Author Topic: Any one swap from an automatic to a manual? (Read 3354 times)

brainbug · « **on:** Oct 26, 2007, 05:59:28 PM »

I have a 1988 4runner V6 with the A304H trans but I'd really like to convert it to manual. Unfortunately I'm not mechanically inclined enough to do this myself, nor do I have the resourses. So I would have to pay someone to do this, I live in NJ and don't know of any Toyota shops that would be confident enough to take on something like this. If anyone knows of a shop in NJ I'd appreciate some info, or tips. Thanks in advance.

79coyotefrg · « **Reply #1 on:** Oct 26, 2007, 06:37:15 PM »

to marlin, lets see i think Joe will be the one to talk to,

red · « **Reply #2 on:** Oct 26, 2007, 06:37:26 PM »

dont know of a shop over there but my friend allen recently did this to his 85 4runner.
required the clutch setup (pedal, line, master/slave cylinder, and clutch), manual tranny, and computer from a manual tranny vehicle.

jrock · « **Reply #3 on:** Oct 26, 2007, 09:22:58 PM »

why would you need the computer?

Tallchevy · « **Reply #4 on:** Oct 26, 2007, 10:18:06 PM »

Check out this thread.
http://board.marlincrawler.com/index.php?topic=37461.0

red · « **Reply #5 on:** Oct 27, 2007, 09:35:05 AM »

according to allen (the guy who did the swap) the auto computer will start throwing codes if it doesnt detect the auto tranny anymore.

jrock · « **Reply #6 on:** Oct 27, 2007, 12:31:19 PM »

So your check engine light might come on. No big.

V-Man · « **Reply #7 on:** Oct 27, 2007, 12:44:08 PM »

Why do you want to swap to a manual?

red · « **Reply #8 on:** Oct 27, 2007, 02:30:04 PM »

the auto's from this era suck up an insane amount of power.

Tallchevy · « **Reply #9 on:** Oct 27, 2007, 08:11:30 PM »

Quote from: jkief86 on Oct 27, 2007, 12:31:19 PM

So your check engine light might come on. No big.

If you live in an area that you have to smog test your vehicle, your vehicle will fail the smog test if the check engine light on.

jrock · « **Reply #10 on:** Oct 27, 2007, 09:59:24 PM »

That is true.
Anyone know how to fix that? I was told it's only the reverse light that needs to be tripped.

SolidAxle · « **Reply #11 on:** Oct 28, 2007, 08:29:22 AM »

You also need to trick it to make it think its in park so it will start.

Quote from: Tallchevy350 on Oct 26, 2007, 10:18:06 PM

Check out this thread.
http://board.marlincrawler.com/index.php?topic=37461.0

This is my build, its not done yet though.

jrock · « **Reply #12 on:** Oct 28, 2007, 12:53:31 PM »

I've been following your build but you don't have the swap started yet.

Back to Brainbug, I think you'll need a R series trans.

brainbug · « **Reply #13 on:** Oct 29, 2007, 06:22:31 PM »

Thank you all for your input, I definitely want an R series trans for the swap. Red, do you know if your friend had to do any cutting to fit the manual shifter or would that just line up with the hole already there, and is there any other cutting involved? Thanks in advance.

Edit: I just saw 4runner 666's post and saw the cutting involved.

Plekto · « **Reply #14 on:** Oct 31, 2007, 02:25:06 PM »

It's a big project, but it's well worth it. It'll run you about $3K with a MC transmission and manual xfer case. IMO, it's better to get a used donor in good shape for cheap and go that way.(say, good trans and so on, but blown engine)

Fearofrunner · « **Reply #15 on:** Oct 31, 2007, 02:45:52 PM »

The reason you need the manual transmission ecu is with the auto ecu the truck will run rich. I helped Allen put his tranny in, it was a job to do the first time but to do it again wouldn't be bad. I think he'd agree with that. The origanal holes for the auto trans wasn't big enough for the W56 with top shift he put in so with the help of a saws-all it fit just fine. To make it look descent too your going to need the center console and and arm rest. Also your going to have to find the neutral switch wire and ground it out so the computer will think the clutch is in and will allow it to start. Kind of a pregnant dog to do but he loves the manual.

aptoyota · « **Reply #16 on:** Nov 09, 2007, 02:32:19 PM »

In-case your still thinking about doing this swap I am Alan that red and fearofrunner are making referance to, and i would be glad to answer any questions you might have.

70 Cam Guy · « **Reply #17 on:** Feb 02, 2008, 12:35:30 PM »

hey guys I don't mean to dig up old threads but I figured i would bump this because there's already good info in here.

I'm going to be swapping the EFI off a 2wd '92 that came with an auto. I figure I'll have the same issues with the neutral switch that's been addressed. I figure I'll lose the 4wd light with the 2wd ecu but I'm not sure I haven't looked at that wiring too close yet

One thing I'm confused about is why would the truck run rich with the auto ecu?

Should I just cut my losses with the 2wd ecu and find an ecu from a 4x4 manual? Does anyone have updates on their builds since this thread was started?
$Beer Chug\'n$

Yeagley · « **Reply #18 on:** Feb 03, 2008, 10:35:29 PM »

Why does the auto ecu make it run rich? I swaped out the auto in my truck and it smogs just the same.

70 Cam Guy · « **Reply #19 on:** Feb 03, 2008, 11:09:59 PM »

Quote from: TurboCrawler on Feb 03, 2008, 10:35:29 PM

Why does the auto ecu make it run rich? I swaped out the auto in my truck and it smogs just the same.

cool thanks, I couldn't figure out why an auto ecu would make a difference. Did you run into any problems with the computer doing your swap?

as a side note, I've been following your builds in the build-up forum, very cool rides dude (and your friends' too)

$Beer Chug\'n$

brainbug [OP]

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