The opinions on Auto Vs Manual, are like the opinions on IFS vs Straight axle.
If one more person starts talking to me about a straight axle swap, I'm gonna have t-shirts and stickers that say:
NO SAS for this girl
BACK OFF MY IFS
STRAIGHT AXLE IS FOR SISSIES
GOT STRAIGHT AXLE??? SUCKS TO BE YOU
IFS RULES, STRAIGHT AXLES DROOL
Not that I actually believe that, because I have some friends with straight axles, (yes, I am not prejudice). I understand the benefits, and the drawbacks. But I've had 2 shops figure that an SAS would run $7,500-$10,000, including top of the line Dana 60, steering fabrication, lift and driveline upgrades.
WHY??? I don't want a rock buggy, yet.