From what I understand toyota didnt make a manual trans 4 door tacoma. Has anyone put a 5 or 6 speed in a 4 door Taco? Is it easy or not happening? Im going to sell my T100 and want a four door taco but with a manual trans. Also do the auto trucks of the 2001-2004 come with 4.30 gears and the 5spd with 4.11 and does this change with the TRD package because I definatly want the rear locker?

Go with the '05...manual trans, more power, same mileage, better ride, quieter, good aftermarket support.

It takes considerable adaptation (including ECU and wiring) to convert a 2001 - 2004 Double Cab to a manual transmission. Yes, it has been done.

An alternative approach - which is arguably 'easier' - is to transplant a Double Cab cab and bed onto a manual XtraCab chassis. I know of 3 examples of this approach (2 4X4's and my Double Cab S-Runner).

Both approaches require substantial investment and effort. Unless you absolutely need the smaller pre-2005 Tacoma and the inevitable hassles of a highly-customized vehicle, IMHO you're probably better off getting a 2005+ manual Double Cab.