The trouble with newer trucks is it's harder to find used ones with straight shift transmissions. If you are in the woods and the battery/alternator (does anybody remember generators?) or starter gives out, you can roll it off to start it. This is why I still park on a hill, in the woods, in spite of having an automatic now. Also, you can keep it in one gear to ease out of the mud without the truck changing gears on it's on. I had a 74 F100 w/3speed on the column while on temporary duty in Savannah and it got stuck in second gear because of wear in the "shifter". I was able to drive all the way from Savannah Ga. to Columbus Ga. in second gear. I did have to run two stop signs (going uphill) but could see far enough to avoid oncoming traffic. On the other hand, II do enjoy quick starting fuel injection.
Mike
