"Always" that is a bold statement. New Auto's have lock up torque converter, you might want to look at EPA estimates for something like new Tacoma's they get better MPG in AUTO then they do in STICK. You need to be careful with blanket statements, they will almost always get you in trouble.

 

put the bong down kid.

you want a sports car get a sports car. the 4runner is going to flip you over in a ditch and break your back if you run it like it sounds like you want to run it. it is not a sports car. it is too tall and narrow and doesn't have the road-holding bits to drive it fast and keep it planted. maybe from 2004 onward it is more car like but a 3rd gen is an offroad vehicle with offroad smarts, not sports-car smarts. it has all the power you need to merge on the interstate, or allow you drive like as ass.

you wanna see a 4runner in super action then watch offroad videos. otherwise you just drive them smartly and in control on the street.



for you
I suggest starting with a big wheel, then working your way up to a bicycle.
then a yugo till you get the hang of how things work in the real world

 

You could always throw it in 4WD, I wouldn't recommend a 1/4 mile race but you'll probably get across intersections faster than anyone else.

 

Take it easy. He was asking a question about how to best use his auto tranny and not learn the hard way. We all had to start somewhere.

 

okay, do me a favor.

take your 3.4L equipped truck, drive it around. Then find someone who has a 3.0L auto 4runner and drive that around. then get back into YOUR 4runner and be happy with what you have.

 

Well said
lol.

 

x2

 

First of all, I'm no kid for you. I'll be quite amazed if you turn out to be older then me.

Second, it seems that the word "race" messes things up.. I doubt that by "racing" 60 or even 100 miles an hour on a straight road somebody can get hurt. I'm not stupid to corner on those speeds with a truck. I just want my car to perform to it's best, that's it.

Seeing things your way means people at TRD should get fired.

As to others, thanks for your help and useful comments!

 

Just so everyone knows, how old are you then ?

Go on, Prove your the koolest and oldest web wheeler here why dont ya

 

Lol, you people are amazing. I'm 23. I'm not proving anything, I just asked a simple question. Is it so hard to answer?

Here, I'll ask you another one: is it worth swapping an auto transmition for a manual one?

Try answering that without irritation.

 

get a 4500RPM stall converter! that should get you of the line in a timely manner.

 

if you feel you have the skills then go for it. do some searching, many people have done it.

 

sorry about stuff like that people on here get irritated when someone is trying to "race"or "rally" their toyota cause thats not what theyre made for. i think your first post just came across that way so dont worry about it.
bigballsmcfalls: cant we all just try and help eachother out without being an ass about it?
edit: oh and btw dragoon, try not to push that motor too hard or it wont last long trust me

 

Best way to accelerate is to press the pedal ever so slightly.. keep it under 2000rpm at all times if possible.

Waitaminute..I just hate the current gas prices!

 

Dragoon, you've admitted having little experience or knowledge concerning vehicles. Doing an Auto to Manual transmission swap isn't like changing spark plugs. Unless you're handing the keys to a mechanic and paying to have it done...there's a healthy amount of work and even some mild fabricating needed in most situations.

I suggest you search and read the many threads on the topic.

 

904runner- that's a very good way to put it.

Also, if you want to go fast in a toyota, get a mid '90s Supra. Or get a 2wd toy p/u and put a small block V8 in it. Assuming money is not a factor. I guess in that case, get a Mclaren or F40 or whatever the hottest exotic out there is.

 

this is how to get off the line as fast as possible with a any automatic. excluding auto's with a trans brake.

1. drop shifter into low or 1st or whatever it says.

2. mash brake pedal hard.

3. keep pushing your throttle down ever so slightly until your 4 runner wants to move forward, or starts to slip a tire.

4. hold pedals there until you are ready, then let off the brakes and stab the throttle at the same time.

that will get you the best launch and fastest eta.

and don't worry about the haters.. there everywhere

 

Well, I guess it'll be more healthy for me just to enjoy this vehicle as it is. It's a great truck, no complaints, but I always want to get something more out of things I own...

I'll stay with the stock for now and try to take good care of it, so that it resells at a good price I'm beginning to understand that I'll need 2 vehicles - one for the city and another for hardcore offroading. This runner is stuck in the middle...

Thanks for your replies!

 

Bingo... hard to find a vehicle that can do it all without some compromise at one end or the other.