2025 Manual Transmission Thread

[Mustbeheresomewhere]

The Steeda clutch spring is a really great upgrade and makes the clutch much more responsive. It takes maybe 30 minutes to install. I put one on mine and it’s been great!
Shipping is expensive for this but I just saw that It’s on sale right now!
https://www.steeda.com/steeda-555-7032-bronco-clutch-spring-kit

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[crenca]

The Steeda clutch spring is a really great upgrade and makes the clutch much more responsive. It takes maybe 30 minutes to install. I put one on mine and it’s been great!
Shipping is expensive for this but I just saw that It’s on sale right now!
https://www.steeda.com/steeda-555-7032-bronco-clutch-spring-kit

I thought about this mod, but hesitate because reading about how it lightens the clutch return action. This is the opposite of what I Inuit would be a step in the right direction, in other words the clutch "feel" is too light stock, not too heavy.

Indeed, often it feels if the return is too slow, not engaging the clutch fast enough. In addition, I have even at times felt the clutch to seemingly not return all the way, so that I put my toe under the backside of the clutch pedal and lift (like in the old days when your throwout bearing would fail) to assure myself that the clutch has indeed returned to the top.

What complicates all these "feelings" is that hydraulic nature of the mechanism, at least that is what I have read here. Can someone who has done this install describe how a lighter/slower return of the pedal increases clutch feel and engagement point discernment?

 

[Mustbeheresomewhere]

Interesting. That sounds like something else might be happening like maybe air in the hydraulic system.

I thought about this mod, but hesitate because reading about how it lightens the clutch return action. This is the opposite of what I Inuit would be a step in the right direction, in other words the clutch "feel" is too light stock, not too heavy.

Indeed, often it feels if the return is too slow, not engaging the clutch fast enough. In addition, I have even at times felt the clutch to seemingly not return all the way, so that I put my toe under the backside of the clutch pedal and lift (like in the old days when your throwout bearing would fail) to assure myself that the clutch has indeed returned to the top.

What complicates all these "feelings" is that hydraulic nature of the mechanism, at least that is what I have read here. Can someone who has done this install describe how a lighter/slower return of the pedal increases clutch feel and engagement point discernment?

 

[Marc L]

They quit offering MT’s in the off rodeo’s because people would burn up the clutches.

The Bronco is extremely easy to drive yet I witnessed someone bounce one down the lane at a dealership. Obvious to both me and the salesman that it looked to be their first time driving a manual.

Both my kids learned to drive on a manual back in the 90’s. They both have driven my Bronco and it was like they drove it forever so it isn’t because of lack of recent experience.

Never having driving a Ford manual tranny or any other American manual tranny before I found the shifting intuitive and the clutch travel obvious. I can definitely understand that automatic tranny drivers are delusional about their manual skills.
We are the the Offrodeo in TN at the end of May and will ask the instructors about how each obstacle will be tackled different in a manual.

 

[Marc L]

The Steeda clutch spring is a really great upgrade and makes the clutch much more responsive. It takes maybe 30 minutes to install. I put one on mine and it’s been great!
Shipping is expensive for this but I just saw that It’s on sale right now!
https://www.steeda.com/steeda-555-7032-bronco-clutch-spring-kit

It lists 2021-2023 and not 2024+ is this a typo or did something change.
We have a 2024 and my wife has made no negative comments about the pedal play. Her previous vehicles were XTerra and previously a pair of Rodeos. She has 500k+ SUV manual tranny miles so I'm sure she is adaptable.

 

[Mustbeheresomewhere]

I’m not sure, mine is a 2022.

It lists 2021-2023 and not 2024+ is this a typo or did something change.
We have a 2024 and my wife has made no negative comments about the pedal play. Her previous vehicles were XTerra and previously a pair of Rodeos. She has 500k+ SUV manual tranny miles so I'm sure she is adaptable.

 

[UncleBrad]

I thought about this mod, but hesitate because reading about how it lightens the clutch return action. This is the opposite of what I Inuit would be a step in the right direction, in other words the clutch "feel" is too light stock, not too heavy.

