3rd Gen to 1st Gen

I was never too active here but as the title says I am going to a 1st Gen. My 2020 recently got totaled thanks to the bad driving of someone else And while I got basically everything I had paid so far on the loan thanks to Tacoma's holding value so well. I have decided I have enjoyed my time with a 3rd gen and its time to try out a 1st gen. My question to everyone here is, I am looking for a 2002-2004 Double Cab 4x4 Manual and I am curious if I will be looking for a while? I live in SoCal so I have high hopes that rust wont be an issue but I can't seem to find production numbers. I have only been looking for a few weeks but I have not come across one Manual. Am I looking for a unicorn here? I saw an infographic on another thread and that configuration was on there but I might be wrong. I have read the threads on what to look for when purchasing a 1st Gen but advice is welcomed and if anyone has any leads out here in So Cal, I would appreciate them. Thanks everyone!

 

The crew cab 1st gens are all automatic. I've read where people have swapped them over to a 5sp.

 

Like @$500TRD said I don't believe the manual came in the double cab config those years so you'll have to adjust your search. Maybe a manual AC?Regardless you are looking for a unicorn and the prices out here are pretty high for these older trucks. Just have to stay on all the major sites/apps and be ready to buy when a good one comes up. Also expand your search area if you haven't already. Good luck I'm sure you'll find a gem.

 

Yep, gonna have to go with an extendo cab if you want manual. But it can and has been done in a double cab relatively easily.

 

Well that makes a lot more sense as to why I have not seen a manual. Time to rethink my game plan. Thanks for the quick feedback and replies everyone!

 

It's fairly easy to find parts to turn a double cab into a manual. SoCal has a plethora of parts.

 

Ahh... You're looking at the right side of Tacoma's. 1st gens are the OG.

 

I have two 2004 TRD 4x4's. One stick one auto. I absolutely love'em. My stock one has almost half-a-million miles and still goin strong. I use it as my work truck here in the mountains. I'm trying to kill it but the damn thing won't die.

 

I would suggest doing a Google search for auto trader and other venues, nation wide. I'd search in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and Nevada. Possibly even the North Western states like Washington and Oregon. Take you time searching and you'll find one, fly out and drive it home.

 

This will be a daily driver so in reality the conversion might not be in the plan. Have not looked into it but knocking it out in one weekend might not be possible for me :/

I honestly wanted one right out of high school but they were priced out of my reach so now as an adult its time !

And this is why I want a 1st gen! I really want to break 500k !!! Being that you own both auto and manual, I know you use them for different jobs. Drivability comparing the two? Preference?

 

When I lived in the city I preferred the automatic due to all the stop signs, red lights & traffic. Now that I live in the mountains far from civilization I prefer the manual. The manual trans handles these mountain roads better.

 

If you have all the parts, it can 100% be done in one weekend. I've seen it happen.

 

Two things pop into my head immediately:
1. I'd definitely get the ones with the back doors
2. Those years will have electronic throttle

You're probably looking at $12-14k in cal for one with reasonable miles and 4x4

 

Back doors? Do you mean the Double Cab (four door)
And I believe the 2003 and 2004 had the electronic throttle.
The double cab was from 2001-2004

 

I didn't say it was desirable actually, I could go either way, it's something to note though. So if you want it, get an 03-04, if you don't, get an 01 or 02. @Maiden92

 

What you really want is a 2001. Last year of the better head gaskets.

 

In all my years driving 3.4L 4runners & tacomas I've never heard that. I know the first couple year 3.4's 95.5 & 96 (and maybe 97) had a headgasket recall.

 

How difficult to swap a '99 extra cab 3RZ automatic to a 5 speed ?

 

The search button will be your friend in this quest.