Manual conversion on 6th gen 4Runner (using Tacoma parts)

[TwoTone]

So how long does everyone think it'll take before someone uses Taco parts to convert a 4Runner to manual.

 

[Scott2373]

The manual transmission models have significant HP and Torque losses. I don't see any advantage to doing this.

 

[TwoTone]

The manual transmission models have significant HP and Torque losses. I don't see any advantage to doing this.

The advantage is obvious- it's a manual.

 

[Scott2373]

I would have agreed with you about 10 years ago, after driving exclusively manual vehicles for about 20 years. After driving an F150 in 2015, I realized how wonderful it was to be able to just relax and drive.

 

[TwoTone]

I want back in a manual, but not sure if I want a Bronco. Had one on order. I definitely don't want a Jeep. Had 2 already.

 

[Scott2373]

My last manual was a 2013 Wrangler, which I absolutely hated. Not the vehicle, but the way it shifted. I only kept it for a little over two years before trading it for a lease on the 2015 F150. In contrast, it replaced a 2003 Jeep Liberty Renegade which I kept for 10 years and had no desire to get rid of, except it was starting to nickle and dine me and was becoming more expensive every month than a new car payment. I traded it with the original clutch and 155,000+ miles. Out of all the vehicles that I've owned, that Liberty was my hands down favorite.

 

[zachavm]

I am kind of surprised they did not have a manual option for the 4Runner after they went to so much trouble to get a manual option in the Tacoma. However, the manual in the Tacoma was a product of the passion of the US design team. The 4Runner design team is in Japan and probably does not have that same passion.

If the manual sells well in the Tacoma, it is quite possible it will be brought to the 4Runner. Honestly though I consider it more likely that it sells poorly in the Tacoma and just gets dropped all together.

 

[olefriend]

I am kind of surprised they did not have a manual option for the 4Runner after they went to so much trouble to get a manual option in the Tacoma. However, the manual in the Tacoma was a product of the passion of the US design team. The 4Runner design team is in Japan and probably does not have that same passion.

If the manual sells well in the Tacoma, it is quite possible it will be brought to the 4Runner. Honestly though I consider it more likely that it sells poorly in the Tacoma and just gets dropped all together.

Based on this video with the Toyota/4Runner engineer, the two vehicles were designed and engineered at same time by same engineers
https://www.4runner6g.com/forum/thr...s-tacoma-and-trd-pro-versus-trailhunter.1394/

Also, the 4Runner was designed in US by CALTY, not in Japan -- per this video:
https://www.4runner6g.com/forum/thr...-w-looks-at-platinum-trim-white-trd-pro.1389/

So that's probably not the reason.

I think the reason is probably that the historic take-rate for manual transmission between Tacoma and 4Runner buyers didn't make it compelling enough to offer it on the 4Runner (but does for the Tacoma).

 

[jnsplace]

Just a guess, I suspect it'll be available somewhere in the world similar to diesel options (looking at LC).
Marking, demand, and regulations seem "dictate" the options per country.

 

[zachavm]

Based on this video with the Toyota/4Runner engineer, the two vehicles were designed and engineered at same time by same engineers
https://www.4runner6g.com/forum/thr...s-tacoma-and-trd-pro-versus-trailhunter.1394/

Also, the 4Runner was designed in US by CALTY, not in Japan -- per this video:
https://www.4runner6g.com/forum/thr...-w-looks-at-platinum-trim-white-trd-pro.1389/

So that's probably not the reason.

I think the reason is probably that the historic take-rate for manual transmission between Tacoma and 4Runner buyers didn't make it compelling enough to offer it on the 4Runner (but does for the Tacoma).

I've watched the first video already, but not the second. The impression I got from the first one and others was that there were two different design teams that worked together. However, I could absolutely be mistaken.

Knowing how engineering works, there are probably elements of truth to both. It probably just isn't black and white. Lots of different groups in lots of different places influencing the design.

All that said, your final statement makes the most sense. You are probably right that sales data is driving the decision.

 

[HOLYMOLY]

I am kind of surprised they did not have a manual option for the 4Runner after they went to so much trouble to get a manual option in the Tacoma. However, the manual in the Tacoma was a product of the passion of the US design team. The 4Runner design team is in Japan and probably does not have that same passion.

If the manual sells well in the Tacoma, it is quite possible it will be brought to the 4Runner. Honestly though I consider it more likely that it sells poorly in the Tacoma and just gets dropped all together.

I read that Tacoma's with manual transmission account for ten percent of sales which is not enough to keep Toyota happy.

 

[TSlop]

I read that Tacoma's with manual transmission account for ten percent of sales which is not enough to keep Toyota happy.

I'm curious how they came about that number, since I'm not at all familiar about how car sales and/or manufacturing works.

Is 10% what the dealers are requesting from Toyota to manufacture based on their estimated demand? And if 10% is what is being allocated for manual production, are they all being sold and not sitting on lots, or are there people struggling to find them?

That is how I'm assuming (guessing) it works. If Toyota decided to allocate 20% of production to manuals, then there would be too many sitting at manufacturing plants since not enough dealers ordered them?