Anybody have a manual transmission they dont want?

I've always wanted to drive a manual. They are fun to drive, and I feel more connected to the car driving a manual. However, in purchasing my Taco, I found my best option was to buy my grandfathers for 5k, when it was valued at 12.5k or more. So I picked up an automatic for way cheaper than it should be. I want to know If anyone has a manual transmission they don't want or are willing to swap for an auto. If you have any thoughts on this, or advice, please let me know what you guys think.

 

I like manuals but I don't think it is worth going through that much hassle or expense to get one. Just drive the hell out of your truck and enjoy it.

 

Swap is hard from what I understand. The ECU and the wiring harness are different.

 

damn. Was hoping It wouldn't be too difficult. Looks like I'll wait till after college

 

I didn't really want an automatic either, thus I looked it up. DBCLB doesn't come in Manual and I like to put lots of stuff in the back and sleep there as well. That doesn't work with a 5' bed.

Looks like you need a rolled truck to swap in a manual as you need the harness and the ECU and the transmission. Thus, it's not worth it.

I have driven the manual Tacoma and you really need to row the gears with a long stick, it's not as nice as in a nice sports car. It would have been nicer for towing, mountains, off road, and reliability but so it goes.

The auto is a good transmission Toyota uses in a lot of cars and one version is in the Supra Turbo. For reliability I've added a huge transmission cooler and I'm getting an ultra guage to monitor temps. Changed the fluid recently as well.

 

The 6 speed manual in the 2nd gen isn't the greatest, I'd suggest you try someone's out before making any too big commitments. I love my truck and my 6 speed and I would do the 6 speed again but it's definitely not for everyone.

 

I would not buy anything that doesn't have a manual tranny. Looked over numerous dealer's website inventories over the last few months and finally found a TRD Sport with one in Canton, GA and bought it sight unseen. Seems like Toyota doesn't produce very many especially for the 3.5L. Wonder if they will phase it out like other manufactures have. I hope not!

 

I would suggest selling your Truck and buying another one with a manual in it.

No way on God's Green Earth I would ever part with my manual transmission.

 

Best way to do it right here. If you got it for way less than it was actually worth, then sell it for what it's worth and use that money toward one with a manual. If your grandfather won't be offended that is, lol.

I've seen lots of people do the swap on 1st gen Tacomas but 2nd gens would require much more work I imagine.

 

I have an extra R155, let me know

 

Why is that? I have not heard that but I am curious.

 

It is a bit notchy and really doesn't like to be shifted fast. That being said I love my 6 speed and won't get rid of it until the doors fall off.

 

I would enjoy it for what it is, you bought a cheap reliable Taco from your grandfather. I assume it was well taken care of, why ruin a good thing with swapping in a manual tranny and run into many issues?

 

@azzwethinkweiz Did your throw out bearing start making noise or did you do the sleeve kit as a preventative measure? If it did get noisy, at what mileage?

 

It started to make the chirping noise somewhere around 38k. I did replace it as a preventive measure. Some people have reported driving many miles like this with no ill causes but I feel its better safe than sorry.

If you want a good example of what can happen when the TOB shits the bed, my wifes WRX just had this happen... literally gave no warning before it went minus a low growling noise coming from the bellhousing about 5 minutes prior. I just got done removing the transmission today, they have similar problems as the Tacoma trans does with TOB noises and steel TOB wobble on the aluminum quill. Well the pictures speak for themselves.





Only 80K BTW

 

That sucks. I really hope I don't have to deal with this. Especially not at 38K.

 

Had the TOB problem with my 08 6mt FJ. TOB service/replacement done at 32K, 58k, 61K and needed it again when I sold it at 91K. Love the manual transmission, but will not consider one from toyota again. Will stick with my Cj with a muncie, my LJ with a manual, and my Taco with an auto.