Which trans is all around better for wheeling?

I Live in a place with mostly clay and loose rocks with steep hills...

My question is what is the better transmission to have Right now i have the AW4?

-PJ-

You have the best.

I'd rather have an automatic if I did any significant amount of wheeling...the AW4 should be fine.

vortex said:

I Live in a place with mostly clay and loose rocks with steep hills...
My question is what is the better transmission to have Right now i have the AW4?

Click to expand...

Define better ? What is wrong with your AW-4 ?

If you use a transmission cooler and follow the transmission fluid service intervals listed in your owners manual, your AW-4 will last for 200,000 + miles with no problems.

It is all personal preferance. I prefer the AW4 and it is also the most dependable.

I have an AW4. I love it. Point and shoot wheeling. I have a few buddies and my brother who have manuals and they don't hate it, they'd just prefer not work out their left leg all day.....

I wouldnt trade for a auto, i like being able to control my speed alot better on the down hill.

The only suck I really find is going up a steep hill, and I need more tire speed its sometimes impossible to shift to 2nd gear with out the jeep actually losing momentum or stopping before you let your foot off the clutch. If I was building a rock buggy or somthing Id go for auto but wheeling once every other month its not a strain.

It's personal preference. I'd say manuals are tougher in general, but the AW4 or AX15 are both good.
Manual drivers are more talented(and far better looking). :smootch:

I have a stick, and some times Its a pain in the but when your on a rock and have to keep from rolling back. I got a hand throttle im hoping it will help. haven't had a chance to use it yet. also with the ax-15 requires you to use a longer driveshaft, which eliminates the ability to use the front shaft upgrade.

they both have their advantages and disadvantages.

I'm a huge fan of the AW4. After wheeling for a couple years with a 5-speed, I'm sold on automatics. As long as you keep them cool, they're happy. No clutches to worry about, no gears to grind.

AW4 seems to be great in Cherokees.

Having used manuals and driven a top loader four speed in a '66 Stang, I can tell you that a manual is capable of faster times in drag racing, and offers more control in autocross or circuit racing.

BUT we're talking low speed 4WD Jeeping here - where constant loading of the tires keeps you from rolling backwards on a steep hill, not wearing out clutches from excessive slip, or ruining your weekend every five years on a disc replacement when you'd rather be wheeling. (I keep my vehicles at least 15 years.)

Going downhill forwards in 4L will engine brake a lot, you still need good brakes that can take it.

For long term service, ease of maintenance, and overall driveability, the AW4 is it. I'll leave the manuals to Cobra replicars.