Auto or manual

SpecialScottie · 06-16-2008, 06:46 PM

What transmission do you all prefer while wheeling?
Any specific reasons?

4rnnr33 · 06-16-2008, 08:33 PM

manual for sure there is no way i would ever buy a toyota that is an automatic. and btw this has been covered tons of times

crolison · 06-16-2008, 08:33 PM

manual, i know what gear i am in all the time, and can control when it shifts. If i need to go faster in 4lo just shift to 3rd or 4th.

Hayes · 06-16-2008, 08:39 PM

automatic, lots more control only having to deal with 2 pedals, plus there is less shock to the driveline.

And TC, I am going to beat you to the punch. That is my opinion and you aren't going to change it!

tc · 06-16-2008, 10:24 PM

Manual with a crawler FTW, but that's not really a choice ...

Here's the deal - the overdrive in the pre-Tacoma trucks is HORRIBLY matched to the engines. You need to gear AT LEAST 2 steps lower with the auto than the manual if you plan to drive it to the trails, and that limits you in all reality to 33's which kinda sucks.

Hayes has the positives of an auto listed above, and he's right ... what he's leaving out is the minimal (if any) compression braking, the unpredictability of when the torque converter will engage, the lack of ability to start in a gear other than first when wheelspeed is required, and the vast reduction in options for when something breaks.

SpecialScottie · 06-16-2008, 10:39 PM

Hmmm sounds about 50:50
I have the auto in my turbo runner and im deciding if I want to go through all the effort of putting a manual in it
Ohh and thanks for all the help guys

Kaleb · 06-16-2008, 11:47 PM

Manual. Before I swapped to a manual I was crawling up a large log in 4 low. When I started to reach the top of the log I knew it was two high and I needed to come down, so I stepped on the brakes but didn't stop. The torque from the low gear range powered right through my brakes... Luckily my buddy jumped on my left side door too keep my runner from rolling. Now to avoid this problem I can simply press the clutch and disconnect the drive train.

stormin94 · 06-17-2008, 12:25 AM

Manual all the way. More power, more MPG, more control, and No you don't have to shift all the time. Just when YOU want to, not when your car wants to.

4rnr · 06-17-2008, 12:46 PM

Auto. Just as all the pro rockcrawler why they dont use manuals

AxleIke · 06-17-2008, 01:25 PM

I'm with TC.

Manual with a crawler.

All the control you could ever possibly want, literally next to impossible to stall, and all the advantages of the stick. In double low, I never need to clutch anything.

Nothing against auto's personally. They work well too. I just like my stuff.

Team420 · 06-17-2008, 03:41 PM

I have both, in my runners, and I have to say...they both have advantages, and disadvantages....example... a very steep hill in the sand pit behind my house, the 5 spd stalls halfway up in 4hi, the auto went almost to the top before it started spinning...also in 4hi... on the trail, the 5spd seems to have a bit more control, also when climbing rocks...but for mud...I prefer the auto all the way...no need to shift or clutch...thus loosing speed, and traction, with the auto, you just give her some!! Hope that helps....o and btw...the auto gets avg, 14-17mpg, while the 5spd gets 20+ mpg, and has waaaay more power.

Team420 · 06-17-2008, 03:43 PM

O yeah...just thought of another disadvantage to the auto...see avatar....that cost me over $100 in tranny fluid...if it were a 5spd...no prob!

crews462 · 06-17-2008, 03:51 PM

No question a manual, i agree i wouldn't drive an auto truck, unless the price was too hard to pass up on.

SpecialScottie · 06-17-2008, 05:07 PM

Thanks all for the responses.
I got a real good deal on my turbo and as many of you know they only come in auto.
Im looking to get some larget tires and the power of the 5 speed would be nice on the street.
How big of a job is it to do a tranny swap?

Hayes · 06-17-2008, 06:58 PM

when you swap the manual, let me know how much you want for your auto

Gene · 06-18-2008, 10:50 AM

I have had both. The manual gave better control when crawling but in a hill climb/mud/street, give me an auto!

Blizzard · 06-18-2008, 02:40 PM

I'm going to swap my truck to an auto soon. Will be using an A343F from a 3.0TD Hilux Surf so it must be a very direct swap. As it is a electronic controlled tranny and my engine (1KZ-T) has no ECU (Like a carbed) I'm going to use an universal auto tranny controller from Powertrain Control Solutions. I've only to add a TPS and I'll be ready to go, being able to configure ALL the settings and also drive it in manual sequential mode with paddle shifters (Probably adding two switches in the steering wheel).

Also, as it's a diesel and it can run in 3rd high at idle without stalling, I'm sticking with the chain driven T-Case for the moment, will think on duals if I won the lottery.

Anyways I'm anxious to test the truck in the sand dunes of the Sahara Desert...

David

TC4RNR · 06-18-2008, 05:05 PM

if you are planning on wheel a lot of sand dunes, go auto. down shift in the middle of incline can get you stuck all the time. Auto, on the other hand, has better handling on that. (maybe i need to learn how to drive, but for now, that's MHO.

i'm a manual guy, for me, it's just more fun with a 5 spd, period.

