DuctTapeGuy - I overlook the low traction situations only by accident. My rig gets extremely good traction in everything I've ever put it through with it being locked in the front and welded in the rear. If I wasn't locked or didn't have tires specifically designed for mud and rocks, I could see the automatic being an advantage.

Art - We'll just have to agree to disagree. As much time as I spend on steep inclines and declines, I'll stick with my manual for engine braking and being able to choose my own gear without having to fight the tranny.

And every breakage I've ever had, I've fixed it right there on the spot. A broken U-joint or snapped axle takes less than an hour to fix when you've practiced it a bunch of times. I've never once left my rig or anyone else's in the woods. If it breaks, it's coming out. Even if we have to build a skid and drag it out. I call it my "no rig left behind" policy.