hello,
my xterra is a manual tranny. on a lot of over 120 there were only 7 manuals. for most 4 wheeling it has to be a manual. you pick the gear not a computer that is run by a 10 cent fuse, better reliability should something go wrong and you have the ability to limp home if needed. i had a 98 ranger and put 5 tryannys in it the damn thing (ford engineering). one dumped on me in the mountains and i was screwed. totally locked up couldnt even turn it on. with a manual shove it into neutral and hope you have a good tow strap. the manual offers so much more versatility and reliabilty, not to mention better gas mileage, fun to drive and heck its about a thousand bucks cheaper thats a lift or near gears!!!! bottom line pick what you want and study the way you drive and buy what will make you happy. happy driving.