JamesD · 06-18-2008, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpecialScottie

What transmission do you all prefer while wheeling?
Any specific reasons?

Could your edit your post for a poll? This would make it easier.

Thanks, James

SpecialScottie · 06-18-2008, 11:26 PM

Id love to but im actually not sure how?
Help please?

View Poll Results: What transmission do you all prefer while wheeling?
Manual	66	61.11%
Automatic	42	38.89%
Voters: 108. You may not vote on this poll

06-16-2008, 06:46 PM	#1 (permalink)
SpecialScottie Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Sun Valley, CA Posts: 301	Auto or manual What transmission do you all prefer while wheeling? Any specific reasons? __________________ 1st gen 4runner interior for sale here 87 Turbo 4runner STOCK 85 4runner Build Thread 87 4runner (parts) 95 4runner 2wd auto

06-16-2008, 08:33 PM	#2 (permalink)
4rnnr33 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: castle rock, wa Posts: 161	manual for sure there is no way i would ever buy a toyota that is an automatic. and btw this has been covered tons of times __________________ 95 4runner, 5 in tg sas and rear leaf swap, chopped, mx6 reservoir shocks, 35x13.50x15 toyo mt's, all pro front bumper, mile marker se9500c, rear tube bumper, hella 500's, rock lights, optima red top, glass fenders, tg 5.29's, lockright rear, detroit hp front

06-16-2008, 08:33 PM	#3 (permalink)
crolison Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: knoxville, tn Posts: 1,594	manual, i know what gear i am in all the time, and can control when it shifts. If i need to go faster in 4lo just shift to 3rd or 4th. __________________ 97 4runner, 2.7 5speed 4wd, 4.556, 255/85/16 Maxxis Bighorns rear diff breather, 4 hella 500's driving, sliders, wilderness rack custom bumper arb locked rear toytec adjustables, ome 891's, bilstein 5125 manual hubs broken front and rear swaybars My Profile

06-16-2008, 08:39 PM	#4 (permalink)
Hayes Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Aurora, CO Posts: 1,424	automatic, lots more control only having to deal with 2 pedals, plus there is less shock to the driveline. And TC, I am going to beat you to the punch. That is my opinion and you aren't going to change it! __________________ -Hayes

06-16-2008, 10:24 PM	#5 (permalink)
tc Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Longmont, CO Posts: 6,817	Manual with a crawler FTW, but that's not really a choice ... Here's the deal - the overdrive in the pre-Tacoma trucks is HORRIBLY matched to the engines. You need to gear AT LEAST 2 steps lower with the auto than the manual if you plan to drive it to the trails, and that limits you in all reality to 33's which kinda sucks. Hayes has the positives of an auto listed above, and he's right ... what he's leaving out is the minimal (if any) compression braking, the unpredictability of when the torque converter will engage, the lack of ability to start in a gear other than first when wheelspeed is required, and the vast reduction in options for when something breaks. __________________ Check out www.coTTORA.org to hook up with great Toyota 'wheelin' folks! Current - 93 4Runner: 3VZ 33"x10.50" no lift ARB F/R 96 Impala SS: My own personal cop car Previous - 89 2WD Pickup 22R, Fabtech "Ivan Dan" lift, 31x10.50, IASCA World Finals 4th Place Stop with the mods and get on the trail! Pix at www.4wheelingoh.shutterfly.com/action

06-16-2008, 10:39 PM	#6 (permalink)
SpecialScottie Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Sun Valley, CA Posts: 301	Hmmm sounds about 50:50 I have the auto in my turbo runner and im deciding if I want to go through all the effort of putting a manual in it Ohh and thanks for all the help guys __________________ 1st gen 4runner interior for sale here 87 Turbo 4runner STOCK 85 4runner Build Thread 87 4runner (parts) 95 4runner 2wd auto

06-17-2008, 12:25 AM	#8 (permalink)
stormin94 Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Lake County, CA/Sacramento Posts: 3,276	Manual all the way. More power, more MPG, more control, and No you don't have to shift all the time. Just when YOU want to, not when your car wants to. __________________ 1994 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4X4 208,000 miles and counting 3.0 V6, 5 speed 14/19 MPG city/hwy(before 33's) Current Mods Headers, 2.5" Flowmaster custom exhaust, K&N FIPK KC Daylighter 100 Watt lights Ranchos x4, 2" Lift Downey coils 33-12.50 M/T's, 1" t-bar lift, 1" body lift Tow pkg w/ lighthookups Silverstar Headlights, Pioneer Deck w/XM Brushguard 250Watt JLAudio 8" W3 Sub Future Mods 12V Aux outlet-400/800peak inverter roof basket/lights Air locker 4.88 gears H.O. Alternator

