AUTO or MANUAL???? for 1UZFE Conversion into Hilux

[YSO81G]

Hey Lads,

I've been lookin at doin this 1UZFE conversion (Celsior front cut) into my 93 x-cab hilux 2.8L with SAS runnin 35's for months now, and i just cant decide which way i should go.

AUTO or MANUAL????

My options so far; Auto: 1. Celsior auto box that comes with front cut and bolt on the chain driven transfer from 4runner/surf
2. 2uz v8 auto from a 100series cruiser (same bolt pattern)
3. V6 4runner auto box
4. t700 v8 commodore & bolt on transfer

Manual: 1. V6 4runner R150F or R151F 5speed
2. Other Supra type boxes etc

Open to other suggestions.

At the end of the day....

Which is goin to be better overall for reliability, capability when it comes to offroad, towing etc and longer lasting.

Wanna get this underway. Its the only decision holding me back from havin a good dig.

Cheers from Matt!

[woodbutcher]

In my opinion you can not go past the auto for offrod once you drive a auto offroad you will not go back to a manual
1UZ +Auto+4.8 diffgears will handel your 35" tyres no problem

[YSO81G]

Cheers woodbutcher!
What Auto box ya reckon?
Just leave the hilux diffs in n change the ratio to 4.88?
Was thinkin of chuckin disc brakes in it.
From a cruiser probably depending on the box i use. Maybe even patrol....
What ya think?

[Struth]

The V8 will eat the hilux diffs within 12 months if you are not careful.

[Zuri92]

if you are sticking with your luxy diffs, and want them to last, go auto, for sure. if you use it for towing, expect the diffs to last even less time. manual will be harder on the diffs, especially if you are a bit harsh on the clutch. considering the 35's you probably are. i also agree the auto is the shit offroad, it is soo good never stressing about a clutch or stalling it, but i have a manual in mine, because i have spent soo much dosh on it and want to get maximum fun from it, and i will have more fun with my manual.

[-DE_LUX-]

Hey bud, i too am about to start my conversion on my 85 xtra cab lux.
I had the same dilemma as you with auto or manual.
I eventually decided by the fact the auto is another electrical part to fail as well as over heating the auto too. And you cant clutch start one either.

i'm going manual cos its basic and reliable. And a diff or clutch hear and there are not only cheaper but easier to aquire parts for than an imported auto. My concept is the most basic you keep it the reliable it should be.
Well thats my thoughts on it anyway. I'm using the v6 r150f box with manual locking hub transfer.

[YSO81G]

Cheers Lads!
I've decided to go Auto.
Based on the reasons i said before:
1. Reliability
2.Capability for towing & offroad.

The big question is, What Auto to use?

Any of the options i've mentioned above or any other suggestions?

I've bought a Celsior front cut.

Good fuel economy would be handy too.

[Zuri92]

the stock auto is a good unit, woodbutcher can vouch for this.

[ozrunner]

1) It will require mods to adapt a transfer.

2) Not feasible

3) NO. Uses a hydraulic transfer requiring an ECU.

4) If you must go auto this is what I would pic and have it beefed up etc and use basic model not electronic controlled etc.

The Toy auto's have very smal torque converters that will spend more time unlocked than locked meaning heat generation and towing, auto and mpg don't go togther.

T700's have a massive converter compared to these Toyota auto's and would be more suitable and all up probably cheaper and you could adapt a gear transfer. I assume there is an appropriate bellhousing available.

But personally if it was me I'd go for a 5 speed, simple, foolroof and it will always STAY in the gear you have selected even when towing

I had a Toy auto behind my 5 litre for 7 years and in 2000 swapped to a 5 speed and ever since have been cursing myself for using the auto in the first place. Chalk and cheese for me, manual all the way.