I did a 5 speed swap and it was 100% worth it. I can't fathom driving an automatic 4Runner anymore. My turbo truck is next for a 5 speed swap! I love wheeling with it too, the clutch feels much more natural to me. Weirdest part was learning stick on a truck that I've owned and modded for years!
Unfortunately, there were no manuals available with multimode 4WD. I'm pretty sure it is not a possibility without sourcing a transmission and transfer case combo from a Hilux Surf in Japan.
Swapping in the lever operated 4WD with a 5 speed is easy as pie when it comes to swapping terms. A hell of a lot less involved than figuring out multimode with a manual. I trashed 2 automatic transmissions in my truck before swapping to the 5 speed, and it's hands down 1. more reliable (no pink milkshakes, no external tranny coolers, good for towing) 2. better for the gearing/power control 3. easier to maintain
You'll need:
ECU (5spd, 4x4, same year)
clutch pedal bracket/pedal
clutch master, slave, and hard line
R150F trans/t-case
interior center console trim/shifter boot
inner shifter boot (metal piece with rubber boots)
cluster insert (M/T has no PRND2L) and non-ECT rear window switch piece
transmission crossmember mount
flywheel + 10 new OEM bolts
clutch kit
Front and rear driveshafts
Wiring consists of:
reverse light wires
wiring ADD relay (wires already located in the auto trans harness, just have to wire it to the new trans switches on the sides of the T-case)
clutch switch
clutch start cancel switch
clutch cruise control switch
Neutral safety switch
Might have forgot one or two things, but that's the gist of it