06-17-2008, 12:46 PM	#9 (permalink)
4rnr Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Plainfield, IL Posts: 1,175	Auto. Just as all the pro rockcrawler why they dont use manuals __________________ poop 1988 stock 4runner, v6, 5spd, soft top. 1990 fj62 stock and mint! 1992 4runner, 3.4, auto, SAS'ed, Marlin USA springs (4"/5"), 37" PBR's, 30 spline Longfields, Hydro assist, dual inchworms (5:1, twin stick, 23 spline, chromo output, 10* clock) 5.29's, lockrite's, custom exo, custom snorkle, High angle drivelines drive shafts, 108" wheelbase, Warn hs9500i, Electronic shifters by AWshifting, Mcintosh/Dynaudio a/v system. The build up...http://www.yotatech.com/showthread.php?t=74915

06-17-2008, 01:25 PM	#10 (permalink)
AxleIke Contributing Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Boulder, Colorado Posts: 4,536	I'm with TC. Manual with a crawler. All the control you could ever possibly want, literally next to impossible to stall, and all the advantages of the stick. In double low, I never need to clutch anything. Nothing against auto's personally. They work well too. I just like my stuff. __________________ IFS SAS My mods aren't bling enough for the signature line. -All Terrains are for when you know how to drive.

06-17-2008, 03:51 PM	#13 (permalink)
crews462 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Hills of Vermont Posts: 124	No question a manual, i agree i wouldn't drive an auto truck, unless the price was too hard to pass up on. __________________ 89 Pickup, 22RE, 5 spd, 175XXX

06-17-2008, 05:07 PM	#14 (permalink)
SpecialScottie Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Sun Valley, CA Posts: 301	Thanks all for the responses. I got a real good deal on my turbo and as many of you know they only come in auto. Im looking to get some larget tires and the power of the 5 speed would be nice on the street. How big of a job is it to do a tranny swap? __________________ 1st gen 4runner interior for sale here 87 Turbo 4runner STOCK 85 4runner Build Thread 87 4runner (parts) 95 4runner 2wd auto

06-17-2008, 06:58 PM	#15 (permalink)
Hayes Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Aurora, CO Posts: 1,424	when you swap the manual, let me know how much you want for your auto __________________ -Hayes

06-18-2008, 10:50 AM	#16 (permalink)
Gene Contributing Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Pocatello, ID Posts: 726	I have had both. The manual gave better control when crawling but in a hill climb/mud/street, give me an auto! __________________ DREAD 2004 TRD SR5 Double-cab Tacoma Toyo Open Country M/T 265/75/16 Fabtech 3.5" lift Snugtop XTR Shell http://www.wattora.com http://www.genehobbs.com

06-18-2008, 02:40 PM	#17 (permalink)
Blizzard Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Barcelona (Spain) Posts: 871	I'm going to swap my truck to an auto soon. Will be using an A343F from a 3.0TD Hilux Surf so it must be a very direct swap. As it is a electronic controlled tranny and my engine (1KZ-T) has no ECU (Like a carbed) I'm going to use an universal auto tranny controller from Powertrain Control Solutions. I've only to add a TPS and I'll be ready to go, being able to configure ALL the settings and also drive it in manual sequential mode with paddle shifters (Probably adding two switches in the steering wheel). Also, as it's a diesel and it can run in 3rd high at idle without stalling, I'm sticking with the chain driven T-Case for the moment, will think on duals if I won the lottery. Anyways I'm anxious to test the truck in the sand dunes of the Sahara Desert... David __________________ '94 Toyota 4Runner 3.0 Turbo Diesel Intercooler – Trail-Gear 4'' SAS front, Trail-Gear 5'' rear leaves swap, 35x12.5x15 M/T's and too many things more to write... Last edited by Blizzard : 06-18-2008 at 02:41 PM.

06-18-2008, 05:05 PM	#18 (permalink)
TC4RNR Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: so. cal. Posts: 477	if you are planning on wheel a lot of sand dunes, go auto. down shift in the middle of incline can get you stuck all the time. Auto, on the other hand, has better handling on that. (maybe i need to learn how to drive, but for now, that's MHO. i'm a manual guy, for me, it's just more fun with a 5 spd, period. __________________ http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w...gca/agreed.jpg 94 4Runner, SR5 3.0V6, 4WD, 5spd: SOLD 99 4Runner, SR5, 3.4L 4WD, 5spd. 265/75/16 BFG A/T. full SS 1.2 lift, RedLine Fluids, Marlin 1200 Clutch, ARB front bumper, BruceTS rear bumper, roof busket, hitch mount tire carrier, Tundra Brakes, Brembo rotors, BudBuilt skid/belly, Lightforce 240 Blitz, PiAA HID, Stubb's HD-SKO sliders.

06-18-2008, 11:26 PM	#20 (permalink)
SpecialScottie Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Sun Valley, CA Posts: 301	Id love to but im actually not sure how? Help please? __________________ 1st gen 4runner interior for sale here 87 Turbo 4runner STOCK 85 4runner Build Thread 87 4runner (parts) 95 4runner 2wd auto