manual vs auto for offroading

ayoung101

ayoung101

New member
i'm looking for either a 1st or 2nd gen 4runner. it won't be my main driver, but will be my winter 4wd and my summer toy (offroading, dunes, etc.). this is my 1st truck ever and i've got a question for all you experienced guys. which is better for offroading, manual or auto? i've heard different people say different things, and i was wondering what your opinions were. which tranny should i be looking for?

i'm not looking to do anything crazy with offroading. maybe someday when i am a multi-millionaire i'll get around to building a rock-climber, but not anytime soon. my 32 roadster takes precedence. i just want a cheaper truck that can go on dunes that aren't that difficult and one to go through mud and 2-tracks and stuff. nothing too much. yet. gotta start somewhere.

i doubt that at this time i'll be able to afford anything beyond a 2nd gen. so that's what i have to work with. with that said, auto or manual? (keep in mind i'm a beginner with offroading)(i'm excellent with a stick on the road, that's not a problem, but i've never driven off-road before)
 
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you say you'll be limited to a second gen truck. well i've never driven an auto 1st or 2nd gen, but from what i hear, the auto really sucks power away from them. neither the 22re, nor 3vze are terribly powerful, and attaching a slushbox to it will make is worse. i don't do any crazy offroading, but i can get along just fine with my 5-speed. auto is good for slow rock crawling when you need the extra torque from the torque converter, but i think that's the only benefit, and if you have good short gears you don't need the extra torque anyway. there's only one time i'd vote for an auto over a stick: the new mercedes amg C cars (i don't think you can get a stick anyway). the auto tranny's in those cars are so smart that they shift better than i can. they're a real blast to test drive. one other time i may vote for an auto (but would probably still get the stick for the coolness factor) is in a F-350 (or dodge 3500) truck for towing. the auto trannys there were designed for towing, and do a better job than the stick, but i'd still rather be able to pick my gear when going down a hill, rather than hopeing that the electronics in the transmission will hold me in the right gear.

anyway, enough rambling, my vote is go with the stick, if you find it too hard to drive off road, add a marlin dual case (http://www.marlincrawler.com) to it, then you'll never have any issues.
 
:iagree:
get the 5spd if you can. I have a auto in my 2nd gen with the 3.0L does rob power. You will get better MPG in the 5spd too.I get about 16-18MPG.

The 2nd gen is a great truck though.I don't know why I would say that.

If you really want to off road get the 1st gen with the solid front axle.
 
dang, i'm still getting about 1/2 and 1/2 for manual vs. auto. (between this thread and several others). i just don't know. if anyone knows specifically about SAND (dunes) driving, and has any input on the subject, that'd be great.
 
For sand driving, an automatic is the best. If you're an expert (and i mean EXPERT) manual driver, then go for the manual. Otherwise, stick with automatic.
 
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