Garth

Yeah, I'm a newb, I'm a dummy, autos are for sissies...blah, blah, blah.

I'm buying a 1989 4Runner, SR5, V6, 5-speed. I need to know if an auto tranny can be easily swapped. If so, what all is involved? Direct bolt in? Also, anyone know the model # for the Toyota tranny I'm looking for?

Thanks.

oly884

I'd say that it would be a pretty hard task. The computors are different due to the shifting that is involved, I'm pretty sure it will bolt up, but don't quote me on that.

Highland Runner

There was a post on Off-Road.com website a while back where a guy did just the opposite, going from an auto to 5 spd. I would love to get rid of my auto. They suck, wanna trade. Going to the auto would probably be easier since your'e not having to add a clutch etc. You would need the auto ECU as oly884 said, and some extra wires to shift the transmission.

AgRunner06

Why in the world would you want to do that? Your 4runner will get even slower.

ayoung101

i agree. i got an 89 with a 5speed and i would never even CONSIDER swapping to the auto. just my $.02

Garth

My wife is near-perfect. Her two flaws are: she is too easily scared, she CAN NOT drive a standard...PERIOD.

The only reason I asked is 'cause the Runner is an 89 w/ 90K from someone I know/trust for a VERY good price.

Point, now, is moot as the money is going for maint. on my FZJ-80 and the Runner sold this afternoon.

Thanks.

Garth

And don't you think there would be a BIG difference between a V6 w/ an auto and a 4 banger with one?

toy283

Not really when you consider the V6 involved. The 3.0 is not gonna make any Toyota Engineering highlight reels, whereas the 22RE will.

tombothetominator

hahahaha, it will make it in there, as one of the 'whoops' @ the end of the tape.

ayoung101

now THAT i can understand. my gf scares ME while driving a stick. i've taught her on my old 88 camry (one of the few 5 speeds) and now on my truck. she's ok for an empty parking lot, but holy crap get her on a road, and there's bound to be an accident. for example, coming up on a stop sign at 30 mph starts screaming "WHAT DO I DO?!? WHAT DO I DO?!?" to which i reply of course, "HIT THE BRAKES!!!!" and then say "ok, you've had enough driving lessons for the day, get out. i'm driving." another common one is that she forgets to slow down before turns and goes barreling around corners in my truck without ever tapping the brakes or even letting up the gas, completely crossing lanes and jumping the curb on the opposite side of the road. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY IT'S SO HARD! the same friggin driving rules for auto's STILL apply with STICKS!

as for the original topic though, i'll always drive a manual until that sad day comes where my poor decaying knee kicks the bucket. and then i will drive an auto until i get a new plastic knee put in to replace the real one, in which case it's back to an auto for me!

ilion

True, perhaps.

But you've got to admit, it's nice to have the 'oops' Toyota engine run smoothly with 225,000 miles... and counting.

Garth

Yeah, I know the 3.0 isn't Toyotas prize poney...but when in a lighter 1st gen 4Runner, and with the asbestos head gasket, this one was as good as it gets when it comes to this engine.

I tried to teach the wife on a 5-speed MR-2 (and that's the easiest driving stick ever built IMO). Her only successful outing was on the trails in the 40 where all that was needed ws to let out the clutch and crawl...no brake, no gas, just steer a little.