Hi folks. First post. Be gentle. I've been on the hunt for a black 3rd gen manual for over two months with few leads. Almost everything here is auto. I've been driving stick almost my whole life and like the power and control, however I'm on the verge of giving up. Adiitionaly a 4runner-driving friend warned me away from stick with the 4wd. Not sure why. Would love general or specific feedback on this. Cheers.
Manual or auto?
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It all depends on how long you want to wait for your unicorn. Two months is nothing.
I looked for a long time to find a 4runner w/ a manual+4wd locally. I didnt even consider autos, due to driving manuals for +14 years. I found one manual and the guy wanted $8000 and passed. Lots of time went by and I ended up find with an auto that I couldnt be happier with... then again, I dont deal with snow anymore.
As far as manuals are concerned, I perfer them off road and in the snow. Being able to control the driveline can be very benefical at times, something that an auto doesnt allow you to do.
Don't be fooled that you will be getting an inferior product if you do or dont get a manual. Also, beware that 3rd gen 4runners with manuals are considered the holly grail around here, so you may be getting some biased feedback concerning this topic.
Good luck in your search.
I looked for a long time to find a 4runner w/ a manual+4wd locally. I didnt even consider autos, due to driving manuals for +14 years. I found one manual and the guy wanted $8000 and passed. Lots of time went by and I ended up find with an auto that I couldnt be happier with... then again, I dont deal with snow anymore.
As far as manuals are concerned, I perfer them off road and in the snow. Being able to control the driveline can be very benefical at times, something that an auto doesnt allow you to do.
Don't be fooled that you will be getting an inferior product if you do or dont get a manual. Also, beware that 3rd gen 4runners with manuals are considered the holly grail around here, so you may be getting some biased feedback concerning this topic.
Good luck in your search.
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Heres a similar thread.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/40811-manual-vs-automatic-poll.html
If you scroll towards the bottom, you will see "SIMILAR THREADS". This should keep you busy.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/40811-manual-vs-automatic-poll.html
If you scroll towards the bottom, you will see "SIMILAR THREADS". This should keep you busy.
TheDurk
Elite Member
If it makes you feel any better, I had to wait two months to get a manual when I bought mine new in 1999. I was in the dealer showroom asking when my promised manual would arrive when the carrier rolled in. We went out to look at what was on it 'just in case', and I bought my IJM 5-speed before the wheels hit the ground.
white_n_slow
Senior Member
I think you'll be happier in the long run if you just wait for the truck you want. I personally have never met an automatic that I liked. Your friend is full of baloney, there is nothing wrong with a 5-speed 4wd.
Grenvilleter
New member
With a '97 LTD (auto tranny), I really would like a manual for off road driving. I find when in low range, 1st gear is too low but in high range, not low enough.
When in low range, if I could put the auto trans in 2nd and it actually went into 2nd gear instead of just limiting it's upshifts to 2nd, (like a Ford tranny), I would enjoy it more I think. It would allow a little more control in more varied terrain or specifically spongy terrain where the low range up-shift seems fairly abrupt from 1st to 2nd.
Perhaps there is a wiring mod to achieve that but I have not run across it yet.
When in low range, if I could put the auto trans in 2nd and it actually went into 2nd gear instead of just limiting it's upshifts to 2nd, (like a Ford tranny), I would enjoy it more I think. It would allow a little more control in more varied terrain or specifically spongy terrain where the low range up-shift seems fairly abrupt from 1st to 2nd.
Perhaps there is a wiring mod to achieve that but I have not run across it yet.
Whitson Metalworks
New member
just be honest with yourself with what you'll do with your truck. if you wait and wait for a clean 5-speed, you're inevitably going to pay more for it, which for me, would really dampen my want to take it offroad and break stuff. i love manual shift anything, but my truck is auto and i love it as i drive on the street 99.9% of the time. just nice to sit back and drive, maybe eat a sandwich if need be
plus, you could always do a 5-speed swap down the line
plus, you could always do a 5-speed swap down the line
Manual transmission usually needs the clutch replaced every 1K. Automatic on the other hand sits there if you maintain it right. Also automatic runners are loud (fan) until the engine comes into its working temp
I personally never drove an automatic until I got my runner. My car is stick and I love the way it allows me to control it though you cannot eat sandwich in it!
I personally never drove an automatic until I got my runner. My car is stick and I love the way it allows me to control it though you cannot eat sandwich in it!
Slow_T4R
New member
:wtf:
blonde1boarder
New member
Guessing you meant 100K for the clutch replacement?
steve1997sr5
New member
I have a black 1997 5-speed with almost 204,000 on the original clutch. I will probably replace it in the next 10,000 miles.
Benski
Member
Wait for it...
I'd expand your search area and wait for a 5 speed manual to come along. I wanted a 4Runner, and a manual was the first I looked at, and it was the color and interior I wanted. I really didn't think I would like the stick due to living in a high traffic area. Now I live elsewhere and I am so glad I bought it. It is really fun to drive, and I don't eat in my truck!
I'd expand your search area and wait for a 5 speed manual to come along. I wanted a 4Runner, and a manual was the first I looked at, and it was the color and interior I wanted. I really didn't think I would like the stick due to living in a high traffic area. Now I live elsewhere and I am so glad I bought it. It is really fun to drive, and I don't eat in my truck!
mattleegee
New member
i waited only about a month to find my 5speed, i passed up lots of deals on autos but really wanted the manual.... very happy
PitbullRescuer
New member
I have a black manual that I might be able to be persuaded to part with. In the last 500 miles it's gotten new timing belt, water pump, all the seals AND a new clutch. In the last 1500 it has a new lift, ball joints, tie rod ends and tires. Oh, and it's a Sport with leather. Unicorn.
