3rd Gen MT vs 2nd Gen MT question

Been eyeballing what would be a long-distance purchase of 2015 6 speed TRDOR. I had a 2015 auto that I liked so I'm familiar with the 4.0 V6, but I've never driven a 2nd Gen with a manual transmission. I have test driven the several 3rd gen MTs though, and the shifting felt buttery and smooth - totally loved it.

Has anybody out there owned both? Can you describe how they compare in terms of shifting and clutch feel? Is the 2nd as enjoyable as the 3rd?

The closest 2nd Gen 6 speed for sale near me is an hour and a half away. Trying to make time to test drive it, but I gotta busy week ahead.

Appreciate any insight!

 

The 3rd Gen is buttery smooth compared to the 2nd Gen. There is nothing wrong the the previous generation but it takes a little more effort to shift and the clutch feels about the same.

 

If you really want to slam and grind it into gears, get a 1st gen. They do last forever.

 

I've driven both, the 3rd gen is smoother for sure, but I don't take issue with the 2nd gen. They're both fine.

 

That's what I got now! Love my 1st Gen, but every few months or so I can't help but look...

 

I had my 1st gen for 12 years, that 5 speed is tight and don’t miss a gear or it lets you know.

 

I had a 1st then 2nd gen and now own a 3rd gen, all manuals. Have loved all 3. Between the 2nd and 3rd i like the 3rd gen transmission better but miss the 4.0 motor. The 2nd gen could start from a start in 2nd and not miss a beat. The transimiss was clunkier though. That said i think when the 3.5 gets going it actually feels quicker in the higher rpm range which makes sense as it has more hp. For the complete truck I'd say i prefer the 3rd gen, but definatly appreciate and have nothing bad about the 2nd.

 

I have a second gen. Getting a short throw shifter makes driving it completely different and entirely enjoyable. TRD and URD make one. It is also a very easy install.

 

I've owned both. The 3rd gen does shift a bit better than my 6 speed 2nd gen did. Although I had minimal complaints about the 2nd gen manual other than the fact it rowed (when shifting) like a truck.

I've also owned a 2nd gen 2.7 4 cylinder MT (regular cab 4x2 5-speed).....I oddly miss that the most!!!!

I say throw on a weighted shift knob or a short throw that's reputable on the 2nd gen and you'll be in manual bliss!!

 

08 xrunner, 13 trd or, 19 trd sport here. all of em were bought new and all manual trans with short shifters equipped. tbh you cant go wrong with either choice if your choices were taken cared of (preowned).

 

The second Gen clutch pedal its self, is a janky POS. Think it had a qtr inch of slack from right to left, and really you only want it to move up and down.

Not a huge problem, but it was annoying every shift would bug me.

 

Meh.....it’s not that bad, but maybe yours obviously was. I once had a Jeep cj that was like that.....but it was an 81

 

I wouldnt say it's garbage. But the 3rd gen is noticeably better.

Owned both

 

Yeah I admit I haven’t driven a 3rd gen, and I am curious how the manual is. The short throw shifter I feel is a must in the 2nd gens. All I can say is I love driving mine.....

 

If you get the chance, you should. Rows smoother. Easy engagement. The reverse gear is way too tall. So that's one sucky thing. But I've enjoyed seemless shifts with it since practically day one once I got familiar with the 3.5 rpm range

 

Sounds like my 1st Gen brake pedal. Is the 2nd pedal plastic like the 3rd?

 

Yes, it's the same pedal.

 

Hop in and drive one if you get the chance, shifter action is much smoother on the 3rd but powerband is quite different though.

 

Yeah that’s what I’m reading everywhere I look.

 

I test drove a 2015 OR DCSB 6spd MT with about ~30k and then my 2017 Sport DCSB MT. I did really enjoy driving the 2nd gen, great truck and did inquired about the price etc.... But for shits & giggles I drove a 2017 Sport DCSB MT, well it came home with me few days later.