First off, I am not an expert on Roadrangers, I have only driven one about 12,000 miles, nothing compared to the real truck drivers out there. I can try to explain my thoughts and experiences with learning to drive one, but I am not an expert...
Sure you can't learn new tricks, just so long as you are willing to learn, understand it may take a while, and don't expect it to shift like a car.
I liked the Roadranger in my other truck (sold it a month ago), and I have no doubts about the one I have put in my 48.
Most anyone can be taught to drive a manual transmission, but even fewer of those can be taught to drive a Roadranger (without killing it).
I guess by now it sounds like a Roadranger is a bad transmission that is hard to drive.
On the contrary, they are great transmissions, that with practice are easier to shift than a regular synchronized transmission.
It's just the learning curve is steep. They are not for the mechanically uninclined or those who give up early.
The 4-53 you are looking into, is it a turbo engine (4-53T)? It would be a good idea to find one with a turbo, do it once, and do it right.
Grigg
