Stump1883

Hey guys,

I justreally need some opinions, wat do you guys think about the 3rd gen. 5spd trans.? Good, Bad (in Toyota terms of course)? Practical for daiy drver that gets alot of use?

Also a really random question that mayy sound stupid, but can someone explain to me EXACTLY why a 5spd is better for off-road than an auto?

Thanks in advance .

rimpainter.com

5 speed = Awesome.

They are faster, stronger, and cheaper than an Auto...bla bla bla.

You will get mixed opinions on which is "better" off-road. I dont think either is better off road. It comes down to driver ablility. The only benefit to the 5 speed off-road over the Auto that I see is the crawl ratio both down and up hill vs the auto.

I just love my 5 speed. Its the number one reason I ditched my Auto Tacoma, well, that and the added room of the Runner.

No offense to Auto guys of course, again I used to have one.

Stump1883

Thanks, I'm looking into a 96' Runner w/ the 5spd and I just needed some storng support for it,b/c I love my auto, just the ability to point and shoot and not think, but I'm sure a 5sd will be the same way after awhile of daily driving.

Any more opinions, let me know. Thanks again.

EDIT: Hey guys I have one request, can anyone give me a few shots of what the interior looks like in a 5spd, mostly the middle consoul, the way the trans. and transfer case sit together. Sorry guys I'm weird.

Bob_98SR5

Stump,

I love my 5 speed 98. When I had my 99, I was so damn bored. On the long drives, it was monotonous but easy.

My main reason is that driving a stick keeps me engaged in the whole "driving experience". I really can't say that having a 5 speed is better off-roading or worse. To me the addage that "Its the wand, not the magician" applies to the whole 5sp vs. auto off-roading debate.

The only problem I've had is that there is this bushing in the pedal that broke. I guess its a real common problem. I have a write up to fix that prob: http://www.4runners.org/articles/clutchbush

I'd say "go for it"

Bob

denverbikeguy

Well, one problem with auto's offroad is mud. Or water. Like if you get the tranny nice and hot, then hit a pool of something wet. The rapid cooldown will suck whatever you're in past the pressure seals (the seals only work in one direction), mix with the fluid, and destroy your transmission within 2 miles.

Don't ask me how I know. (however I do have the heat-welded friction plates now on my garage wall as a trophy! - this was from a Tundra, but seals are seals.)

Other than that I've offroaded with many auto 'runners, and they are great.

I have a 97 5spd, 86k miles and love it by the way.
EDIT: and yeah that bushing is gone on mine too, I didn't know it wears down the pedal so much though without it. I'll get on that repair directly.

FROSTY

Hi,

I was going to purchase a 2001 in sept of 2000 but the last of the 5spds was 2000. I live in Washington but ended up having to purchase her in Oregon--I can't say enough good things about having a stick. One big thing I can think of is if you get stuck momentarily a 5spd is a ton easier to rock back and forth such as in Mud or snow. Besides it is faster and more fun to drive

Frosty

Best of luck

Mikey

Go with the manual. The auto's in the toyotas are good but you don't have the control like you do with a manual. I have an auto Tacoma and I wish I would have sprung for the manual!!:pat:

ssbogger

I have a 5spd as well and I love it for all the resons posted above. I get bored driving an auto but with this it makes driving much more fun. Plus it cuts down on the amout of ppl that want to drive you car because alot of ppl dont know how to drive a straight drive.