If you ever get a chance drive Red Cone Pass in Western Colorado. Going up is tricky but going down in an Auto is Suicide. I did the trail with a friend in an 01 TJ with an Auto and I have never felt closer to Death in my life. The next week it did it again in my 94 Cherokee with a 5 spd. Well ill never own a 4x4 with an Auto, case closed for me. Much better control over the vehicle in all cases which is what you need while wheeling. Auto's are for lazy people who think they can wheel (Granted some need them for physical limitations). 5 spd all the way for me.