I still think it boils down to sales. Idk when the manual stopped being available behind the gas engines, but I'm sure it was because sales were low. Another problem, which might be the OEM's fault, was many automatic transmissions were rated higher for towing than the manual counterpart.
I think the standards on gas mileage played a big role as well. You can get far better gas mileage in a 10 speed auto over a 5 or 6 speed manual. Don't vehicle manufactures have to meet a specific requirement for gas mileage?
and how many of those do you see on the lot. Point is trucks are not like in the 1970's you bought one because you needed a truck, now it is just a limp dick wannabe i am still a man thing.....and this is coming from a guy with a ridgeline.
What are the symptoms of axle seals? I had mine replaced once under warranty at 30k miles. I twas something the shop saw and fixed, not something I noticed as a problem myself. Also, what's the difference between the new jeep and my JK, Gladiator aside? Is it still solid axle and body-on-frame (or whatever you call it)? Charles.
The main difference that I've heard about is that the JK trackbar mounts were actually welded to the frame, rather than just having that "welded" appearance. Appearance seems to be everything these days.
This dealership 10 minutes away from me has one sitting on the lot right now. Probably can buy it for $27K or less given that it is a leftover 2018 model. https://www.fordofkirkland.com/new/...a0e0a6b01cdb788131b2061.htm?searchDepth=2:117
Other than the JL being slightly larger, it's mostly electronics and connectivity differences. Also, the JL is available with start/stop technology. It's still body on frame, with live axles
I think people in general and Americans in particular are fricken lazy is why. Too hard to shove a lard-burger down their throat while holding a liter of sugar to wash it down.
I think this is the fallacy we stick-shift evangelists stick to out of little more than forlorn hope, when all the facts surrounding the auto-buying public's preferences fly in the face of it.
I've been a stick owner all my life... and my JK is the first vehicle I've thought might be better with an automatic. Any time I'm hopping curbs or climbing snow banks I'm really burning up the clutch. For just regular driving on the street yeah the manual transmission is great... but for off-road, I think the auto would be a better choice. No? Charles.
One was built by Savvy off road and raced in the 4600 class of KOH 2019 by Erik Miller. He won the 4600 class in it earning a spot in the EMC. https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=2308325522511910 It needs a little body work after competing though.
Id still hit it I like my JK, but would like it even more with a truck box. Only thing that wouldnt work is the small cab, would need a lil more room behind the seat.
