Manual transmission coming back to the 4Runner?

[KidVermicious]

I was playing with the "build a truck" applet on Toyotas website last night, and discovered that the FJs' six-speed MT is now available in the Tacoma double cab. What's the feeling around here about that making it into the 4Runner in the near future? Remotely plausible? Not a chance in hell?

 

[STX4Runner]

I would guess not a chance in hell.

 

[Antman]

I was playing with the "build a truck" applet on Toyotas website last night, and discovered that the FJs' six-speed MT is now available in the Tacoma double cab. What's the feeling around here about that making it into the 4Runner in the near future? Remotely plausible? Not a chance in hell?

Not gonna happen, but if it did I would be like :driving:

:reddance::frisky::high5::biggrin2::hungry:
:banana::hail:arty::whoo::thumb:

 

[garrett1478]

i think a MT has been available in the dc tacoma since 2005.

but i think i've read enough problems with it between the tacoma and FJ to be cautious....

 

[Martinjmpr]

i think a MT has been available in the dc tacoma since 2005.

but i think i've read enough problems with it between the tacoma and FJ to be cautious....

That's correct - the 2nd gen Tacoma (2005+) has always had a double cab/6 speed manual option for the short wheelbase double cab model.

The LWB (6' bed) model is only available with the automatic.

I have not heard good things about the 6 speed, though.

When I was shopping for my 4runner, I took a brief test drive on a 6M equipped FJ Cruiser. It was nice but the FJC was thrashed and they wanted about $25k for it, which was way over my budget and I didn't care for the cave-like interior of the FJC.

 

[jgue467]

I would think Toyo would go for it if

their predicted sales analysis showed at least 1000 potential buyers a year. Now I say that Assuming (we all know what that means) the added cost to adapt the MT to the longer 4rnr chassis would be minimal. They haven't yet and have had 9 years so far, so I guess the figures don't add up for them.

Maybe with all the millions Texas/Plano is tossing their way to relocate they could afford it? LOL!

 

[nevada]

I would guess not/never. the 4runner is/has become a luxury vehicle. the majority that are sold aren't EVER used off road, hell most aren't even taken off the pavement. those same buyers don't want to have to worry about silly things like SHIFTING. they just want to gas-N-go. they aren't really DRIVERS anymore..but that's another topic for another day.

its unfortunate, I think it should at least be an OPTION, since the tech is already in place.

 

[bouncer07]

I rather have a 7 or 8 speed automatic being offered!!!!

 

[Limbwalker]

That would be sweet. But like the others have said... probably a snowball's chance in hell. One can hope (not that Ill be able to afford one, anyway)

 

[Swarty]

The Future

Weren't we promised DCTs and CVTs for everyone by now? WTH! This is supposed to be the future already!:whip:

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Weren't we promised DCTs and CVTs for everyone by now? WTH! This is supposed to be the future already!:whip:

You WANT a CVT? Because every damn Nissan I have dealt with that has a CVT rattles, squeaks, and makes some abnoxious noise after about 50k because those CVT belts start slipping and wearing and crap. Dual Clutch Transmissions also annoy the hell out of me, the Toyota MRS and BMW M3's that I have dealt with were annoying as hell to drive.

-You have no Park, but shifting into Neutral feels more awkward than using a manual transmission... actually it reminds me of a Prius, something that only further pushes it into the "Do Not Like" column
-You have to select gears manually, until the ECM decides you're redlining/revving too close to the redline and force shifts you out of gear because the car thinks you're stupid
-It won't let you drop down a gear sometimes because it once again thinks your an idiot and can't drive the vehicle
-You have no satisfaction of having a clutch pedal or pushing the shifter through the gates... just this pitiful joystick and some paddles if you're lucky...

The 6spd Manual is fun to play with, but the gear ratios don't seem proper for the Tacoma or the FJ. They're not super horrible, but I feel they aren't matched up well for the vehicle is all, we also seem to have some issues with those transmissions.

 

[jgue467]

Future of 4runner

Weren't we promised DCTs and CVTs for everyone by now? WTH! This is supposed to be the future already!:whip:

That brings up an interesting thought. I think in '16 new epa-cafe mileage rules go into effect (then even more CAFE in '25). You can see other manufacturers preparing already, like say ford with their f150 going all aluminum to save hundred of pounds of weight (yes I know there is a Huge diff between the # of f150s sold and 4rnrs but something has to be done).

I've read Toyo won't give up on 4rnr but I wonder how much they'll invest to have it help their CAFE or will they just keep it the same and depend on other models for their CAFE needs? Thoughts?

