I think they probably mean the transfer case instead of torque converter. You can see the sticks for the gear shift and the transfer case in the picture with the engine cover off.

As an interesting note, Mercedes did use a clutch type system in their first automatic cars instead of a torque converter. Instead of a plantery type torque converter, it was a clutch (viscous maybe, not really sure) that actually had a fold-down clutch pedal.

Q: On the one hand you mentioned it was standard. On the other hand, you said it has a torque converter. Is it standard or auto??
Nov-14-06

A: thanks for your interest. this mog has a torque converter allowing you to creep along using the brake to regulate speed, it also has a clutch to shift the manual transmission. this truck early in its life was an airport tug and this was a common set-up. thanks again kevin

That was my question to him and his reply to me

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01 Ford Excursion Powerstroke
99 E300 Turbodiesel
91 Vette with 383 motor
05 Polaris Sportsman 800 EFI
06 Polaris Sportsman 500 EFI
03 SeaDoo GTX SC Red
03 SeaDoo GTX SC Yellow
04 Tailgator 21 ft Toy Hauler
11 Harley Davidson 883 SuperLow

I have an aquaintance with a 406 DOKA (double-cab) ex-airport tug from Salzburg. It is a 6-speed manual, but with a torque-converter. He could put it in 6th gear at a light, let out the clutch, and when the light turned he'd just push down the throttle and away we'd go. Pretty cool. He had a photo of it with it's yellow/black stripes with weights all over it, towing a 747 at Salzburg. Pretty cool. He told me that the torque-converter is part of the "heavy-duty tow" package that was standard for airport tugs and railway yard-engine use so that they could move extremely heavy loads.

- Jeff
190DT and projects

That looks like it would be fun to own

I could see some Rap Singer Celebrity with all their bling riding around LA and Hollwood in it. Its way to fancy!
If I wanted a real off-road excursion machine that could hall people and supplies I would get a 6 wheeled Pinzgauer and drop a flat four or six cylinder diesel into it. Get rid of that stock air-cooled engine. That would be a real mud eating SUV Beast! One day I'll just stop dreaming about it and just die trying to put one together.....

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FRED

Daily Driver: 98 E300TD 199K
Hobby Car: 69 Austin Mini
Past Diesels: 84 300SD, 312K
87 300SDL, 251K
94 Chev. K-1500 6.5Ltr.TD, 373K