Has ANYONE swapped a manual trans into a DCLB? Anyone??

Hey folks, I've been a browsing member for years but neve really posted before. I currently own a 17' DCLB 6A TRD Sport, which is my third new Tacoma. Its also the first auto vehicle I've had and it drives me crazy. I want my manual transmission Tacoma back, but I require the double cab for my family, and the 6' box is the least I can possibly get away with for my work as a contractor. I've searched this forum and the internet endlessly to find an example of a successful transmission swap to no avail. Maybe I'm missing something big, but it seems to me it should be a reasonably possible swap if I could produce a donor truck with a good transmission and interior. I understand that could be an expensive acquisition, but is money the only thing standing in the way? I was thinking a pair of 2nd Gens would be a better trucks to use for the build as parts are more readily available, I am more familiar with their construction, and they are cheaper to acquire. Help me out folks. Am I missing something? Is this possible? Thanks in advance.

 

Probably some tricky engine management / TCM stuff too

 

IMHO, you're going to be throwing good money at a problem plagued with demons that won't die.

The 3rd gen tranny is good once it's on the latest programming. I'll admit that it's original factory programming was doggish, but it can be made better. I had it updated last summer, and performance improved immediately. It's now getting better mileage, too. Yes, driving an auto isn't as satisfying as a manual, but it's a capable transmission. I would think that since you're using it for work you'd prefer the reliability of the computer control. If you can get it updated (if it isn't already) you might hate it less enough to not be bothered by it anymore.

DCLBs are worth suffering through the auto tranny, though. Long truck FTMFW!

 

@OVTune said that the AT and MT ECUs are different. A 2nd Gen is probably the best start.

As was said the easiest route would be to start with your DCLB, get a DCSB MT and swap everything over: harnesses, ECUs, and MT to the LB. You could then sale the DCSB AT to make back some $$.

 

How about trading in for a short bed MT and using a trailer for your contracting needs?

 

I actually do have a trailer that I use daily and I considered trading in on a DCSB MT, and I went and drove one yesterday, but they all have sunroofs now, and as soon as I got in the truck I realised that my head touches the lowered headliner. I can imagine how it would feel to hit a decent bump.

 

What about a full cab swap from a 6MT with a totaled frame onto your DCLB frame? That would have the least amount of issues in my opinion.

 

How far have you searched? Even if it takes a bit of a road trip to find one, its MUCH less work than swapping components. Dealers also can swap inventory, so maybe your dealership can locate the one you want and have it delivered.

 

He's up in Nord in Canada . It looks like options may be quite limited. If you can export to Canada from the US, I believe my 2016 6MT with under 60,000 and a certified warranty is still for sale, but that's here in VT... https://www.heritagetoyotacars.com/...ble-cab-v6-mt-south-burlington-vt-id-29799648