So I have just finished the 4wd auto swap. What would be the advantage of having a manual aside from having a 5th gear and better mileage? I just bought this r150f and may consider swapping it in or selling it. Also, I am confident I can do this swap right.

I think the auto is better for just about everything besides fun and maintenance- and even maintenance is questionable with clutch replacements.
The mileage difference is negligible between my '97 auto and '01 manual- everything being equal. Both got/get 15-16mpg calculated on the same tires. It's a little better than that, because I am traveling more than my ODO says with the 315s.
I did the manual swap because I like driving manuals, and I've always wanted to manual swap a 3rd gen- swapping one that was a little more of a challenge was icing on the cool-factor cake.
I know some will disagree, but- in general- I think the auto is better for off-road.
Strawberry milkshake shouldn't even really be a factor, because that's pretty easy to eliminate.
Even if I got 1mpg better, that's really still nothing IMO. My commute is only 30 miles each way though.

If your rig is 100% stock- including wheels and tires- I think the manual might shine a little more vs the auto in mpg numbers.

I always want the one I do not currently drive.
Had a 5spd Tacoma for 11 years. Loved it, but lusted for an Auto a lot.
Now I have an Auto, and miss the 5spd.
In the mornings, after a long bike ride, exploring
= Auto.
Afternoons, spirited driving on road, higher speed desert stuff, feeling manly = 5spd.
When I was shopping for my 4Runner, was looking for a 5 spd, after driving a couple, not as huge of a difference some lead on in my opinion.
I notice more of a difference in the Tacomas for some reason.
Not really wrong choice.
Sand dunes and rock crawling is easier in an auto.
Ramble over!!


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I'd say manual is a lot more fun to drive. Definitely more challenging on trails. It's also cooler hahaa. Every time anyone looks inside my truck and go ,"whoa manual?" This can be arguable but I think manual is stronger then autos. And no pink milkshake to worry. Not really worried about replacing a clutch every 100k or more.

Just sell the manual. The autos are great

I chose manual because I was buying a truck with 100,000 miles. Autos can fail without warning once they get up in miles. Manuals give warning noises long before failing. If I was buying brand new, I'd have no problem getting an auto.
Autos are easier on the drivetrain over rough country IMO.

Didn't you do a manual swap also ?

It's just personal preference for me - really enjoy the manual trans.

I will say there are some situations off roading where an automatic would probably be better. Sometimes 1000 rpm/lo/1st gear is still a bit too fast, and you either have to get busy with a 3 pedal dance and slip the clutch a little, or just go over something a little quicker than you'd otherwise want to. Being able to 2-pedal inch your way over something might be better, but the other 99.8% of the time makes up for that.

Just did a clutch replacement on mine at 213K miles.