thinking of taking the plunge but a few questions

i have been thinking about buying a truck for a while. i currently drive a standard and i do not like how most manufactures are pushing the autos. i sm looking at a 07-10 double cab 6 speed. my first question is what are the differences between the sr5 and the trd sport besides the suspension. the upgraded shocks and such wont really make a difference i dont think as i plan on lifting it and will propably be changing a lot of the suspension as part of the lift. the OR is out of the question as here in canada you cant get a double cab 6 speed in a OR long box. also, how what would be my options for installing a locker? and what would be any problem areas to look at?

 

Just curious. What are your objections to an automatic? They've improved dramatically over the last several decades (performance, reliability, longevity, etc), to the point where even a growing number of racing cars and semi-trucks are now using automatics.

 

Sport: suspension, wheels, seats, stereo (in some cases), power in bed, scooped hood, color-matched parts (rather than black and chrome stuff), etc...

 

Really the only functional difference that pertains to you, between the SR5 and the Sport, is the outlet in the bed for rear end power. The hood scoop is relative to whether or not you like being blinded with the sun at a certain angle shining off of the back rake of the scoop.

Also, if I could go back and buy my truck again, I would have bought the auto. Mostly for the 6 foot bed in the double cab, but also because of the noted complaints with the manual. Don't get me wrong though, I do love my truck.

 

what are the complaints about the manual? and myabe it is a canada thing but my friends father has a sr5 and it has the color matched fenders and the same seats as the trds ive seen. and for perfering a manual over an auto i just find them more fun to drive.

 

I've heard the auto in 2nd gens gets better gas mileage, but not much. And putting in a rear locker is very pricey for a good one, and if you get an Air locker such as ARB, you'll have to get on-board air to actuate the locker. Sucks the OR are hard to get in Canada.

 

The 6 speed has throwout bearing and I think some earlier models had clutch issues, but there is a warranty covered TSB for the throwout bearing, I have never drove a 6 speed, but I do love driving my 5 speed! If I ever upgrade to a V6 it will be a 6 speed regardless, I just cant really see these trucks being nearly as much fun with an automatic.

 

Throwout bearing (somewhat common, but there's a TSB for it), squeaky clutch (I've experienced this one personally, but it was easily covered under warranty), rough gear shifting (only a few have complained about this that I know of, but as people will love to point out "It's a truck"), worse gas mileage than autos.