Automatic or manual? If so, why?

Just curious what van owners think about automatic vs. manual? I've always driven a stick, but three on the tree is a different animal and I've never had the pleasure. My wife is skeptical about shifting one even though we both love our 6 speed, modern car.

If you like one vs. the other, why? If you've owned or driven both, I'd like to know your preference. There seems to be a lot more selection out there in manuals, so I'm interested to know your thoughts. I don't know how much shifting around town or on the road it will take, so looking forward to opinions. Thanks!

Ibought a /6 with 3 speed on the coloumn changed that to a v8 automatic

350 V8 and 700R aod is the way to go!

Personally I like the 2004-R. Good ratios in all gears, easy to install and hook up. You can get up and go and still get good gas mileage with the overdrive. Marry it up with a 350 is always nice but now a days you can pick up a 305 for a song, still have decent power and mileage. Oh, and with the 2004-r you can use your stock drive shaft. That's always a plus....

Dan

well my a100 came with the 3 speed on the tree but I wish when I opened the door when buying it I would have seen a auto shifter on the dash, but its fun to drive and once you get use to it it's easy to shift.

No A/C, PS or PB + a small steering wheel = I'll take any luxury I can get

I once had a '80 chevy work van with a 3 on the tree and a 350 V8. Thing was a beast, but it was fun! (except when the clutch wouldn't fully release therefore the trans wouldn't let you grab your choice of gears)

Has anybody gone from a stick to a auto using the same motor and what were the differences? Power , mileage, drive ability, Did you have a 6 or 8 cyl.

DanTheVanMan wrote:Personally I like the 2004-R. Good ratios in all gears, easy to install and hook up. You can get up and go and still get good gas mileage with the overdrive. Marry it up with a 350 is always nice but now a days you can pick up a 305 for a song, still have decent power and mileage. Oh, and with the 2004-r you can use your stock drive shaft. That's always a plus....

Dan

O.K. Auto seems to be the choice of champions. Since I do not know these mechanical things, converting one to an auto is not that hard to do? Is the 2004-R a conversion kit? Assuming I wanted to do so and hired a pro to do the work, any clue on the cost involved, at least in parts? Estimate on time for labor? I'd love to not limit my choices. So much is manual and all so far advocate auto. Love your van, Dan.

I'm converting to auto. Want a cruiser, not a workout around town. Transmission getting built right now. Can't wait to put her into drive and "GO"!

You will enjoy the auto- good choice! costs depend on who & where= ive got rebuilders here - Quotes of 2K+ installed Tranny Companys and the home builders are around 300-350 -install addl. The lower priced guys even now giving a 2 years warranty!! for that amount of cash Im not going to do that myself. For another 100 bucks they do the install too. Watch Craigs list in ur area for the lower costs builders & visit with them.

Lazarusman,
The hardest part is finding a 2004-R. Everybody wants them! Most end up settling for a 700-R which is a great tranny too but then you have to have a custom drive-shaft made. The 2004-R are the choice of muscle car builder's because they last so long, can take lots of abuse and are almost indestructible. Thus making them hard to find. Also most 2004-R's have the universal bolt pattern allowing it to bolt to all GM, Chevy and BOP (Buick, Olds & Pontiac) motors. You will have to have a trans hanger made as well but it's very easy for the 2004-R If you need help or info just let me know. Best bet is like Twinpilot001 said. Watch Craigslist, it's where I found both my 2004-R's.

What motor are you looking at putting in?

Dan

My '65 is a manual and while it's fun to drive it's actually a lot of work, it can be downright stressful in heavy traffic or in hilly terrain (we have lots of both).

If I knew then what I know now (famous last words) I would have gotten an automatic so I could just drive it. I also think auto's would do better on as far as the topend goes on the highway (gearing etc being the same).

My wife doesn't like driving the van because she's afraid of stalling it on a hill in traffic, the non-syncro'd first gear can be a pain in butt in traffic as well (you have to come to a complete stop to shift from 2nd to 1st).

I will eventually start looking for an A108 with an auto.

if you have a tree of three no one under 30 will be able to steal your van.

that's a good point steve ,,,

I like my 3 speed. For myself, shifing is a part of the experience of driving an early. I always order manual shift from the factory. With Ram, I had to get auto because Dodge says they have to control the torque from the hemi. And I was thinking the same thing Steve was, it's a good theft determent. Some while back, I converted my Road Runner from auto to 4 speed but that was an obvious no brainer.

steve wrote:if you have a tree of three no one under 30 will be able to steal your van.

Confuscious very wise man...

DanTheVanMan wrote:Lazarusman,
The hardest part is finding a 2004-R. Everybody wants them! Most end up settling for a 700-R which is a great tranny too but then you have to have a custom drive-shaft made. The 2004-R are the choice of muscle car builder's because they last so long, can take lots of abuse and are almost indestructible. Thus making them hard to find. Also most 2004-R's have the universal bolt pattern allowing it to bolt to all GM, Chevy and BOP (Buick, Olds & Pontiac) motors. You will have to have a trans hanger made as well but it's very easy for the 2004-R If you need help or info just let me know. Best bet is like Twinpilot001 said. Watch Craigslist, it's where I found both my 2004-R's.

What motor are you looking at putting in?

Dan

This is why they are so hard to come by..... But worth the searching!!!!

I agree with Steve,most people under 35 never heard of a 3 on the tree,as much as I liked my 3 speed in my 68,I have to admit the auto in my 69 is alot easier in heavy traffic

Yep, when I take either of mine in for a front end alinement I have to pull it in for them! Hahaha!

steve wrote:if you have a tree of three no one under 30 will be able to steal your van.

I am 28 and have the three on the tree pretty well licked...there goes that theory! ha

im 30, have the 3 on the tree on the econoline and the dodge. my first real car was a first gen chevy that had the 3 on the tree. and i was 15 when i first drove it.
i think it has to do with how and who you grow up with. my dad gave me driving lessons on a 53 chevy. he said, "if you can drive this, you can drive anycar". thats what im doing with my kids when time comes..
back to topic. once agin its up to the driver. i personally like shifting, like someone said, its part of the experience. also, i dont drive my vans a lot and always avoid heavy traffiic.

Beanses,that is great I am doing the same with my kids.I think it is the way you grow up,my dad had a rule that if you wanted to drive it,you had to know how to fix it.on the other hand neither of my wife,s brothers can't even drive an easy manual shift

I'm 26 and drive three on the tree. Although the day before I went to buy my van I looked up youtube videos of how to drive it.