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Manual vs Automatic Transmission ??

Posted: Sun May 13, 2018 9:11 pm
by DrDirt
I would like to find a 2004 - 2006 wrangler Rubicon. There are alot of them on Craigslist, and the majority have automatic transmissions. I’ve never owned a Jeep with an auto trans. My only experience with an automatic was riding with Ray Miller in his red Yj with auto trans. Going down steep hills with him almost caused some underwear problems! Not sure if it was Ray’s driving, or the auto trans lack of compression braking??
What are your opinions on auto trans for offroad trail riding? Thanks!

Re: Manual vs Automatic Transmission ??

Posted: Mon May 14, 2018 6:04 am
by W_A_Watson_II
If you get a vehicle with an Lock-Up TC Automatic there are several mods that allow you to manually engage the TC Lock-up and get decent engine braking. I wish my YJ had a Lock-Up TC, but so for it's been OK on down hill rides.

Re: Manual vs Automatic Transmission ??

Posted: Tue May 15, 2018 7:42 pm
by vlucdog
John, I have used my '05 Rubicon with the automatic in Moab, and in Colorado. In 4 low there is a decent amount of engine brakeing, in first gear. What I learned was on a down hills, keep the transmission locked in 1st gear. If left in drive and the Jeep shifts from 2nd to 1st gear on a down hill, the Jeep will want to override the brakes a little. This is most noticeable when it shifts down, because your not expecting it, it's Not bad but it is noticeable, and requires a little more application of the brakes.
This is a stock Rubicon with 33" tires 3.5" lift as well.

What to watch for with a manual locking torque converter is, if you stop the Jeep without unlocking the TC, the engine will die, as if in a standard shift.

Hope this helps a little

Billy G.

Re: Manual vs Automatic Transmission ??

Posted: Wed May 16, 2018 9:42 pm
by vlucdog
Dr. Dirt, if your looking to kill some time, this is a interesting read .
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f9/2005- ... cs/1144202

My '05 with the 4.0l has 125k miles on it. I checked the OPDA AT 90k, it showed signs of excessive wear. I feel I really need to change it.

Just a FYI.

Billy G.

Re: Manual vs Automatic Transmission ??

Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2018 3:15 pm
by wdln
I found that when I changed axle gearing from 3.31 to 4.56, engine braking got a lot more effective, since in 4-low it was trying to force the engine to rev higher. And as Bill said, leave it in 1st gear going down hills. But yeah, you need to make sure your brakes are in good shape or there may be some underwear issues that are difficult to fix on the trail. Years ago Jon and I upgraded my rear axle to disc brakes, which definitely feels more solid. Do the later TJ's have discs in back from the factory?

Re: Manual vs Automatic Transmission ??

Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2018 9:01 pm
by vlucdog
Rubicon's have rear disc,