Tranny Question

[Helidriver]

Hi, I am buying a Deli next time I come down to Van, and I have the choice of a 5spd or an A/T. Are there any issues with either, is one preffered over the other, and how durable are they.
Thanks

[Adrock]

usually with milage around the 100k mark, clutch may be on its way out on a 5 speed, but its a 5 speed, it has a clutch, they wear out. Largest issue is speed. The 5 speed cruises around 90 kmh in 5th at 2900 rpm or so. while the auto is a bit over 100 (105 or 110 maybe) Larger tires make my 5 speed travel 100kmh at 3k. (according to gps, speedo still reads 90 obviously. )

for 4 wheeling a 5 speed is a better option, for a ton of highway cruising the auto is probably your best bet.

the 5 speed is also missing the transmission cooling radiator that is on the front of the autos, which can get in the way on rough roads. (ok, if its getting in the way they are probably not roads) but this is another reason the 5 speed is better in the rough stuff.

[josh]

for 4 wheeling a 5 speed is a better option, for a ton of highway cruising the auto is probably your best bet.

Adam,

I am not so convinced... I have great throttle control with my throttle lock, and in 4 low nothing can stop me... as long as i can get enough grip. I even think if one of you guys (Adam, or Mitch) aired down on the Delica meet, and went in 4 low you probably could have crept up that slope (although maybe it was just to loose).

Yes I must admit the gearing is better for wheeling in 4 wheel high... but if its intense wheeling, then I think that 4 low puts them on an even field again. That said I think the standard has the advantage of being able to be bump started if something goes wrong.

Josh

[Adrock]

but the tranny rad josh, think of the tranny rad.

but youre right you dont really run out of usable options in 4 low. aired down it could have been done, it was the slip not the power thats for sure.

[josh]

Adam,

the tranny rad is the tiny one... and i am in the process of tucking it up out of the way (there is tons of room for it to slide up, and minimal work to do so), and cutting a hole in the front for air flow. I'll have the same front bashing capabilities as you in no time, and for very little work. Besides anyone with AC (mine is on its way to becoming an onboard air unit instead) would hit it on the ground before the auto trans cooler touches (the trans rad is higher). But perhaps the best advice is not whether 5spds or Autos are better, but rather to not do a nose dive down a hill when egged on by a brit...

But thanks for the concern. (Besides I drive an auto, shouldnt i back it up? )

Josh

[josh]

Helidriver,

I believe that so far the count is 1 for Auto, and 1 for Standard...

Josh

[Adrock]

im going to poop on your trans cooler.

the ac rad stays where it is until i destroy it. AC is a privilege, not a right.

Many 4 wheelers prefer a 5 speed because it is easier on brakes (although you dont replace clutches quite as often in an auto so I don't know if i love that argument) I do however like to be able to control the exact amount of power I am putting to the wheels.

Again, I think they are good for different things, If i were to buy another, it would be an auto, but i'm keeping my 5 speed to bash into whatever I can. It is painful to drive with the 215 tires in a 5 speed. Thank god I got the 31s so I could at least do the speed limit. That is the MAJOR MAJOR drawback to driving a 5 speed. I just prefer shifting gears though, a personal preference thing really. So, if you dont mind going a bit slower, and want a 5 speed real bad, then do that. If you want an auto do that, josh is right you're not sacrificing much, but for a true 4x4 it really should just be a 5 speed.

Also if you live somewhere cold and want to go remote start, you better get used to leaving it in neutral if you get a 5 speed, just one more thing really.

Wanna race josh? My van has a hell of a low end man. i shift twice before im out of the intersection, but with my exhaust I have no problem with how much attention throwing it up to 3k attracts, as if driving a deli wasnt enough.

p.s. when I get home I am banking every cent I earn for the frybrid kit. I'm still sold on the microprocessor and 15 second purge times. Along with custom tank and all that.

[Schwa]

My vote goes for automatic... I've been in a stock 5-speed and it was pretty bad on the highway and you have to shift out of first very quickly, seemed like it was set up for 4x4'ing whereas the automatic is more tuned for city / highway driving, although plenty capable offroad.

