6 Speed Manual or Auto Transmission ?

I come to a complete stop. I let the clutch out and then quickly let out the brake and push it back in quite firmly. Then I push the clutch all the way to the floor and shift into (or out of) 4 low. It rarely gives me a problem, but when it does

 

Ya it can be weird sometimes.

My second gen trd off road engaged it much easier than my second gen 2.7 for some odd reason ( both were/are manual transmission ).

Sometimes it helps to just go back into 2wd, move a little bit, then stop, go into neutral with clutch engaged and do it again.
Make sure the clutch is fully engaged.


I used 4 LOW on my trd off road very frequently and never had an issue engaging it properly.
In my 2.7 recently was the first time I ever had to a derp moment with the 4L.

My nissan on the other hand... always gave me problems with 4L.

 

My Nissan had a manual t case... I wish the Taco did.

I use 4 low at least half a dozen times a week - sometimes I really only need 2 low, that's why I stalked a certain previously mentioned member and harassed him to find a PNP solution.

Sometimes life gives you lemons and you smoke your clutch

 

That's really a bummer, and I also find that strange.

Here's my story to relate.. For some very dumb reason this one woman said she could pull a boat out of a lake with my trd off road while I drive the boat on the trailer from the lake.. ( yes I know I'm an idiot ) ..
Anyway. She had no idea what she was doing, and rode the clutch so hard smoke was coming out...
The thing is, I had that same clutch for almost 300k and it never gave me an issue after the incident .

She made the truck smoke at about 20,000 miles, than I preceded to put over 250,000 miles on the same clutch after with no issue.

Maybe I'm just lucky ?
Maybe you should contact Toyota and see if there is some kind of mechanical defect/failure going on?

I'm sold on the reliability of the manual transmission tacomas.



Also, I'm sorry to hear about your negative experience. I'm sure toyota will make it right with you.

 

Guys with superchargers have to replace them if they drive the truck hard. The SC creates more torque than the stock clutch can handle.

 

Ya, I'm not surprised to hear that.

I was eyeing a supercharger a few years ago, but decided against it.

I personally like the tacoma for its reliability factor, and I didn't want to hinder that aspect.

I did catch air in it multiple times with no issues though

Haha
That was when I was younger and dumber though.

 

I did the same with a canoe on the Yakima rack

 

Hahaha, that sucks but it gives your truck character !



Sorry for hi jacking the thread.

To add something relevant to the OP, I'll just throw in that my dad has owned 3 manual transmission tacos as well, and he never had an issue with the clutches either.


I'm sure the Auto is fine, and if it is what you would rather have then just buy what makes you happy!

You will be driving the Truck and paying for it, not us!


I'll throw this in in case it has been over looked.

Manual will probably be peppier, better for turning, you can really get all the power out of every gear how you want.

Auto, it will be easier to hillclimb ( depending on driver and setup ), you can eat and drive easier. Some people prefer it for towing.


Personally, I prefer a manual, and can't think of any situation I would want an Auto.
I had an automatic off road vehicle, and everyday I drove it I wished it had manual transmission. Manual will be easier to get what you want out of it, and cheaper to repair.

If you don't feel confident with manual, then just do what ever you want with your own money bro.

Some guys here hate the gearing on the taco, but personally I think it's pretty good on the 2.7,and the v6. I live in a very hilly area with adverse weather. It's nice to down shift on hills without having to go above 3k rpm. I also like to put it in a higher gear in the snow, and use low rpm 14-19k, for added control it really helps a ton. Since I have a good feeling for how tacos drive, I have no reason not to use a manual for towing. And towing anything too heavy too fast is just dangerous with a taco to be honest. Fish tail death wobbles with a heavy tow scared me straight.
With the relatively low hp of a taco, the manual really helps you squeeze out any extra power you may desire, and it feels way better than just flooring an auto.

I can think if tons of reasons why manual is better for me, and maybe one or two reasons why auto could be nice.

But that's what works for me, and what works for me might not work for you.


Tacos are expensive, so my advice is just spend the money on whatever makes you the happiest.

If you have to convince yourself or rationalize an option, it probably isn't the option that would make you happiest.


Either way you'll have no problem burning out at stop lights.

 

My 2005 v6 went almost 300,000 miles with the stock clutch.

I know Im

 

^^ all great points. Driving a man trans in the winter is waaay nicer IMO!

 

I had granny in a F150. I never used it during normal everyday driving. It was great for pulling and hill climbing. You could put it in 1st and start without depressing the clutch pedal.

 

Oh yes indeed, I have had granny gears in numerous old trucks I have had down through the years... never used it for everyday driving at all but yup, when I needed the extra grunt it sure did come in handy!

 

Theft deterrent sticker

 

The 5 spd is more reliable than the 6 speed. As for the auto, the Aisin-Warner transmission is extremely reliable. Very few problems ever occur. I came from 7 vehicles with manuals and purchased a new Tacoma with the 6 speed and it drove me nuts. It was fun in the mountains, but the reliability just wasn't there. Multiple clutch pedals replaced under warranty, TOB issues. Sold that truck and bought a new Tacoma with the auto. Hands down a better setup, and I'm saying this as a person who has always preferred a manual. Its a rugged and tough transmission. Its also is quicker than the manual, which normally that is opposite.

 

That is basically the opposite of what a certified toyota mechanic told me just a few minutes ago.
He stated he sees more problems with the four cylinder clutches because they have less low end torque resulting in more synch issues, particularly on the earlier first gen models.

I'm sorry you had so many problems, your problems are definitely the exception and not the norm.

Most people dislike the 6 speed because of the gear ratio, not reliability.


I've owned both the 6 speed, and the five speed manuals. As well as driven many of the autos. I have 100% trust in the tacoma manual transmission from many miles of experience, and if you had to fix multiple clutches under warranty either you were doing something very wrong or you got a lemon.

 

On the contrary, from my own experience and from many many accounts on this forum, what moondeath said seems to be the norm. Although I spend most of my time in the performance section of the forum, most people there complain about issues from the 6 speed manual. After how great the 5 speed was in my 1st gen, the 6 speed was just garbage in my opinion.

 

Because of gear ratio or actual reliability issues?

I've seen multiple threads complaining about each transmission type in regards to gear ratios, but not reliability issues.

 

The 6 speed definitely has more issues. There are many threads on issues with people having to replace bearings in them.

 

I ended up going with the Gen 3 6spd manual with the RC62F. Also $2000 cheaper than the auto in the same exact truck... no brainer.

@Gun guy has said a lot of important and logical comments. He has had his fair share of experience.

I've owned nothing but manuals, since I've driven. I drive big trucks for a living too, and will always prefer an manual.

The only auto I ever bought was my wife's 2012 Mazda 3, and I don't enjoy driving it, nor any autos. It's for her though, so, whatever.

I did have some issues with my 2.7L 5MT, but the Redline MT-90 cleared many of the annoying things up, overall made the transmission smoother.

If you won't be happy driving an auto, get the manual. Yea, it will have it quirks, but it's better than being unhappy because of the slushbox.

#ManualTransmissionFTW