Manual VS Auto for towing...

Hi Folks, First post...I am looking to pick up a 2003 KJ soon, the question I have is about transmissions. I am an avid 5 spd guy as is my wife, however according to the Libby specs, the auto can tow 5000lbs while the manual can only handle 3500lbs... what gives?<font color="red"> </font color> [img]images/graemlins/lame.jpg[/img]

Wow, I see that, I'm glad I got the automatic!

[tincan]

Manufacturer is CYA for warranty. Most people do not understand how to use a clutch so they burn them out and manufacturer has to make good on the warranty....Auto trans are more forgiving to bad driving...thats the bottom line for US cars....Now foreign stuff is just the opposite.
All you have to do to understand DUMB is watch around the boat ramps when a clutcher trys to pull a 4000lb boat out of the water with a 4-banger and a clutch. $$$$$$$$$$$

CYA?

I figured it must be the clutch. Which is fine by me in 20 years of driving, I haven't burned one out yet. I learned my lesson parking my dad's fifth wheel with his V10 Dodge 3/4 ton up a grade...the arse-chewin' [img]images/graemlins/cussing.gif[/img] from that taught me to get the hell off the clutch...you could smell it smoking... [img]images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img]for ten minutes after.

I have test driven both the 5spd 3.7 and the auto 3.7 ...and it will definitely be the 5 gear for me. I am towing a 2800 pound trailer and gear so there shouldn't be any grief.

How about using the 4Lo setting for manuvering the trailer, anyone had any experience?

Cheers

Tow rating is not just CYA. The auto has the higher tow rating when equipped with the tranny cooler. Also, the pressure plate in the standard is not as stout as the torque converter in the auto. You tow 5K with a manny and maybe not today or tomorrow-but you will be looking at tranny service. Not just burn out of the clutch but the little springs in the pressure plate will be everywhere but where they are supposed to be.