good to know. if i go auto, it might be this spring, as summer comes just a bit later here. not interested in shifting the auto--i'd want the computer to control it. probably go with a fully built 4r70w--not too concerned about cost. i've spent more on my solid rear conversion (that i pieced together from scrap with all new ford parts) than i care to admit. brand new, welded housing, 33 splines, trutrac, MM lower control arms, torque arm and panhard bar, brand new exhaust, etc. etc.