4.0 / 6-Speed Opinions

If you haven't driven the 6 speed, drive it. Only way to tell if you're gonna like it.

 

The newer 5 speeds have a great reverse, thankfully.
6 speed engine to rear axle ratio in reverse is 13.46:1
5 speed in six lug, 17.30:1. Wonderfully short

I put 25k miles on my six speed. In the end I could drive it very smoothly and did successfully learn how to anticipate the ECU programming. I rarely missed a gear, I finally solved the 4th gear grind with my third tranny fluid change, and honestly it had a great shift feel when I sold it. However I stand by my opinion.

 

The high reverse and low 1st are perfect if you like to reverse power slide out of your driveway, ram it into 1st while you're still rolling backwards, and fishtail down the street in a cloud of tire smoke while you smash all your neighbors' garbage cans.

 

Doesn't everyone do this?

 

I lol'd a little more than I should have at this.

 

You'll need the Dixie Air Horn setup to do this.

 

Yeeeeeeeeeeehaaaaaaaaaaaawwwww!!!!!!!

 

This. I drove Toyota manuals (first a Celica then a 4Runner) for 21 years. Was sure I'd get a stick in my Taco, but I hated the 6-speed. This is the first auto I've ever owned and I love it, especially off road and in snow. I had no idea what I was missing. Don't think I'll ever go back to a stick in a truck. Subaru's still a stick though.

 

So much of this like most things are personal preference. I have the TRD Quicksfter and it didn't take much getting use to. I thoroughly enjoy shifting and the purist experience but it's not for everyone.

IMHO this is the best manual trans in a truck including the wrangler.

 

I am still snickering at this. thanks for making me shart on my miller lite pjama pants...

 

Narrow gearbox, but it's not horrible. After putting a few thousand miles on mine the shifting is a bit smoother than when I picked it up new.

You can't shift as quick as some cars but it's definitely not clunky like most truck gearboxes I've driven; I really think it's a nice blend between truck and car feel but I also didn't have any expectations going in. I also think it shifts far better then the Frontier's gearbox.

Oh and the high reverse and low first don't really bother me. The first gear on my last car, a 2005 Audi A4 felt relatively lower then the Taco.

 

I've got an 08 access cab 2wd 6 speed and I definitly agree with everyone on the rev hang and clunking but with that said its a great setup. It takes some time getting use to everything, and rev matching is still a little difficult for me after 5k miles of driving it but for a truck tranny it's one of the best trannys I've driven

 

Get whichever transmission you prefer to drive. Both are solid in this truck. I have the six speed in mine, and have had no major issues with it. Does it have a bit of a learning curve compared other vehicles? Yes, it does, but I can save you some time right now. The trick is learning a new clutch release motion, from the floor, bring it out slowly about 1/3 of the way, and then quickly out the rest of the way as you give it throttle. After a couple weeks of this, it will become second nature, and you'll make smooth shifts once you learn the slightly different than other manuals transition it requires.

Are the gears very close in ratio? Yes, you shift from 1st to 2nd almost immediately, the rest are closer than usual as well. If you have the tow package, I think they are closer even more. It just means the optimal RPMs are at 2500 in each gear, rather than aiming for 2000 like in other manual vehicles.

Of all the "issues" that exist, the only one I have encountered is the clutch squeak in hot temperatures. You ask a question on an internet forum, and you'll get loads of opinions. You'll get better informed opinions here, no doubt about that, but I think overall you'll find that both transmissions are solid choices. Go with what you prefer, drive it the way it was meant to be driven, and keep up with maintenance, and you'll be fine either way.

 

If I was going to buy another Tacoma, I would not change a thing. 2008, 4.0 with 6 speed.

 

I found the 4.0 6 speed fun to drive. I've owned Toyota trucks with manuals since 1981, my first one with the (new) 5 speed that was introduced mid model year. The new ones far exceed those early ones, but were still fun to drive. As far as learning to drive (with) the ecu, just slightly back off the gas a 1/4 second or so before you depress the clutch to shift. That helps. If you like the direct connection feeling of a manual, then don't be afraid of this one. Hope this helps.

 

I thought I wanted an automatic, till I drove the manual. I couldn't imagine owning an automatic truck. I like being in control of the RPM's and not having to ride the brakes as much on down hill. I like manual for snow driving. Where is there a discussion on RPM's and when to switch gears?

 

This is true. Definitely shifts better around 2500-2700 rpm, as opposed to 2000 rpm (which is where I instinctively want to shift). It does take some getting used to, but I wouldn't trade it.

 

I went from a 4.0 automatic to a 4.0 manual and love the change. I'd do it all over again in a heart beat

 

What is "rev hang?"

 

When changing the gears the engine continues to hold a high rpm instead of dropping after letting off the gas pedal. When I had the 6 speed this happened for a little after I bought it. After having it for a while it seemed to stop doing it. The rpms would drop normally.