So, in your opinion, what's with Ford and GM, that they build their light trucks so that they only way you can buy one that will tow is to get the automatic transmission?The most likely reason may simply be some people do not handle a clutch correctly or have a good feel for when to shift. I did not look at the 1/2 ton vehicles when shopping but had assumed,Possible answers:
1) They make more money by selling something for $1500 that you don't need?
2) Americans are not into shifting gears, so there is no demand for manual transmissions in light trucks?Hartwell
I think the manufacturers simply cover their tails because the auto is more idiot proof.
In talking to numerous trailer transport drivers I have heard many tales of failures of both auto and manual transmissions with both Ford and Dodge. GM is not well enough represented to draw any conclusions.
Dodge has had a problem with 5th gear, only in the diesel powered vehicles (NV4500 transmission) The problem has not appeared in gas vehicles. I think GM also uses this transmission. This failure does not render the vehicle undriveable.
There have also been a lot of oil line problems with the auto. There are service bulletins out that adress both problems.( I don't know if the fix has been done to my 99)
Of course in talking to other drivers there is no way of knowing anything about their driving habits. Most of these vehicles, while fairly late model, will have several hundred thousand miles on them, A lot of it under load.
While the automatic is predominant among these vehicles, there are also a significant number of manual shift vehicles in use. All these trucks are 3/4 ton or heavier.
Rick Davis 1602
54 Safari
69 Ambassador
70 Globetrotter
Amateur Radio K8DOC
NSS 14876