I am wondering if it would be even possible to put a torque converter in front of a normal manual transmission, IE a DR 5 speed?At low speeds the torque converter creates torque multiplication.So an engine that makes 100 ft-lb at the flywheel could make 150 -200 at the transmission in an ideal world.That extra torque would be nice for getting big tires turning,offroad put it in 1st low and it should crawl up over obstacles without ever stalling the engine.
in the 50's dodge/plymouth had something very similar before they made a true automatic but that used some propriety components.
Apparently in baja racing some of the trucks have manual transmissions modified to use a torque converter rather than a clutch because the tq converter acts like a shock absorber so the engines arn't put under huge loads from the constant air tire and landings.Rumor has it to shift you let off the gas and then you can shift while moving.So in that case they are put in 1st then started then its just like a normal manual from that point minus the clutch..