What have you done to improve your 6-speed manual?

URD short-shifter, longer shift lever, TSB, new-better clutch, re-gearing, different fluid, upgraded syncros, transmission swap, duck tape, whatever... Tell us what you have done to improve your V6 6-Speed manual tranny. And has it helped?

Even with all the complaints on the manual, I'm pretty sure I'm ordering one anyway.

I drove a 6-speed manual 2012 Frontier last night and loved the transmission, but can't get over the fact that I still like the Tacoma better.

I'm sure we can all benefit from having all the available improvements listed in one place.

 

I happen to own a 5 speed, but on the 6 speed I would definately say a better clutch and throw out bearing, and have heard that certain tranny oils help them out a lot too. I have to thank you for sticking with manual man, they are dying out and someday this will happen to them if we dont start buying them more!

I love my stick shift, couldn't have it any other way!

 

I'm always going to drive manuals. They will always be my first choice.

I find it disgusting you can't buy an F-150 manual, or a Tundra. Those larger trucks seem to be targeted to older people (more $) who are too lazy to drive a real transmission.

I also find it disgusting that manuals are usually an afterthought in anything but a cheap car or an expensive sports car.

So, there you go. Even with the apparent woes of the Taco 6-Speed, I'd still rather have that over an auto.

So, if I have to change a few parts out to improve it, so be it. That is... unless I go nuts and go for the Frontier 6-Speed O.O which needs no work. Oh, oh.

 

I tried the URD short shifter and Redline MT-90. Still wasn't impressed and traded up to an auto (for various other reasons as well).

 

Hmmm... I see the T-56 has been used with Vipers, Corvettes, Mustang Cobras, Aston Martin DB7, Dodge RAM SRT10, Chevy SSR,... and the list goes on. O.O Nice!

 

I just ordered a 6spd last week. I am interested in this thread too. I am thinking about a short throw shifter but I'm not sold on the idea yet. Money is a tight after the purchase!

There has been some discussion that the 2012's 6 spd feels better than the 2011 and below. Maybe they did some tweaking? Can anyone comment?

 

I will never buy an auto. Manuals are the only way to go

 

This makes me want to go test drive one.

 

I've got a stronger drive train and better fuel economy.

 

My clutch was replaced for free by Toyota BEFORE the TSB came out. So far, so good. But still nervous.

I also have learned to shift like a grandmother so I don't accelerate wear on the lousy syncros.

Next "mod" will be to trade the truck in and get an automatic. There is no replacement for a well engineered design, and the 6 speed has not impressed me. The five speed in my work Tacoma feels much better. Too bad that's not an option on a second gen.

 

I'm going to look into this. When I posted this exact topic a couple weeks ago( ), all I got was to put a SS in, TRD instead of URD, and the discontinued one (forgot name) if you can find it.

Can anyone confirm that the clutch and throw-out bearing are the issues?

 

It's not an option, you get 'assigned' a tranny based on your motor choice. The 4 bangers still get the 5spd. Only the 6cyl gets the 6spd manual.

 

The 2nd gen 5-speed in my husband's I4 is amazing. I envy him and his smooth shifts and higher RPMs.

 

I don't get why they can make a good 5spd tranny, then screw it up on the 6spd? Bleh.

 

I'm guessing it was engineered for heavy towing, and then forgot about quality?

 

I'm fine with the 6speed... I put in th URD short shifter and plan on upgrading the clutch/throw out bearing later on this winter.

Is it perfect? No. Absolutely not. The hardest part to get used to was actually the electronic throttle control - it has some odd timing and will not rev down like it should. But other than that I am ok with it.

 

All Ive done to my 6 spd is use royal purple in all running gear except motor and drive it. I have 84,000 and tow quite a bit with mine and no problems with clutch or throw out bearing, yet. Now if they go out tomorrrow I would chalk it up to a decent life and put in new parts. I feel the 6 speed in my truck is awesome and wouldnt have it any other way. I dont care for the auto and my wife has a 2007 crew cab tacoma in 2 wd and its an auto. I dont care to drive it at all.

 

What have I done to improve my tranny? I've stopped listening to people whine about them, I've put in Red Line

$30 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube - 1 Quart (Pack of 2)

75W-90, and I simply drive it! Works great!

 

Same Here.

 

Love my 6 speed manual. Wouldn't have it any other way.

Of course the URD SS helped a lot. No throw out bearing issues yet either. (30k miles)