@mudwasp- if you're already going to be replacing the transmission, and planning a manual transfer case, there's no reason at all to get the 4x4 Tundra. Swapping in the front axle stuff is easy peasy compared to what you're planning with the trans and case. Front axle stuff is basically all bolt...
Well, technically speaking, the Extra Cab and Regular Cab 1G Tundras were available with the R150F--just only behind the V6. It would make sense that the trans tunnel and firewall areas would be quite accepting of a manual trans setup.
And this is an awesome swap/build @northboundtundra ...
First Gen Tundra Double Cab is also available with front bench seat and rear bench seat and can seat 6 (not available in the Limited/Leather package though). The Double cabs with front bench seat are much harder to find, but they are out there.
First gen Nissan Titan Double Cab can also be...
What are the dimensions for bed size it fits? I have 2003 Tacoma DCSB, but I know beds on the newer DCSB are a bit different size. Do you know if it fits the 1st Gen DCSB as well?
Actually, you do not *have* to swap that diff tube... you can keep the ADD one in there... Lotsa folks have done it both ways. If you swap the diff tube to the manual one, the advantage is that you are not counting on the ADD actuator on the side tube any longer and the passenger side shaft is...
Here's the @CruiserOutfit build I was talking about. Maybe that rack he ran is low enough...?
http://forum.expeditionportal.com/showthread.php?t=120986
I wonder if the rack that @CruiserOutfit ran on his old Tacoma would work for this... it was a nice, flat setup that seemed very usable. I'll try to find his thread on here...