05+ Tacoma ? (Newbie)

[atomicjoe23]

I was looking at the '06 Tacoma brochure and I got confused as to what transmissions are available for the 4.0L 4x4 models.

It has both NA=Not Available and S=Standard listed for some of the transmissions for the 4.0L in the same box.

Is the 4.0L 4x4 05+ Tacoma available with the manual transmission (5spd & 6spd options???)?

If the above is available with a manual transmission. . .which would be most advantageous for running the truck in the desert; the manual or an automatic? I have always preferred to drive manuals in the past, but I was also driving muscle cars and sport cars so I'm unsure as to which would be preferred in the desert. If it's just personal preference as far as desert running goes what would be some of the pro's and con's for each when running a particular type of tranny in the desert?

Thanks for the help and info!

[Bill-E-BoB]

Like I said in your other thread, I don't know much so I should leave the  recommendations up to the real pros on here...but I can tell ya about equipment and my personal preference.  

New tacos come with 2 transmissions for the 4 cyl & 2 transmissions for the 6 cyl.  If you get a 4 banger, you can choose between a 4 speed auto or a 5 speed manual.  If you get a 6 cyl, you can choose between a 5 speed auto or a 6 speed manual.  I got a 6 with the 6 speed, and I love it.  Its a good tight shift patternI'm inclined to think that desert running would be better suited with a manual tranny than an auto for the same benefits it offers on every other type of terrain...but let the experts on the site chime in too before you trust my word.

Here's my line of thinking.  With a manual, whatever the situation, you're always free to stick it in whatever gear you need...you don't have to trust the transmission to shift at the right times, because its been my experience that autos RARELY hit the right shift points...in any car and any scenario other than a sunday drive down the freeway at 55 mph.  Also, if you're driving an auto & goose the throttle a little too much around a turn, the passing gear could kick in at the wrong time, over rev your engine & cause your tires to break loose when you don't want 'em to. 

[Matt]

Go with the manual if that's what you like, it'll be better suited for offroading.

Not sure what kinda cab you're looking at but the double cabs are not available with a manual tranny.

[atomicjoe23]

Does anyone know why the Double Cab's aren't offered with an automatic, because that's what I wanted. . .but I also want the manual transmission? It would appear (when I look on the Toyota website) that the only the 4x2 models are available with the 6 spd manual; all the 4WD models shown when you go to build and price the Tacoma are listed as 5-spd auto?

Now this get's into added cost, but could you swap in a manual transmission in place of the automatic if you wanted to. . .I know that the engine is the same and the orientation of the shifter should be the same in the cab. . .so wouldn't it just be a matter of cutting a hole in the floor of the cab (if necessary), adding the interior trim necessary for the manual transmission and then a custom length driveshaft in the rear (I don't know about the orientation of the transfer case or anthing like that so forgive me if I'm oversimplifying it a little).

Here's the thing and my line of thinking. . .given the time and money converting a Double Cab from an automatic to a manual should be possible but I know I can't convert an standard cab or Access Cab to a double cab. Maybe an Access cab wouldn't be too bad, but I really like the proportions of the short bed Double Cab. . .they need to just offer the manual with the Double Cab!!!