question for experts in stick shift

They're all doing the same thing. Heel-toeing, double-clutching and rev matching are similar techniques. Double-clutching is using rev matching when he hits the gas between the shifts. Heel-toeing is an advanced double-clutching technique for braking using the brakes and engine braking and is used primarily for racing (I wouldn't worry about that one). "Clutch in, change gear, clutch out" is probably how most people shift and is more jerky. The rev matching and/or double clutching are the better methods because it'll preserve your clutch.

 

FFS!!!

 

This is the way I drive. I use brakes, clutch in, and neutral most of the time. I only down shift when the gear I'm in is not strong enough to pull the vehicle. I rarely look at the tach. After time you will get the hang of it. I learned manual on my buddies 65 mustang a long time ago. It's all by feel now, it just comes natural.
It sounds like you are down shifting every time you need to slow down. There is no need to do that. There is no need to down shift every time you come up to a red light or have to slow down a bit. All you are doing to adding more wear and tear on your engine, clutch and trans. You are also using more gas than you have to. Changing gears and being able to coast is part of the reason manuals get better mpg than an auto.
After some time driving you will begin to feel what is smooth.

 

Dude, I think you are putting way too much thought into this.

When I hit somewhere between 2,500 and 3,000 RPMs, I'll upshift. When I get down to around 1,000 RPMs I'll downshift.

After awhile you'll get a feel of how the truck feels and sounds and you don't have to think about it. It just comes natural.

 

Hey man i've driving stick shifts since i was about 12. I learned on a 58 dodge with a 3 on the tree and almost every vehicle i have owned was a stick shift. The way i learned about downshifting was pay attention to the rpm range of each gear either by sound or the tach, once you know what gear is what by the tach or sound you will know what gear you can downshift from. Like if your 2nd gear runs up to 30mph , 3K rpms you know that you can't downshift to that gear until you are going slower than 30mph to keep from over reving the engine. This could be your rule of thumb for the rest of the gears also. Personally i don't downshift unless i have to make a quick stop or if traffic requires a different speed/gear. Maybe this made sense

 

So, to clarify one thing.... do not double clutch. It is not necessary with modern clutches (except for racing clutches, ect... which the taco does not have).

It'll be rough for awhile... but you'll figure it out. The other thing to learn is.... some styles suit people in better ways. Personally I stick with the kiss method for most (Keep It Simple Stupid). You can safely blip the throttle with the clutch depressed in transition to the other gear.

Also as said by others... it's not necessary to downshift while slowing down. Honestly, I hardly ever did, and if I did I was either a) anticipating the light to change before stopping, or b) loving that rev'd VQ35 sound One of the perks to a stick is being able to coast to stop. HOWEVER... it is technically illegal in most states (AZ being one). Though, honestly.... everyone does it. Just realize if you push the big go peddle you ain't moving in neutral ;D Timing is the biggest part of it all on downshifting. It's just something that'll come with more time and experiance. Once you master it though... you can't go back (I know I got an auto, but I got a 5spd stick sitting out side that just needs to be fixed up)

 

Even with a modern transmission, it's better to double clutch when downshifting.

 

i'm learning stick as well. is it okay to downshift frmo 5th gear to 3rd gear? for example on the freeway, you see people slowing down ahead. if i am in 5th gear @ 60mph then i end up at 30mph. can i automatically go into 3rd gear? thank you

 

not automatically....if you slam on your breaks hard enough you might as well hit neutral ( thats if your coming to a stop)

If your slowing down to 30 and continue at 30 then you might as well shift outta 5th, coast and then put it into the appropriate gear for that speed.

 

If you mean do you have to shift to 4th before shifting to 3rd, no. You can just go from 5th to 3rd as long as the gear is appropriate for your current speed.

 

As a beginner I think it is best to use the clutch/neutral/brake method. You will eventually become more comfortable over time and the double clutching will then come naturely. Atleast thats how I learned.

 

I’ve been driving sticks since I was about 14 and I have been driving tractor trailers for the past five years. In small vehicles I use the brakes and down shift when the time is right. Also I have only Double clutched in Unsynchronized transmissions (T/T). Newer tranys in light vehicles are synchronized and double clutching in unnecessary. ("IF YOU CANT FIND THEM......GRIND THEM!!)

 

I have a thought (surprising, isn't it?): Does this not sound to everyone else like the "surge" issue or "unintended acceleration" that one or two folks insist is a mechanical problem? You know, like the thread from last night, also posted here: http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/showthread.php?t=286655

 

The surge issue is with the automatic transmissions at a full stop. If you're holding the brake fairly lightly, the transmission will eventually downshift back to first (why it waits so long I can't figure out). When it does that, it gets that extra torque from the lower gearing and it's enough force to 'lunge' the truck forward overpowering the current braking force. My truck does it... but honestly it's NOT that bad. People that complain about being worried they'll hit the car in front of them need to break the habit of stopping 2" from the person in front of them.

Also as stated... double clutching is not necessary. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_clutch

 

The A/T "lurch" is not what I'm referring to. Read the link I posted.

 

Ok well, if that's an "issue" then... yea. Honestly, I can't believe a word that guy posted. The only possible scenario there is is the acceleration cable came loose, or disconnected somehow. It's not an electronic controlled throttle. So... I smell BS.

 

I think the key is to just keep practicing. I've been driving standard for 11 years, and it still took around three weeks for it to truly become second nature when I got my new Taco back in December. Every vehicle you drive is going to behave differently... different shift points, clutch will to engage in different spots, and so on. The fact that you're learning to drive a standard is going to add a bit more of a learning curve. You're going to be driving one day, when it suddenly hits you that you're not thinking about it any more. Good Luck.

 

I always laugh at movies where the 'hero' randomly jumps in x car and shifts like it was natural... lol.

 

Stick with it Predental, you're not the only one. I decided to jump into the M/T pool as well when I got my Taco. I've got just over 1000 miles of experience now, and it still gets frustrating at times. Practice, practice, practice.