jbandt

Hey guys. I need some opinions. I am starting to look for an 86 to 95 22re extra cab 4x4. It will be mainly a weekend toy. I'd like to get into the off road/camp scene but have little experience. With that I'm leaning towards the automatic. My dd is a 5sp xb so it's not a matter of knowing how to drive the manual but as a off road noob I think I'd rather have the ease of the auto. Research shows that manual is preferred probably 5 to 1, but what do guys think a noob should do?

RJR

Manual - More zip on the highway, less complexity, somewhat more reliable, better control on steep downgrades, stops dead in its tracks if the engine dies, requires skill on tight 3 or 5 point turns on steep hills, uphill rock-crawling requires skilled clutch work.
Auto - Easier rock-crawling, especially uphill, generally less to think about, rolls out of control if the engine dies, much easier to manuever around tight switchbacks.

If you get a manual for offroad, make sure the e-brake is working well before you venture on to the steep stuff. Good idea for the auto as well, but not quite as critical.
By most reports, a 22re doesn't perform well with an auto - just too much power loss.

wyoming9

iTrader: (1)

If I was going to build a 75% off road vehicle the only road driving would be to or from the trails .

Then depending just what off road is to you places off road first gear low range is to fast gets real rough on the clutch and the left leg.

Myself for street driving and ice and snow give me a transmission I can control the shift points.

When things go sideways I love to be able to just push in the clutch.

It comes down to what you like

Clutch wear and tear / auto transmission maintenance

Transmission cooler would be a must for most offroading

Countryfried

Manual if your planning to really wheelin it, Automatic if your just going to do some mild offroading and camping. I would roll manual either way but thats just me. If you have any buddies with one of each ask em to let you take it for a spin and see what you'd prefer for the kind of driving you'll be using it for.

krimsonone

Go manual. If you are getting it as a toy (to have fun) you will have more fun if you're really driving the truck.

wberry85

It's a toss up for me. I ended up with an auto and I almost feel spoiled it's so easy. There is power loss but you find ways to deal with it.

Dual cases is easier with manual.

DjShiznit

IMO, the 22RE is down enough power by itself. I wouldn't want to sacrifice any more by putting an automatic tranny behind it.

jbandt

So obviously the manual is favored. But for off road purposes how difficult is it working that clutch, especially on the uphill stuff? I know that it gets easier with experience, but I'm still skeptical of my abilities. I took my xb to the lake and got it stuck. Feathering the clutch, pressing the gas and trying to not hit the tow vehicle 3 feet in front of me all while going up hill was nerve racking!!😀 I know it's not apples to apples, but you get the idea.

mr_manny

When wheelin, its all about the Gears.
Dual transfer cases are pretty common on the trail.

You don't want to be using the clutch when your offroad.

90YotaPU

I have wheeled both manual and auto. Hands down I love the auto more. Manual seems fun at first, but when you find yourself in a hairy situation, you'll be happy to not have to work the clutch.

Mr.Utah

Agree with the auto above.

millball

The biggest downside of ofroading autos is their poor engine braking when decending.

wyoming9

iTrader: (1)

It comes down to just what your doing

If I was running a Manual trans in the woods for more then a load or two of firewood I would want double cases for sure .

Having had to rescue the J word stuck in my drive way double cases would have been so nice.

To some off road adventure are well maintained fire roads

Others Map and Compass or stars going from point A to B

Then to others it is the far reaches of the Mall parking lot.

What ever works for you.

jbandt

I think my off roading will be light and easy to moderate. Nothing to extreme, at least not to the point where dual cases would be needed. I suppose I should try out a few autos to see if I can live with amount of power they have and go from there.

maco35

My 22re auto.trans is good enough for me and i don't think is slow or has no power.

RJR

So there you have it. The yotatech forum has spoken to the age-old question of "auto or manual?", and the answer is overwhelmingly ---- YES!

But, you did get some good insights on which to base your decision. Good luck.

jbandt

So I drove an auto and manual 22re today. 87 Auto was stock. 91 Manual had 4" lift, 33's, and 4.56's. Honestly both were really lacking in the acceleration dept but I suppose that's to be expected. I liked the auto better overall as it just handled better. I felt safer in it and it seemed to be in better shape.

Now for a couple new questions. I'm going ck out a couple v6's for comparison sake. I think my past research would suggest go for the 3.4 as it has more power. What was the first year the 3.4 available? Is manual still preferred for that motor and how's the mpgs? Hopefully I'm not detouring too much from my original post

RJR

The 3.4 was introduced with the 3rd generation 4runners which came out in the 1996 model year and ran through 2001. The manual transmission was dropped for the 2001 model year.

There's not a lot of difference in mileage between a 3.0 and a 3.4 if they're both tuned up and running well. The 3.4 will handle the auto transmission well, but a manual will still feel more peppy. I have both in my family, so it's easy to compare the two. The 3.4 auto will out perform the 3.0 manual.

The 3rd gen 4runner is slightly longer and wider than the 2nd gens, and a little more roomy inside esp. when it comes to rear seat legroom. There was also an option for a rear locking differential; it's worth looking for a vehicle which has that option.

Because of the smaller size the 2nd gens are somewhat preferred over the 3rd gens for serious offroading, but both are very capable on the trails.

jbandt

The 3.4 was introduced with the 3rd generation 4runners which came out in the 1996 model year and ran through 2001. The manual transmission was dropped for the 2001 model year.

Is it the same years for the Tacoma as well?

RJR

Not sure about the Tacomas, but I would guess it would be the same. My son had a 2001 Tacoma with the 3.4, manual with diff lock. Really nice truck with lots of power. I should have bought it from him when he got tired of it and swapped it for a 2003 Sentra.

It's easy to tell the engine type if you just raise the hood. It should be labeled in big letters on the top of the intake plenum.