might have. I've called several dealers around here, and none of them have seen a new body with a manual tranny. A couple speculated that once the Heritage is gone (as of the 2005 model year), there might be a new-style low-end truck with a manual. We'll see.

 

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I sure hope Ford never gets rid of a manual trans. for the F-150s.
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I'm with you there. I hope they bring it back. The only automatic I have every owned was when I was 16 and had the old cougar for 6 months. The last 14 years have been 5 speeds. I know some people complain about the 5 speed in the F150s but I think it is pretty decent. Then again, I don't drive it like a race car

I load the bed down pretty good and my 4.2 and it doesn't complain one bit. Great engine.

 

I have a 2003 F-150 XLT with 21000 miles on her. Short bed version with an automatic trans. My stick days are over due to a bum leg. I fancied my little truck up with a few mods to look nice but she is still a worker and will carry all my tools and other daily needs and loads with no problems. That little 4.2L engine does just fine with plenty of power for the working mans daily needs.

 

in 2005 or 2006 a "work truck" package will be made available. It will be a reg cab only, 5sp V6 and stripped of all options. Purely for fleet type use (as opposed to the fully leathered-up trucks).

So yes, there is a 5 sp coming in future.

 

...but longtime F150 enthusiast! Had a 2000 SCab XLT 4.6 that I loved, but the payments were killing me, so I sold it after only 9 months. Been without until about 2 weeks ago, when I found a bargain on a 99 XL SCab with a 4.2 with 134k miles on it. It runs great and has no leaks; the body is a little rough (scratches on passenger side), but is fine for my purposes.

I had always held off buying because I wanted another 4.6, but this 4.2 is actually smoother and quieter than my newer 4.6 was (the 4.6 had a constant knocking sound that was irritating - sounded like a diesel). I don't work mine too hard; some weekend errands, but mostly commuting miles.

As an aside - I am looking for a new 40/60 bench seat, tan, if anybody knows of one available for a reasonable price, let me know!

 

my truck has 173,000 proud miles and i really does look brand new outside and in!the 4.2 really does have plenty of pick up and no complaints whatsoever!

 

Apparently some beg to differ.

V6'ers under attack! Ouch!