- 1,825
- 80
- 48
- Location
- West Tennessee
OK - and now some answers -FreightTrain said:But the real question is,Why in the heck did they screw up a near perfect design by adding a computer controled engine,a automatic(there is no automatic that can last like a manual!),and all that other crap?I can see the inflation system and bigger single tires but the 465 is about bullet proof and so is the 5speed.What can actually go wrong with the combo?bullet though the block or trans case?so much more with the auto and Cat.Lose power your done.
I'll politely disagree with your statement about autos vs manuals. I've had two deuce trannies trashed by friends who SAID they knew how to drive manuals - never had an automatic trashed by inexperienced drivers. The army has the same problem, no doubt. Plus, automatic gives much better off-road performance - the army learned this in WWII when they first began using automatics - in tanks.
As for the engine - the EPA killed the LDT - it wouldn't pass emmissions standards, and on Sept 30, 1987, in response to the army's request for a five-year waiver, the EPA instead gave a one year waiver for only 3000 engines, and told the army to find another powerplant.
This is also why we see so many trucks coming out of GL without engines - they are pulling them for use in other trucks.
HTH,
David