 

[alico268]

I'm not sure why Toyota seems so shy in the face of CAFE with the 4runner? Taking their whole fleet into account, they've got to be one of the most efficient auto manufactures, and would seem to have lots of wiggle room for their truck-based vehicles. On the other hand, Chrylser seems to go ahead and slap a V8 in almost everything they make.

If there is an upside to the Lexus GX being cut, I'm hoping that they would put the 4.6 w/6speed in the 4runner as an option as they won't need that combo to differentiate the two models market wise. One can dream, right?

 

[Stifler]

screw a manny tranny... I want a removable top like my old gen1:eyebrows:

 

[Osmith]

How about both ^^^

 

[cbielat]

I'm not sure regarding the Tacomas but would you think there would be a similar issue with the throw out bearings that the manual FJs are known for? I've read a lot about people had to replace their throw out bearings somewhat often in their FJs.

 

[KidVermicious]

screw a manny tranny... I want a removable top like my old gen1:eyebrows:

This board is rated PG-13. There should be no screwing of trannies around here, manual or otherwise. And keep your top on.

 

[Swarty]

You can always find the worst...

You WANT a CVT? Because every damn Nissan I have dealt with that has a CVT rattles, squeaks, and makes some abnoxious noise after about 50k because those CVT belts start slipping and wearing and crap. Dual Clutch Transmissions also annoy the hell out of me, the Toyota MRS and BMW M3's that I have dealt with were annoying as hell to drive.

-You have no Park, but shifting into Neutral feels more awkward than using a manual transmission... actually it reminds me of a Prius, something that only further pushes it into the "Do Not Like" column
-You have to select gears manually, until the ECM decides you're redlining/revving too close to the redline and force shifts you out of gear because the car thinks you're stupid
-It won't let you drop down a gear sometimes because it once again thinks your an idiot and can't drive the vehicle
-You have no satisfaction of having a clutch pedal or pushing the shifter through the gates... just this pitiful joystick and some paddles if you're lucky...

The 6spd Manual is fun to play with, but the gear ratios don't seem proper for the Tacoma or the FJ. They're not super horrible, but I feel they aren't matched up well for the vehicle is all, we also seem to have some issues with those transmissions.

I can find a terrible version of everything... I'd take Toyota's super reliable and nearly bomb proof CVT over what we have now, I agree Nissans is pretty crappy. I've driven complete shit sticks, the Acura RSX comes readily to mind and the MR2 Sequential was a text book example of how to do that wrong and was not a double clutch, it was just sequential. BMWs SMG was not double clutch until these last couple years and even then only the ones labeled as DCT. You only have to drive a DSG VW a few miles for it to bring a smile to your face and Porches system is understandably outstanding.

I love a well sorted manual but they don't sell in the US. DCTs are a pretty happy compromise. Direct connection so towing is better, automatic for when you are in stop and go. Gear selection for when you need it. Your idiot teenager can't over rev and blow the engine while downshifting.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I can find a terrible version of everything... I'd take Toyota's super reliable and nearly bomb proof CVT over what we have now, I agree Nissans is pretty crappy. I've driven complete shit sticks, the Acura RSX comes readily to mind and the MR2 Sequential was a text book example of how to do that wrong and was not a double clutch, it was just sequential. BMWs SMG was not double clutch until these last couple years and even then only the ones labeled as DCT. You only have to drive a DSG VW a few miles for it to bring a smile to your face and Porches system is understandably outstanding.

I love a well sorted manual but they don't sell in the US. DCTs are a pretty happy compromise. Direct connection so towing is better, automatic for when you are in stop and go. Gear selection for when you need it. Your idiot teenager can't over rev and blow the engine while downshifting.

I don't trust CVTs, I dread the inevitable failures that will be associated with them as well as the "Valve-Matic" system which seems a bit too close to BMW's Valve-Tronic set-up.

We've already seen a couple issues with CVTs in the Corollas from the factory and Toyota wants to shove one in the new Camry, there's only so many ways to do a CVT and so far all the ways they have been done don't show a very good lifespan without problems.

 

[1engineer]

I don't trust CVTs, I dread the inevitable failures that will be associated with them as well as the "Valve-Matic" system which seems a bit too close to BMW's Valve-Tronic set-up.

We've already seen a couple issues with CVTs in the Corollas from the factory and Toyota wants to shove one in the new Camry, there's only so many ways to do a CVT and so far all the ways they have been done don't show a very good lifespan without problems.

There are good ways of doing a CVT. We apply them all the time to off highway mobile equipment. Unfortunately it would add about $25K to the vehicle price lol.