i think all autos with the exception to the 727, TH350, 4L60E, 700r4, and C6 are junk and will hinder performance... Seems to only apply to imports, my 5 spd runner does great, no engine modifications, just 4.88's on 33's and it runs good down the highway, on passes i do have to catch 4th gear to keep it at 65 or better though...

 

thanks for all the info, i definitely think I am going to start looking for some 5spds

 

Mine's got 170,000 miles on it and still going....
I'm a stick-loving sort of girl.

 

haha got to keep a clean mind

back when I was in high school I taught a girl I liked how to drive a manual.
still to this day if I see her out at the bars and she is with friends I have never met she will say he taught my how to drive a stick then she and I get the funny looks from them.

 

I love mine. The only reason I'm not in a 4th gen right now is the lack of a manual tranny, which to me is a must.

And since the FJ only comes with a stupid full-time tcase when equipped with a manual tranny, my next truck will not be a Toyota...

 

My dad's manual 3rd gen w/ a 3.4L is way more responsive and peppy than my auto. I wish I had waited for a stick...

 

Well I have a Taco and not a Runner but I love the 5 speed..To much fun working the gears and the power is there when I want it..

 

Like everyone else said way more peppy. To me they are way more fun too, seems like your actually driving the car rather than riding in it. Great for towing too, I tow a wave runner, friends boats, and a utility trailer quite a bit and it never seems to lack power. I got 122K out of the stock clutch.

 

I just turned 170,000 and mine is still strong! My clutch actually outlived both master and slave cylinders!

 

Here is a rare truck!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Toyot...em370026204426

 

HAHA i saw that truck on eBay and laughed, its such an ugly color.....

Is the manual better on gas than the auto?

 

but what a color....

 

People may say no, but I get 20 around town and 22-24 on the highway in my V6 manual....

 

Yes, and quicker usually.

 

3.4 with a manual has good power

3.4 with an auto is unbearable to me. And since I'm among like minded people I'm not afraid to say it. I've owned one auto 4runner and driven many others. I am happy my 2000 4runner is a 5speed. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Now the auto isn't bad with the new 4runner because it has a lot more power. Same goes for the Taco.

 

I would be hard pressed to get an auto in a truck...

I just enjoy the control I get in my manual...

I get about 22 in the summer with over sized tires now...

that should only go up with the 235's I am looking to put on.

If I go back to 31's, I will look at regearing too.

 

i have 3 5spds and 1 auto - i hate the auto - the 5 spds are great. my 99's clutch lasted 170k miles, the 98 i had changed at 130k cause the throw out bearing was starting to squeal loud, and my 2000 is at 140k on original clutch. For me - the 5spds just give you more control.

 

i enjoy the 5spd in my 2000 4runner. it definitely makes better use of the power in the 3.4l. my mom has a 2001 auto and its so much more sluggish taking off. downshifting makes turns and handling better. i only despise it in traffic.

 

I hate driving a stick. many reasons but my #1 would be in slow traffic You have to pop it in and out of gear and start stop traffic.

 

I HATE hydraulic tranny. I wish 3rd gen had cable tranny.