Manual transmission Fan Club and BS thread (All Generations Welcome)

Hey guys, I could use some brainstorming. Trying to find the reason behind this weird but not necessarily bad symptom I've noticed with my truck.

First things first. She's an 06 Sport AC, 1GRFE. 251K miles. 3" block lift, 33's. No regear yet.

I've noticed a weird difference between 2WD and 4WD. I've never had any type of problem transitioning between the two. When in 2WD, I feel like there is a bit of a gap or slack somewhere in the drivetrain which makes for a less comfortable transition from acceleration to deceleration, and vice versa. I have little to no play in my driveshaft, U joints were the first thing that came to mind. But, when driving in 4WD, everything feels super tight, like brand new. Transmission practically shifts for me, its that smooth.

What do you think? Where else should I look? Is this just a symptom of her age? Any other info I'm missing?

Thanks in advance guys.
-Steve

 

Are you noticing it in every gear, or just certain ones? If you're not noticing it in 4wd, I'm leaning towards either the center bearing or possibly some axle wrap.

 

Most gears, where I would stay in gear to decelerate as opposed to disengage the clutch and downshift. Namely, 2nd-5th, least noticeable in 5th and most noticeable in 2nd/3rd.

 

My money's still on some play in the center bearing or some axle wrap. I think that the reason you're not noticing it in 4wd is because of the torque split.
Tough to say without seeing it/driving it in person, but that's my best guess based on what you're describing.

 

Could the bearing still account for the rotational play as opposed to a vibration though?

 

Usually you'll get vibration too, but in my experience with automotive repair nothing is certain, lol. It sounds like it's more of an axle wrap issue, but excess flex in the center bearing is also a possibility. I've seen them with rubber that was degraded enough to flex but wasn't causing any noticeable vibrations before. Not on Tacoma's, but on other trucks.

 

Hey guys, new member here. I'm looking to shorten the travel of the clutch pedal by putting a thicker or larger clutch pedal stop. I did a quick google search and didnt find much.

Figured someone could point me in the right direction quicker.

 

Okay, thanks man! I'll have to take a closer look. Should I try to pry the shaft side to side and look for any give? Will it make a difference if it's on the ground or at full droop on a lift?

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/cheap-free-mods.4838/ It's number 64 in this list sent from the gods.

 

By the way, welcome to TW.

PS, run while you can.

You have just started down a very dark and expensive path.

 

Thank you very much sir!

 

Haha, I came from a MK6 GTI which is also a very dark and expensive path. I decided I was sick of spending money on cars, so now I guess I'm spending money on trucks...ooops. But for real, I dont plan on doing anything expensive to my truck, the most expensive thing I plan on doing is black alloy wheels next summer. I'll be doing a bunch of small upgrades that enhance the driving experience. I'm more about function than form, so putting a lift with 30"+ tires is out of the question for me.

 

No problem man, that's what we're all here for. Help and be helped.

 

I appreciate the intended responsibility, but "That's what we all said"

 

Haha fair enough. The truck is 7 years old so we shall see what happens. First thing I need to do though is take care of the frame and undercarriage rust. I'm waiting to see what happens with the class action lawsuit before I attempt frame restoration myself.

 

If it's going bad you'll be able to tell while it's on the ground.

 

You shouldn't need a pry bar or anything, either. Just muckle onto it and pull it around. Some flex is ok; lots of flex is not. Anything 1/4-1/3 inch or less is fine. Check it up and down, and also side to side.

 

Gotcha. Thanks again man!

 

No problem.

Honestly it sounds more like you're getting some axle wrap, but the center bearing is easy to check.

 

I love the 6 spd manny tranny, 2400 mi on mine & smoother every trip. When my son learnt to drive on our 87 toyota van with a 5 spd manual he was hating it...Iv'e seen the look on his face when he's the only one of his friends who can drive stick..they all look scared of the dam thing....I have a bad back but still wouldn't want an auto.