Indeed, often it feels if the return is too slow, not engaging the clutch fast enough. In addition, I have even at times felt the clutch to seemingly not return all the way, so that I put my toe under the backside of the clutch pedal and lift (like in the old days when your throwout bearing would fail) to assure myself that the clutch has indeed returned to the top.

What complicates all these "feelings" is that hydraulic nature of the mechanism, at least that is what I have read here. Can someone who has done this install describe how a lighter/slower return of the pedal increases clutch feel and engagement point discernment?

I purchased one just now, and will try it out on my 2dr manual. The spring is specific to the pedal pressure. I think the point is that by lightening the pedal spring, the driver can feel more of what the clutch (which is of course remains under stock tension) is actually doing. I'll have a report on your desk when I get it installed.

 

[UncleBrad]

Never having driving a Ford manual tranny or any other American manual tranny before I found the shifting intuitive and the clutch travel obvious. I can definitely understand that automatic tranny drivers are delusional about their manual skills.
We are the the Offrodeo in TN at the end of May and will ask the instructors about how each obstacle will be tackled different in a manual.

I sure wish we can actually DRIVE a manual during the training. I'll be at the TN offrodeo on June 13.

 

[BigFootie]

I sure wish we can actually DRIVE a manual during the training. I'll be at the TN offrodeo on June 13.

You might want to check with the Off- Rodeo team. Last thing I knew was they weren’t offering manual transmissions at the off rodeos.

 

[EasternSierra]

I already posted this on another thread, but I got my scheduling email yesterday. My 7MT Badlands build starts the week of June 9.

 

[UncleBrad]

You might want to check with the Off- Rodeo team. Last thing I knew was they weren’t offering manual transmissions at the off rodeos.

Already did. I confirmed that none would be available. It's a crap-shoot just getting a 2-door; they only have one or two (and I need to get there early).

 

[CalvinT]

You might want to check with the Off- Rodeo team. Last thing I knew was they weren’t offering manual transmissions at the off rodeos.

They had them at the first Off-Roadeos. But too many people didn't know how to handle a clutch. So all Off-Roadeo Broncos now have automatic transmissions.

I ordered my Badlands with a manual. I learned to drive with a manual. My last personal vehicle with an automatic was a 1979 Z28 that I sold in 1990. I've owned manual transmission vehicles ever since.

I'm happy with the Bronco clutch, transmission, and shift linkage. I currently drive a 2002 WRX and my Bronco. Other than reverse being in a different location, I have no problem transitioning between them. If you like a manual, or want to learn how to drive a manual, order your Bronco with a manual. I think you'll like it.

Before retiring I had several jobs that required driving 3/4 ton 4x4 trucks over desert terrain and up/down rough mountain roads. I was on 24/7, 365 call and had to respond no matter the weather or terrain, whether it be rain, mud, sand or snow. Some trucks had manual transmissions, some had automatics. With an automatic, the torque converter would free-wheel when going down hill. This meant next to no engine braking when going down a step grade.

I just attended the Nevada Off-Roadeo. Highly recommended. I learned a lot.

What I'm going to say next may be heresy to some. I like driving my manual. I ordered my Bronco with a manual because of bad experiences driving 4X4 trucks with an automatic. But knowing what I know now, if I had to do it over again, I may have ordered an automatic.

Ford has fixed my major complaint about an automatic transmission. The torque converter has a clutch that locks when in M1 or M2. So you have excellent engine braking when going down a steep hill.

With an automatic it's easier to crawl over rocks at a snail's pace (no need to manipulate the brake, clutch and throttle at the same time). It's doable, but takes more concentration and can be hard on the clutch if you're not careful. You also get Trail Turn Assist and Remote Start with an automatic.

The only thing that's more difficult with an automatic is removing the driver's door and walking along side your idling Bronco while steering. Easy with a manual, just put it in 4L and crawl gear. The Bronco will idle at a slow walking pace, even up a 16 degree slope. You can do the same with an automatic with trail control, but you have to fasten the seat belt even though you're not sitting in your Bronco. Even then I'm not sure the Bronco won't think you've fallen out and stop.