And I agree with the frybrid decision, I'm eyeing that up too.

[docsavage]

I have actually come to enjoy automatic transmissions for off roading. A properly designed gearbox will hold the selected gear - for example when second it chosen it will hold it in second just like a manual. The Delica gearbox is actually an Aisin Wagner or a Chrysler product that has been used on Jeeps for years.

I have the automatic and prefer it as it leaves me more time to gawk around as I drive. I don't think that there is enough performance in a Delica to be concerned about power shifts and gearing down into corners like a sports car - where a manual is a must. A Delica just feels right with the auto box, but hey thats just my opinion.

James

Also, that highway gearing is great 2700 rpm for 100kmh

[delicanuck]

Howdy Lads,
Does this discussion sound familiar at all? If so, its because we've had it before. Twice I think. Here is one thread: http://www.delica.ca/forum/viewtopic.ph ... ions#p1540
This topic keeps coming up because the answer is, I think, totally subjective. I have a 5 speed. Adam is correct, clutches don't store well so I've replaced mine, and the pressure plate and the block seals, both ends etc. etc. Josh and Doc are also correct in that the automatic transmissions in these little goats hold down very well and manage torque loaded shifts with the best of them and autos are faster on the highway. For me, the thing is the driving. A standard transmission gives me more of a sense of having strapped the car to my ass, as opposed to getting into it. An automatic requires less driving and a standard requires more driving and I want more. Find a couple of accommodating Deli owners, one with auto and one standard, and see if they'll let you drive their cars around. Maybe you could offer to give them a ride in whatever a "Helidriver" might drive. I'm in North Van so I'm probaly not in range.
Here is how you might judge the question; Would you rather own a Sikorski S76 or a Hiller YH32. I think I would be a Hiller guy.

[Helidriver]

Well the Hiller is tempting......but the S-76C++ has mad sex appeal! I would love to try one out but I live in Peac River AB. So that is not relly possible!
Well I guess when it comes down to it, the auto sound like the right option for me, I will be doing mostley HWY and gravel roads, and its a long drive from peace river to surrey even doing 120kmh in my car......lots o fun doing 90! But you look cooler so its ok. Now, larger tires came up.....can you fit 31x10.5x15's on there without cutting? And can you crank the torsion bars and put blocks in the back.

Sorry for the newby questions, but i have only been upclose to a deli once and never crawled around one so anything i know is from this fourm.

Thanks dfrom a soon to be Delica ownert.....Greg

[Adrock]

for 31s you will need to trim in the front and crank torsion bars. Rear is usually fine. Shackles will lift 1 inch in the back, blocks 2, (these are both from bruce (mystery machine) You can get a shop to make you whatever you want i'm sure.

[Helidriver]

Proud new Delica Owner!!!!! I got Brians Super Exceed...comming down near the end of Sept. to get her. Cant wait!

[robinimpey]

I was asking my brother in NZ about the transmissions and he said he has seen many of the vans with a Aisin Warner Automatics and says the following about them. "Aisin Warner auto, which is a Toyota trans are very good" He's not sure if all the automaitcs are Aisin Warners or not, but lots that he has dealt with have been. He's a mechanic at the top Tranny shop in NZ.

[EnviroImports.com]

ya I know things seem to be high jacked, but I would NEVER NEVER put blocks in the back, unless you are going to fab up a anti wrap bar. and i doubt anyone is going to do that. when you block the axel for height all you do is bugger up your camber for your u-joints, and when you put your foot into the throttle .... say to use your larger tires you are only driving the pinion DOWN towards the ground and you can actually make your leaf springs go into a S shape that spits out u-joints as fast as you can try to get your tires over a rock,tree limb or anything else. the only way to use a block is to get an anti wrap bar made , Sorry I should say use blocks and not have problems, if you really want that extra lift in suspension, get your leafs re-arched or leafs with a lift built in to them and shim the mounts to correct the angle of the pinion-driveshaft. who wants to help me come up with the conversion parts to go SFA instead of IFS and . so far im stuck on the steering switch over parts. I allready have the springs,and such ready, but that steering is my main obstical right now. oh well , thats another post...