2nd Gen Manual Shifter question?

OK...I have a 2007 Extended Cab 4x4 4 Cylinder 5 SPeed that I just bought....they have replaced the shifter know (which I don't like)...am looking for a stock shifter knob to put back on it...but also am considering going with a shorter throw for shifter and have several questions!!
1. Looking at my pics does my shifter look to be stock (Other than the knob)....it seem high but maybe it is just the knob...and not sure why the boot rides down to where the shifter stick starts to taper up? Was there something on the original knob that held the leather boot up closer to the knob?
2. I don't like the long throw on the shifter, so am considering replacing with a URD or the TRD short throw? Have seen some threads on comparisons...1 question with the URD since I am assuming i will be reusing my same shifter...does it mount the actual shifter into a lower position or is just changing the pattern?
3. Is there a preference of 1 over the other (especially when trying to go to reverse)
4. I am assuming that if I find a stock original shifter knob it will fit either?

 

Hurst/Core makes the best short throw shifter for the R155F 5 speed imo, although they are pricey

 

Yeah...that is pricey...and it looks to have a longer shifter than the original?

 

Where are the pictures? I have an OEM SR5 knob off my 2010 that I might be willing to sell. Replaced it with a TRD style ball knob.

 

forgot them!! Pics of the shifter..

 

I’m pretty sure the shifter is shorter overall here’s some pics for comparison

here’s a pic in 1st gear


and 2nd so you can get an idea of the throw

 

also from your pics I notice how the boot on mine is raised and different like a raised flange? Is that a 2007 thing or has it been altered or replaced?

 

That is a redline goods shift boot that I installed. My stock oem pleather one was tired

 

Yes, the boot appears to be stock. The stock leather shift knob is longer and slides onto the shifter as you screw it on. I also have a 5sp leather shift knob that I picked up when I bought a replace center console. I’d have to find it and last I looked, it needed a good leather cleaning but I would let it go for shipping and a little bit for my time.

 

The excessive height appears to be due to the knob.

If you search for it, you’ll find multiple threads on short shifters. If you go with urd, the height will be about a half inch higher, you use the existing arm so you retain the insulating qualities of the stock arm. If you contact gadget at urd, he can take your arm, shorten it to your desired height, and redo the insulating epoxy, at least he was. If your existing arm has some slop it could be the epoxy failing, very common, or the white bushing worn out, also very common.

The hurst core replaces the entire thing, knob, arm, shifter, bushing. This is what I got. The short notchy shifts I love. The noise and vibration, although minimal, was annoying at first but I’ve learned to live with it. It uses a 3/8-16 threaded knob, very uncommon. I didn’t care for the little hurst ball so I replaced it with a sick speed bigger ball and adapter.

The trd one, all I know about it is those who have it are happy with it.

 

When i had my first gen . I replaced mine with a B&M not sure if they make it for the 2nd gens but it may be another option

 

Here’s the knob I replaced the stock one with. Similar to the TRD 6 speed but with the correct shift pattern for our 2.7L.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/5-speed-en...ota-Pickup-Hilux-Tacoma-4Runner-/361433635023