Manual Tacoma 2nd to 3rd slight clunk.

Hello there, just looking for some help on my tacoma. I have a slight bump/clank (not quite a grinding) when I shift from 2nd to 3rd. Usually happens when rolling down hill, downshifting, or when my clutch isn’t completely on the floor. Happens sometimes in other gears but wasn’t sure if it’s normal. I had a 2wd 4bangar before and shifting was a different feeling. Lot more power in my V6.
Could it be Synchros or tranny oil or am I just imagining.

 

The manual trans is a bit clunky (in my opinion). Just have to get used to it and try to perfect your shifts.

 

This happens to me every time when I shift without the clutch. It'll clunk or sometimes grind going in to 3rd. Doesn't happen when I clutch in to 3rd, though so I'm not too worried about it.

 

Mine does it a little when the trans fluid gets a little worn. I use Lucas, or Royal Purple GL4. A lot of folks swear by the Red Line MT-90. I've never tried it but have had good luck with Lucas and RP. I'm not a big believer in the snake oil effects of Royal Purple or some of the other boutique brands but it definitely made a difference. After about 30,000 miles, it's ready for a change again.
I use a piece of 1/2" poly tubing to refill the trans. I run it in from the front driver's side fender well and have my wife tell me when the fluid starts running out the fill hole.
AND, I use Teflon tape on the drain plug and for God's sake, don't over torque the drain plug when replacing it. They strip out pretty easy from what I've heard.

 

I've sworn by RedLine since I started driving stick when I was a kid. Get it on Amazon if you can't find it in store.

 

It’s a clunky trans, it drove me crazy at first but now I’m used to it. I’ve tried numerous things to remedy the clunky shifting and they have helped.......a little.

Apparently I’ve been spoiled by my 6speed TSX all these years, and driving my Tacoma made that very apparent.

 

What did you do to help with the clunkiness?

I was spoiled too by years of driving Miatas when I was younger. Those boxes are buttery smooth.

 

Redline MT90 helped smooth mine out a bit.

 

Mine as well.. but it still feels clunky on occasion.. Used to drive me crazy but now I don’t worry about it, seems like it’s normal for these.

 

TRD short throw shifter helps with the clunkiness some. Still a clunky trans, but you get used to how to drive it

 

I went from a built 3.8 Genesis to this... I had to entirely relearn how to drive with this trans. It is clunky and there isn't much of a way around that save lighter throttle habits and more deliberate clutch engagement/disengagement.

 

I would never be able to pull that off in my Tacoma (no clutch)

 

1. Did the accumulator delete (have to bleed the clutch after this, so that was done as well)
2. Adjusted the clutch pedal free travel
3. Installed a new oem shifter seat (tried the Marlin Crawler delrin shifter seat, it was way too stiff getting into gear, stick with oem!)
4. Switched over to Redline MT90 gear oil
5. Installed a TRD short shifter.

 

I adjusted my clutch free play a couple of weeks ago and it actually made a significant difference. I can't explain why this would be but it's definitely better.
My clutch was disengaging very near the top of it's travel. If I remember correctly, you need a 14mm and a 12mm to loosen the jam nut and it only took a couple of turns in (make the rod shorter) to get disengagement more in the mid range of the travel of the pedal. I also sucked most of the fluid out of the reservoir and dumped in new. In another week or so, I'll do it again. My shifting really feels smoother now. I have just over 100,000 miles on my Taco now.