 

[RadDad]

They had them at the first Off-Roadeos. But too many people didn't know how to handle a clutch. So all Off-Roadeo Broncos now have automatic transmissions.

I ordered my Badlands with a manual. I learned to drive with a manual. My last personal vehicle with an automatic was a 1979 Z28 that I sold in 1990. I've owned manual transmission vehicles ever since.

I'm happy with the Bronco clutch, transmission, and shift linkage. I currently drive a 2002 WRX and my Bronco. Other than reverse being in a different location, I have no problem transitioning between them. If you like a manual, or want to learn how to drive a manual, order your Bronco with a manual. I think you'll like it.

Before retiring I had several jobs that required driving 3/4 ton 4x4 trucks over desert terrain and up/down rough mountain roads. I was on 24/7, 365 call and had to respond no matter the weather or terrain, whether it be rain, mud, sand or snow. Some trucks had manual transmissions, some had automatics. With an automatic, the torque converter would free-wheel when going down hill. This meant next to no engine braking when going down a step grade.

I just attended the Nevada Off-Roadeo. Highly recommended. I learned a lot.

What I'm going to say next may be heresy to some. I like driving my manual. I ordered my Bronco with a manual because of bad experiences driving 4X4 trucks with an automatic. But knowing what I know now, if I had to do it over again, I may have ordered an automatic.

Ford has fixed my major complaint about an automatic transmission. The torque converter has a clutch that locks when in M1 or M2. So you have excellent engine braking when going down a steep hill.

With an automatic it's easier to crawl over rocks at a snail's pace (no need to manipulate the brake, clutch and throttle at the same time). It's doable, but takes more concentration and can be hard on the clutch if you're not careful. You also get Trail Turn Assist and Remote Start with an automatic.

The only thing that's more difficult with an automatic is removing the driver's door and walking along side your idling Bronco while steering. Easy with a manual, just put it in 4L and crawl gear. The Bronco will idle at a slow walking pace, even up a 16 degree slope. You can do the same with an automatic with trail control, but you have to fasten the seat belt even though you're not sitting in your Bronco. Even then I'm not sure the Bronco won't think you've fallen out and stop.

Your clearly know your stuff. Good commentary about manuals!

I'm a die hard manual driver myself. It's just more fun for me and I like banging gears. I've been driving manuals since 1999. I learned to drive on an 83' Datsun pickup in a Big Lots parking lot while my dad shouted at me to quit killing the engine.

I love my wife's WRX (2021 MT) and she also used to have a 14 WRX hatch (MT).
I currently have a 21' Wrangler Rubicon with 6 speed MT and Ive truly enjoyed it, I've had a lot of fun taking it off road and it's truly a beast from the factory.

I got sick of the way it drives, saw a Heritage edition and went "Need that", test drove a Bronco and was shocked by how well it felt by comparison on the road. Power is more present and punchy. On the Jeep when you goose the throttle there's a slight delay and then it lurches forward. It's no slouch, but the Bronco turbo gives a nice push at RPM that the Jeep lacks. I've had wranglers as off road toys for 15 years-TJ, JK, JL and enjoyed the heck out of them.

Looking forward to my getting my MT Bronco.

 

[BudgetBronco]

The only thing that's more difficult with an automatic is removing the driver's door and walking along side your idling Bronco while steering.

Ummmm.....why?

 

[CalvinT]

Ummmm.....why?

Because you have to lie to the computer and convince it that you haven't fallen out. The manual equipped Broncos don't care, or aren't that smart. Take your pick.

See my comment about fastening the seatbelt even though you're not in the Bronco. You don't have to do that with a Bronco with a manual transmission. Just remove the door, put it in the appropriate gears then get out and walk.

With the automatic you have to fasten your seatbelt, then get in so you're sitting on the seat belt, then activate Trail Control, then you can get out and walk. There may be another hoop to jump through but I don't remember. I researched it over a year ago.

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