We hear that Ford may be considering dropping the manual transmission option from the Super Duty sometime in the future. While, we are not able to confirm this rumor, we think Ford would be making a big mistake in leaving Dodge as the only full-size manufacturer left with a manual transmission option. Not only would this create a lack of choices from the truck leader (something Ford has never had a problem with), but it would also make getting the excellent Power Stroke option more expensive, as it would have to be coupled to the automatic, similar to the Duramax, which is $7,195 alone, but with no manual has to be ordered with the Allison, raising the price by $1,200 to $8,395. Currently the Power Stroke is $6,895, but raises to $8,385 when ordered with the TorqShift automatic. Now there isn't anything wrong with the current crop of automatics, in fact they are some of the best automatic built, but we just happen to be manual transmission guys and like to have choices for those who enjoy a more intimate relationship with their machinery. We think having the choice of a manual transmission is as important to the full-size truck market as a choice of 2 of 4WD, gas or diesel, and regular bed or long bed. Please Ford, keep the stick!
--Sean P. Holman
Tech Editor - Four Wheeler Magazine