manual gearbox questions?

[Pradlux Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Pradlux]

g'day all.
my name is Andrew and I am currently in the process of doing the deal on a new(demo with 40ks) GX prado d4d manual.(I am very exited about this) I was just wondering if there are any issues with the manual box? I would also like to know what is the best gear to tow in?(I tow in 4th in the hilux). thanks in advance Andrew

[gspy4u Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close gspy4u]

No issues what so ever, i tow in whatever gear it feels right in. Tow a 2t+ tandem van in 6th all the time and drop down to 5th when needed.

[Pradlux Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Pradlux]

Thanks mate I just wanted to ask although it does not seem like many pp members have manuals.(150s)

[Pradlux Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Pradlux]

If anyone else has something to add please feel free to coment
Cheers pradlux.

[Ryzz Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Ryzz]

As mentioned the Manuals are great. nothing to complain about at all. As there is no torque converter to slip and generate heat under load when towing, you dont need to select gears like you do an Auto. Just tow in a gear that is comfortable and doesnt struggle (like you would driving without a trailer).

[rjg1973 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close rjg1973]

We had a 120 series GX 6 speed and now have a 150 GXL 6 speed. Never had any problems, it's a good box.

I hate autos. I even specify a manual when I hire a car. I've always believed you drive a manual but only steer an auto.

[azzss Member Find all posts View Profile Close azzss]

200,000ks here, done its fair share of towing no problems what so ever. I had a hilux, prado box is heaps better.

[Pradlux Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Pradlux]

Too right mate I can't stand having to olney use the brakes to slow down

[Anth120playdo Banned Find all posts View Profile Close Anth120playdo]

Try googling is the best way to find things on pp.

If you are only on road it might be ok. Low Klm's might be ok. Or thirdly If your lucky it might be ok (same as 1kd injectors)

Now there is issues with the 6 speed manual!!!!!!!
If roo was here he old have explained it again by now.
The only 1 that I know of is the alloy on the shaft the front wears as it is alloy.
The one that the thrust bearing constantly slides on.
Ok so you have a little grease , dust coming in the holes in the bell housing.
They do have large holes.
Some mud?
Some sand? Some water or salt water spray? Whatever you can get in their.
You get the picture, then mix it all up & you have 10 grit on ya shaft.
Bearing starts jamming eventually. People on pp have had this issue.
Gearbox comes out.

The old 5 speeds have a cast front cover which is easily removable & replaceable. But they don't suffer the same as they are cast. They get all the same crap going in the holes. This s why often with 4x4 Prado manuals the thrust bearings don't last & get noisy prematurely.

The alloy is part of the box on the 6 speeds, so split the box & spend thousands to replace it.
Or you can get it sleeved, roo knows places that do it.

Yes it puts me off buying one. But you know, other than that they are another great box.
I'd probably still buy it, you will get top fuel economy from it & the savings will likely more than pay for the extra cost of sleeving the shaft when you need to do the clutch. $200-300????

Now that's the kind of info I'd give good rep points for.

[Pradlux Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Pradlux]

g'day anth12oplaydo thank for that info mate. I had not heard that one. got under the prado this morning (thats right we bought it) and had a look for the holes you speak about, could not see the any around the front shaft or front of the gear box (wasn't a hundred % sure what I was looking 4). in any case as we live in the bush the prado will be our town car so will mostly be on the sealed road save 15kms gravel between the house and black top. also I am not to worried about it as I have talked to a few manual owners that have done serious kays (up to 80000 a year) in them without dramas. these include my brothers in law who are both stock and station agents and a cattle byer and a local stock an station agent. these blokes pretty much drive for a living and not just on the tar, they do a lot on unsealed roads and around paddocks.(one bil had trouble with the tail shaft and suspention but not gear box). when you say that I could get lucky like the injectors stuff all I can say is that I have a 2006 hilux space cab with 270000 kms on it and the motor has never been touched.(have done a wheel bearing and a diff seal because of driving though flood water) still has the same clutch too .

[Anth120playdo Banned Find all posts View Profile Close Anth120playdo]

No worries.
Yeah they're great cars I service them & have said before some with nearly 300 thousand Klm's still original clutches engines also.
So it does not happen to all of them.keep them well serviced.
The holes in the bell housing are hard to find.

You will be right, all the best!

[azzss Member Find all posts View Profile Close azzss]

I take the two inspection plates off the bellhousing every service and spray inox onto the shaft. Don't know if I should be doing this or not, but seems the make the clutch lighter and shaft is always clean. Only takes 5 mins too!.
Cheers

[Pradlux Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Pradlux]

Sounds like a good idea azzss be interesting to see what the macanics around the place think of it. Could be a real befor and after beach type of thing also.