Manual Tacoma clutch, rev matching, shifting etc.

Hi all,
Now I have the 6MT properly broken-in (1000 miles, mixed highway and city driving, no more than 4000 RPMs, no idling more than 10 minutes, no intense braking)

My baseline for comparison is an ND2 Miata 6MT, and I know it's not in the same category so please bear with me.

I can confirm that, according to TW, clutch engagement is WAY too high, mine is pretty much towards the end of the travel, above 80% from the floor. I know that TW threads all say that's fine, but how does one tell whether it's normal or the clutch is worn out? For comparison, the Miata's engagement is at around 35% above the floor. If Tacoma's engagement is that high, then that seems kinda scary if later down the road after the clutch is worn out, it probably won't even engage even if the clutch is let off fully.

additionally, due to such high engagement point, I sort of developed a strategy for clutch footwork: 1. quickly let go of the clutch at around 60%, and 2. slowly release the rest of the travel, approximately 1-2 seconds. I've tried to rev match to the exact RPM and dump the clutch, and very rarely that pans out smoothly because the throttle response is just very not linear. Does anyone know another/better way to "tame" this clutch?

Shifting gear lever is surprisingly smooth, I have to say, despite the long throw, the shifter sucks into gear quite well, and better than the Miata. ND2 Miata 1-2, 3-4 shifts are horrible, you gotta force them into the gear and feel the resistance from the synchros and hear the metal clanking noise.
I can manage to shift quite swiftly with Tacoma's 6MT, but the rev hang is way too long, there's no point in shifting fast because you still need to wait for the rev to drop.

In all, I do not regret getting the manual. I'm on asphalt 80% and forest service roads round 20%. However, if I were to really do serious off-roading, I'd probably want auto with electronic nannies (ATRAC, craw, MTC). The only reason I got a Tacoma was because I wanted a manual, but if not a manual, I'll probably lean more towards 4runner.

 

There are few things to look into. tune to address rev hang, add weight to shifter knob, shorter shifter throw, and remove accumulator.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/mt-accumulator-delete-mod-adm-and-bs-thread.568303/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...anual-transmission-engine-ecu-reflash.515734/
https://www.urdusa.com/urd-short-throw-shifter-2016-tacoma-3-5l-v6/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-2-1-4-diameter-utilizes-factory-boot.534205/

@tonered Get over here.

 

Clutch will start slipping when it's worn out. As for taming the clutch, it just takes practice. You already figured out the key which is to not rush it. Revs are extremely slow relative to sports cars, is what it is. Experiment, within reason, until you figure out what works best. Maybe look into the clutch accumulator delete mod. I haven't done it personally but many say it makes the clutch feel more traditional.

 

Sub'd

 

my clutch doesnt bite at the top. its quite low if im being honest. get a core short shift kit with the hurst components, a weighted shift knob (aim for 400g), and either sprintbooster, or ovtune. that will change the way your truck drives at a dynamic level. my street build sport is very enjoyable to drive now.

 

Modern clutches auto adjust the engagement point as the clutch wears over time to keep the same position. I would be surprised if Toyota was not doing this.

Beyond that, not sure what the issue is with rev matching. It’s completely different than my M3 but I have no issue rev matching in this truck. Can’t say I’ve ever really given it thought beyond this post.

 

Definite on the ADM. That will transform the shifting.

The engage point and rev hang just are what they are. There is no solution to modding either of those yet.

I absolutely enjoy my MT in the dirt. Nothing more relaxing than rowing in the woods.

 

I highly recommend a heavy shift knob, mine is about a pound of solid steel, deleting the clutch accumulator, and I really like my Core short shifter, bear in mind it will give you more transmission noise in the cabin, and it's never going to be a miata transmission.

 

I have been driving for 58 years there is not a single thing that is exactly like another from a 13 speed road ranger to a 3 speed column shift. My little old MGB shifts totally different quicker,smoother than my truck part of that is a one ton difference in weight. I have no issues with my truck but I have no intentions of racing it either. I really don't understand the accumulator delete either feels fine to me if it ain't broke don't fix it, it is not a race car.

 

You can control the engagement point by adjusting the displacement of the master cylinder. If you decrease the displacement the engagement will be closer the the fire wall and the opposite will occur if you increase the displacement. I personally prefer the engagement closer to the firewall so I adjust the switch/pedal stop to lower the pedal then readjust the rod on the master cylinder.

 

Yes. That certainly will change things and is common on motorcycles. Are there differ master cylinders for Toyotas?

 

Just got the OV 2.0 tune, huge difference in throttle response. Almost like the Atkinson cycle is deleted. Easy to hit 6K in 3rd if you don't watch the tach. It took me awhile to develop muscle memory for shifting, the gate is so tight to fit the 6 speed. Clutch engagement is a little weird, it helps if I move the seat forward.

 

My 2015 Tacoma had the worst catch point of any vehicle I have ever owned, no shit it was at about 98% off the floor, fooled around trying to adjust it but could only change the pedal freeplay a little. My 2017 probably catches at about 80% out, still a little high for my tastes but so much better than the 2015.

 

My ranger's bite point was quite high as well. I would say at about 80% of the pedal travel. I got used to that over 7 years and my taco feels pretty much the same. I got no complaints though, the shifts are buttery smooth 90% of the time

Maybe ita a truck thing. My mazda b2200 was similar and my buddies 4.9 1990 F150 4spd was the same.

 

My 2000 and 2008 Tacoma's were dead in the middle which was about perfect, but I am used to this truck so it's no big deal.

 

The two 2nd Gens that I test drove had very normal feels. Short-ish stroke with a middle engage point.