The Perfect 1st Gen Tacoma ;)

Run the same shocks in the rear as you do in the front. Not sure why people slap on junk shocks in the rear as though they're not important. If you want a balanced ride you should match your suspension front and rear.

 

Lol... My front is riding on Kings like ...


While my back is still hanging out on 5125s...

 

i understand the need to drive a stick... but if i were you id just buy a truck with a manual trans... why go through all the time, money, and hassle to convert if you dont have to...? especially since staying as stock as possible seems to be a concern of yours... good luck with the search.. and if you really want to save money i suggest you stay as far away from this forum as humanly possible...

 

The manual trans swap on a double cab is something I understand...unfortunately Toyota never made a 1st gen double cab with a manual, they were all autos. So if you really want a manual and you need a double cab for the space, your only option is to swap one. Or get a 2nd gen Tacoma double cab with a manual, since they did make those

 

My apologies... i didnt realize the 1st gen DCs only came in autol... never crossed my mind that theyd make a truck with no manual option

 

Ya it was a crappy move on Toyotas part imo

 

I always wanted to build a first gen double cab manual or a second gen DCLB manual.

Toy trucks should come in manuals in my opinion.

If you are going to do the manual swap make sure you swap the ECU also instead of just tricking the factory one. (I know you said you were planning on it but sometimes it's easy to rush through things).
I did a manual swap on my 2000 4runner (same concept as the Tacoma) and under wot I would have dead spots in the throttle because the computer thought it was redlining and needed to shift. I used the factory ECU and tricked it to not get any CELs.

Excited to see what you come up with. Easiest bet would be to get a dcsb second gen with the 6 speed but that's not as cool. Good luck!

 

they are down to only 5% of the new 3rd gen Tacomas with MT

 

Absolutely. I will run quality shocks all around. Just haven't got to that part of the research. Silly as it seems I am kinda working my way from front to back.

 

Yeah like others have said, it didn't come as an option. Yes I prefer stock to aftermarket unless there is a reason for the upgrade. Everyone has different reasons to build these trucks but I think people get lost in just replacing and upgrading stuff without an actual need. But that is just my opinion and goodness knows we all have those.

Not really concerned with saving money so much as spending it wisely for my purpose and control the outlay of funds over time. I am just a working man like the next guy. Just finally have some free funds now that the kids are grown

 

I'm having the opposite happen...wife and I are expecting our 1st soon so I'm trying to spend what I have to for my truck while I can before I can't spend as freely on it for the next 18+ years lol

 

Congrats! If you do it right, you'll get more out of it then you put in.

 

Trying to look at it as though I'm gonna go from modding my truck to modding my kid

 

The Millennial crowd that's buying 3rd gens for instagram cred's and FB likes can't figure out which Latte to buy at Starbucks.... let alone figure out what to do with 3 pedals down there

 

On the flip side though I do think there are enough die-hard manual trans younger people that are helping keep what's left of the new manual transmissions alive. Kind of like how the hipsters bring back old trends because they think it makes them cool, except in the case of manuals I welcome that trend. Whatever it takes to keep them around.

I'm 34 and have only driven manuals since I was ~19, as long as I'm able to I'll always have at least one in my possession.

What will ultimately be the nail in the manual trans coffin is emissions regulations...the stricter they become the more likely the manual will be discontinued IMO

 

I'm only a year behind ya (guess that makes us Millennials as well)! My very first week with a learners permit with my dad at 15.... he stopped at a hill in our neighborhood, told me to get behind the wheel. With a hand on ebrake he said... "if you can take off on this hill without stalling, you won't have a problem anywhere else! 15 tries and a well worked clutch later I got up the hill without stalling...all but one of my vehicles since have been manuals and hopefully i can keep this old girl running till my oldest learns to drive.

 

Ha, it took me a bit longer to learn than that but I got the hang of it eventually. Bought a POS Dodge Dakota with an anemic 4cyl engine and a manual trans...took me 2 weeks but I eventually got it out of the driveway and around the neighborhood haha. Been behind the wheel of a manual ever since.

Sorry for the sidetrack @osterhagen ...I get social when talking about driving manuals lol

 

50 is the new 45, haven't you heard

 

West siiiiiiiiiiidddddd. ...

Nothing good happens in the avenues..

Man I hope you kids are short. That's a lot of people to fit in a truck for long periods of time.
My truck is a a manual. It's fun a lot of the time but in big rocks slow speed stuff Im wishing I had a auto or a dubbler . But the smaller truck sure is helpfull and some of the tight trails here.
But welcome if you need help or when your ready to hit the trail post up in the AZ section.