6 speed manual swap?

mymalade

New member
Whats up guys? Brand new here. I've been a Tacoma guy for the past few years, but I have always loved the 4runner, problem is, I hate automatic transmissions. I really like the 4th gens, but have never thought about one because of the lack of a 6 speed. So, I started thinking, since the 4.0 v6 is available in the Tacoma and Fj with the 6 speed, how hard would it be to put the tranny into a 4th gen 4runner? Would it bolt right up? Would the transmission mounts be there? Would the clutch pedal fit? How about the shifter? I may thinking crazy, but if it would work it would be awesome. So, and help would be appreciated.
 
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I have seen a trans swap like that on 4th gens but it wasn't with the 1grfe. I think it was used with a 1 or 2jz engine. I'm sure it'll work but it would take patience. you might have to compensate if the six speed is longer or shorter and check the geometry.
 

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Funny, I was just thinking of this and how awesome it would be to have a five or six speed in my V8. I DON'T have the money or patience to do this, so I will live with the automatic, but suspension is going to get bolstered some.
 
Skyline...... dman that's nice. Must be in Japan though, rhd. If anyone has more pics, or knows someone who has done it, it would be appreciated. Thanks.
 
Whats up guys? Brand new here. I've been a Tacoma guy for the past few years, but I have always loved the 4runner, problem is, I hate automatic transmissions. I really like the 4th gens, but have never thought about one because of the lack of a 6 speed. So, I started thinking, since the 4.0 v6 is available in the Tacoma and Fj with the 6 speed, how hard would it be to put the tranny into a 4th gen 4runner? Would it bolt right up? Would the transmission mounts be there? Would the clutch pedal fit? How about the shifter? I may thinking crazy, but if it would work it would be awesome. So, and help would be appreciated.

I'm right there with you... I've only ever owned manuals until I got my 4th gen, and I miss them dearly. Looking forward to seeing how this thread develops!
 
I know that the FJ has the same Torsen differential setup and it is full time 4x4 just like the V8 4Runners. The FJ has the exact same engine, and basically the same underpinnings. I don't see why this swap couldn't be done.

I know of some guy who swapped a Tundra or 4Runner 4.7 liter V8 into an FJ and it supposedly wasn't terribly difficult because of the massive amount of parts sharing between the two.

I am assuming it would be more difficult electronically than physically getting the parts in there and everything working together and bolting up. I am on the opposite end of you guys because I can no longer use a clutch, but really wished the FJ would have come with the Torsen diff and a full time setup like the 4Runners have. One thing that bothered me about my FJ was that I had to be so judicious when using 4 wheel drive. I love that I have a 4Runner now and am always locked in. I like the V6 system for gas savings... but I don't drive much. :)
 
Little update, I talked to a few toyota mechanics I know and my regular mechanic, they all gave the same, "are you crazy" look. Nobody seems to know just how different the 4runner set-up is from the fj, or if the swap is even possible. The only consensus is that the tranny would bolt up, but from there on it would be hell. They all agree with the bam bam, that the electronics would be really hard, if not impossible.I am just wondering how much the Electronic auto transmission controls, I know they are usually connected to everything else, i.e ABS, speedo, etc. Does anyone know if the 4runner (hilux surf) comes with a manual in other countries? That way, the hardware at least would be there. I think you guys here would know much more than the mechanics anyway.
 
Check out a Prado 120 and you should see what you want. It's no question on if it can be done, it can, but HOW MUCH it'll cost. A Hilux should be the same as well only problem it of course the ECU. APR or URD might help you there it terms of the ECU. I don't know if IPT works on the manual transmission but they have worked on the A750 trans in the 4runner, Taco, and FJ. They should be the first on your list to talk to if your serious.
 
Thanks again. I love the Prado 120, that's how this whole thing started. i saw one and fell in love, but it's impossile to import one. I wish Toyota made them here. I found a cool site for the 120's, a few people there were thnking of doing the same thing. They say the prado and 4runner share a frame, so maybe the mounts are there. I am going to call URD tomorrow.
 
imo the best way to do this would be to transplant an entire manual fjc drivetrain w/ ecu and wiring loom into the 4runner. that saves all the electrical nightmares because the ecu will see exactly what it is supposed to see. i have done this w/ my 1990 corrado track car using a 2001 gti 20v turbo engine and it works flawlessly. no trickery involved at all, i can even scan for codes using the obd2 port.

good luck, i will be watching this.
 
I was at first a bit hesitant to get an automatic transmission in my V8 4WD, but to be honest I rather enjoy not having to manage the clutch on some of the off-roading I have done. I've found that being able to just shift the automatic into all the lower gears manually is almost as good.

But I will admit I do miss having a manual sometimes. It should be doable, its just about the ECM and module match up. You're best bet is to transplant most if not all the FJC drive train and harness. The biggest issue is that Toyota doesn't really do a separate module for the transmission control, they combine it into the ECM for most if not all applications.
 
[MENTION=105778]4thGen6MT[/MENTION] PLEASE post a writeup! I have been wanting a manual in my 4Runner since I got my truck!

I've been trying to figure out a way to do it, and the only thing I've found is: The FJ wiring is more similar to the 4Runner...

I almost purchased a whole Tacoma manual transmission a few months ago and was going to attempt the swap, but I don't have the money to gather parts that I hope will work with a swap.

So I'm begging you, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE tell us how you did it so I don't have to suffer with the slush box for much longer!
 
I tried to reach out the 4thgen6mt as he seems to be local to me, but no reply as of yet. He also posted over on the 120 fourm with a bit more info, but still nothing as far as how he did the swap or anything.

When you say the Fj wiring, do you mean swapping out the entire harness from an Fj ino the 4runner? Or would it just require a new ECU?
I'm hoping he gets back to us.
 
I think just an FJ ECU. I need a diagram of both trucks and all electrical systems. Then I need someone who can read said diagrams lol
 
Yea I read your PM cuz my phone was blowing up with messages from this post, the other forum, PMs and YouTubez. And heck, I was pretty tired after fitting up engine mounts on my LS1 swap.

Anyway, emelianenkov, the swap WAS NOT cheap! I say with every swap I've ever done or helped someone do, if you want to do this be prepared to throw BUCKETS of cash at it. That being said, the swap was relatively straight forward and this truck with the manual is so sweet. Before my buddy swapped gears it would turn 2300RPM at 80mph, and since 1st is so short it still had LOADS of torque. Then the suspension he put on it is great, Toytec I think was the brand? Lifted it enough to fit 33s on it, so it looks great and rides sooooo well. I was really impressed with how easily it all went in, even though there were no instructions from Toytec.
 

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