What Truck?

NONACK wrote: As long as it doesn't force me to punch the radio on the 2-3 shift like the one on a TJ Wrangler I'm OK with long throws...

Then you don't want a Dodge manual... the truck shifter throws are long. Not as long as the NP435 in my '78 F150 was, but close. I know short-skift kits were available for some Dodge manuals (usually the NV series trans), but I don't know about other makes.

Be sure to go through various brand forums to research the transmissions. Especially if your thought is the manual will be more reliable than an automatic. I failed to do that when I bought my truck, so imagine my surprise when I discovered the 5 spd Dodge put in 1995 Cummins 4x4 trucks is far more trouble-prone (and way more expensive to fix) than any automatic they've ever sold. And the upgraded 6 spd in later trucks isn't much better.

My heart wants a truck with a stick... my brain says, NFW... I'd swear US manufacturers haven't put any serious thought into their manual transmissions in well over 20 years.

In reply to Ian F:

If that's the case, and we can't find a suitable option, then it's back to 2 different vehicles filling this role, or I have to drive a truck a lot instead... which is not what I want. Also, regarding the throws- I literally mean that, in the TJs I've driven, they put the dash where it interferes with your knuckles when shifting. Long throws are fine, not designing the interior to permit them is unforgivable.

In reply to NONACK:

"Long throws are fine, not designing the interior to permit them is unforgivable."

Remember what I said about design effort and manual transmissions?

But I hear ya... with the NP435, 2nd and 4th had me slapping the bench seat; I punched the dash a few times going into 3rd and Rev was often in the passenger's leg (only used 1st/Low a couple times while I owned the truck).

I generally think full size truck manuals kind of suck because you cant shift them quickly without feeling like you're hurting them, and that takes the fun out of it. They often also have stupid ratios for WOT acceleration.

If you can find a 5spd 4.8 crew cab sierra 2wd YOU BETTER BUY THAT FUGGIN THING. If you ever see one and dont buy it you are NOT allowed to ever bring up this subject again.