Transmission Conversion

So I am the proud owner of a 2011 single cab tacoma 4x4 with roughly 10k miles on the clock. I don't know many people that take care of their truck even half as good as I do (My truck has never nor will it ever run anything other than the very best available full synthetic) so I am slightly leary of a swap at the dealership with a rig that's never seen anything but bulk stock conventional and 4500 mile drain intervals. The only thing I would change about it if I could would be the automatic tranny. Looking around I am having trouble finding any info on switching it to a manual. So I guess my question is: How much $ would it take to get my automatic converted to a 5 speed manual? Again it is a 2011 4x4 tacoma with limited slip diffs and a low range gear box. It has the 2tr-fe 2.7l 4 cyl. Not sure of exaclty how the process is performed but I am pretty sure I'd like to get it done if the price is even remotely acceptable. Thanks in advance!

 

I've seen people convert their toyota manuals to t56 transmissions around here but i have not seen anyone go from auto to manual.

 

Now why in the world would they want to do that?

 

So bad that theyd sooner get an auto? Well... X Runners

 

Ha! Well shows what I'm capable of when I'm paying attention does'nt it? Good lord. I could appreciate a proper t56 in one of those.

 

So anyways, now that I've made a fool of myself. Any rough estimates?
I have become quite fond of my limbs so maybe in leu of my arms and legs and such I could find someone willing to accept american currency?

 

Yeah, I was kinda hoping there could be a deal involving something along the lines of "here... Take that one out and keep it, then put in a 5 speed manual tranny(or six speed if they are better than the 5) and bill me the difference".

 

Yeah, I might check around a few places. Might have to break down and do a swap for a mid-late 2000's trd package manual. It would kill me a little inside though, seeing mine around town with someone else would be like watching your wife getting plowed by another man. And just to think how the one I'd be driving was possibly neglected. ouch. I know I'm ridiculous but I love my truck more than most people love their kids, and I don't take that lightly

 

Hehehehahahaha! yeah, I could go for that with very few miles. You think theyd go straight across though? I hear autos are for whatever reason more expensive...

 

Years ago we used to swap all kinds of things like transmissions. Nowadays you rarely see it. The reason is that everything is tied into a horrendously complicated computer system. The time and expense to overcome those problems is a deal killer every time. The only reasonable option is to sell it and buy what you want.

 

I had a swap done in my 2000 Mustang. I bought a wrecked 5 speed, had the swap done, then sold everything back to the wreckers. The guy who did the swap builds race cars, and said there was a LOT of things to be switched over...a lot of little things, too. He figured I saved money by buying the wrecked one as there is no kit for conversion, and all the parts were right there. Biggest hassle was the CMU, had a heck of a time getting it to figure out what was going on. Made some odd noises for a couple of months, then once the oil was worked in, ran like a dream. Never did get the clutch safety neutral switch to work. In retrospect, I think that was a subtle hint from the gods I should have a Tacoma.

 

There is so much research involved on something this new, as well as the necessary time involved, and chasing down little odds and ends as you find them......it's going to take a special type of person who will want to take this on. And it's going to be even harder to find one who will take it on and do it right. Usually this kind of thing only happens when the vehicle owner takes it on themselves, and sometimes they don't even have the patience and skill for it to turn out good.

I hate to say it, but unless you've got the skill set, time, tools, and space to do this all yourself, just sell yours and buy another one.

My uncle is a career mechanic, and he's done some cool stuff with his personal rigs, but he doesn't do this type of thing for hire. It's just too hard to make money at it, and a smart mechanic won't take the risk. A dumb guy might, but you don't want a dumb guy working on your rig.

 

Yep, Well said. I think you're right. Thanks for the info!

 

Yep, I broke down and traded in for a brand new 2012 4x4 extended cab 5 speed manual sr5, still the good old 4 cyl. good news is I won't have to worry about seeing my old one get abused, my very kind to automobiles uncle bought it! Very pleased to see that happen, and Love the new truck!