It is time to buy a new 4wd.  What has always worked for me is a fullsize SWB regular cab, stickshift, floor mounted transfer case, skid-plates, locker, etc.  Something nice and basic.  The shock was trying to find one.

Apparently the new Ford F-150 is automatic only.  Admittedly I did not look at Dodge.  I went to several Chevy dealers here in South Texas to encounter acres of $40,000 plus Crew Cabs, all automatics.  Most of the salesmen gave me a bewildered look, like who is this dinosaur from Jurassic Park.

I did online searches for the entire state of Texas and came back with nothing.  Finally I found a new SWB 5-spd Chevy 1/2 ton at a small dealership in rural Lousiana which I have purchased.

Look, I know everyone is different and what works for some, won't for others.  But what has happened to the manual shift off-road vehicle?  It would be nice to have a choice.

I don't know.  Some clown engineer fresh out of college and too lazy to get drive through decided that everyone else was as lazy as he was and push button/shift on the fly 4wd was the way to go.  Locking hubs and manual shift t-cases in full size pickups are just not compatible anymore. 

I'm with you mate.  These chumps need to get a clue and instead of offering more trim packages, offer more practical variety packages.  They should make push button 4wd an added option with a cost, that way we get our manual shift t-cases back.

Scoutnut

a couple years ago i looked and did not gety any truck but all i could find was f250 work trucks to get a basic truck with just the options i wanted but even with the 5.4 liter motor and an a plan dicount for my brother working at ford it was still better than 33,000 it would be nice for some cheaper trucks agian.  

The problem is is that most Tcases engage electronically now anyway so even if there is a floor shift, it is still electronic. They want 4x4 to be idiot proof to appeal to the masses and to get thoses to buy it that would not otherwise and increase profits on each unit sold. I can remember a time whan you had to order a 4x4 to get one, now you just about have to order a 2wd to get one in some models.  

i totally agree i want to hit my dealer with of cash and say iwant ashort wide 5 spd now   seems everyone around here drives what i call station wagon trucks the higher the better no matter how much it ruins their thuck and lets have the tires stick out the fenders also

If you can't find one in TX just imagine what a *** it is here in western NY.  I hate autos but no one around here can figure out what that extra foot pedal is for.  I looked for over a year before I finnally found my current truck.  The prices for used trucks is stupid.  Who can even think of buying a new diesel.  A guy can mortgage $45 grand on a house for 20 years but can only finance the same on a truck for 5 years.  

And after five years the $45,000 truck is worth maybe 15K or so and the 45K house is worth 50 or 55K or more.  

I can relate i bought a new toyota 4x4 it took almost a month to find a stick shift, a manual shift transfer case does not exist in any by anyone and can anyone tell me why a nuetral is no longer availabile in the transfer case settings? And why is a diesel engine option not available in the North A  mericas. It exists in the rest of the planet. I know getting 30+ MPG in a diesel would just suck.  

The engine option issue is because of late of US emission certification.  

A stick is still availiable from Ford, and also t-case in the floor. The problem is that they have to be ordered from dealer. It used to be the other way around, you had to order the auto. Also Snoman is right even with the t-case in the floor it's still electronically engaged.  

The dealer "orders" them without floor mounted shifter as they have some control over inventory even though Detroit does "dump" some on dealers. They stock them with push buttons because it is easier to market them to those that are not 4x4 literate or want floor free of shifter. BTW, the floor mounted shifter ones, some use a electric clutch for front output shaft but the ranges are selected manually (powered by "armstrong")  

got the same sitiation goin up here in south dakota....had to settle for a manual but a conversion is forth coming  

Finding a 2006 Ram 1500 with anything but an automatic is virtually impossible, especially on Quad Cabs. On the 4.7, 5.7 or Hemi, could I swap out the automatic for the 6spd, or would that installation cost half the value of the truck?  How much more complex (and I know it is) is it than just cutting a hole for the shifter and a hole for the clutch pedal?  

Part of the problem is did they ever make one? If not then you you have to sort out the ECM issues and find one that will work with engine because it control tranny too and will have to be swapped out with gear box. Why not look for a 2500 with a stick because they were offered. You could always soften springs in it easier than the other mod if ride is reason for 1500.  

Great idea, thanks. There seem to be a lot more 2500s w/ 6spds in this old world.  Mileage would take a hit w/ a heavier truck, I guess, but it's also more capable overall.