1995/96 Nissan swb GQ, auto or 5 speed?

I have a 92 GQ ST Diesel with an aftermarket safari turbo, manual 5 speed, I personally like the manual, I get relatively good economy, I do the family weekends away, a bit of rock hopping and also some beach work.
I like the feel of a manual when 4W Driving going up as well as down hills, my mate has a 96 GQ petrol with an auto box, he does more touring than rock hopping, his fuel economy is not the best and he's had some problems with the electronics in the gearbox, he also wanted to fit an aftermarket supercharger but couldn't because of certain issues around the electrics in the gearbox, the garage said they would do the conversion but wouldn't offer a warranty. Freewheeling hubs have also been troublesome for him he's now converted to manual hubs. Hope this info helps, email me for more if you would like.

I have a GQ TD42 with aftermarket turbo, and soon custom intercooler and AUTO gearbox also several mods to the car...

Im happy with auto, the only place a manual has it over auto is downhill, autos have no engine braking, although Ive been told Rockhoppers help.. Uphill, downhill, crusing around etc the auto rules.

TB has the twin of mine even same color in a manual, he gets bleep ty sometimes on greasy hills going up, my thing changes gear for me, sometimes when I dont want it to, but then again I usually get up where he truggles.

Uphill towing or not, the car changes for you, no hitting the clutch to change down, and stopping. City driving the Auto rocks...

I was always a manual man until I had my bike crash, and forced to drive an auto, and now wouldnt go back I dont think.

Drive them both, and see what you like.

i have also heard of unbelievable prices if auto stops going

Yeah i know Nissans are expensive to fix but to be honest i havent heard of many needing to be fixed. Personally i do prefer a manual to a "slushy" but there arent many manuals around over here. I have seen a few with diff lock. If available i assume it would be worth picking up. By the wat truckster ive downloaded your file from back in October on doing a body lift. I think i'll do that one, cheaper than $2000 suspension lift.

Truckster: I'm thinking of a body lift as per your info last year (around 35mm) this should also give enough claerance for me to fit the 33s off my cruiser onto the patrol. The 33s should give me enough clearance. I have just helped my brother fit a 3 inch suspension lift onto his swb GQ and even dropping the transfer case 25mm we still are having minor problems with the noise from the driveshaft. Any ideas?