Manual transmission impressions at 220 miles

OP, don't worry about shifting into 1st while moving. On older vehicles this was an issue because it would grind (presumably because of the lack of a sychro on 1st), but the Tacoma shifts just fine into 1st. I do this all the time when slowing for sharp turns where 2nd is too high.

Shifting into 1st on the fly is one of the things I really like about this transmission. I couldn't do this on any of my older automobiles.

 

Yea the transmission and clutch combo in this truck is an odd one, that's for sure! I'm sure it'll take some time to get used to it. I've driven mine for about 3,000 miles so far and It's getting better.

Wait till you accidentally put it in reverse at a stop trying to quickly get it in 1st...

 

It did for me. Helped with other shortcomings with the 3.5 too.

 

It’s not the ponies. It’s the lack of torque.

 

Measly 278hp? Man some of you guys are spoiled.

 

I use that on my pro too and followed all the miata fan boys. It for sure helped but occasionally it's still notchy/cruchy from 2nd to 3rd.

 

Hahaha. My point being 4200 lbs is still considerable weight. My 2016 Tacoma with IIRC 149HP had less than my wife's Subaru. And yes, it was a dog. Traded it on the V-6 version and much more pleasurable to drive...

 

That right there, mine is getting smoother the more I drive it. And it's a lot of fun to drive!

I had one of those jerks in a gm truck doing that slow way down in the corners and then immediately speed up so nobody can pass as soon as the road straightens out.
I hung back, creeped up and then dropped into third and floored it 3/4 of the way through a corner. I was past that turtle and flying before his automatic could decide what gear it wanted to drop down to once he stomped on it! I hears you roaring, but you can't catch up!

That shit's fun, and you just can't climb your powerband like that in an automatic.

 

bahaha the absolute worst, nothing makes me almost shit my pants faster

 

1st-2nd was clunky for me as well. After 30k it’s gotten better. As for low torque in 2nd at low rpm’s, that’s common. Only fix I know of is to aftermarket tune. It’s the only consistent complaint from me about the MT.

 

I drove mine for a year and a half without a tune. With the MT I could work around the low rpm torque problem when I needed to. When I got my camper that low torque was really needed. I got the OTT tune and it made a big difference for me. It took pulling a camper to get me into a tune that fixed what my truck has been lacking all along.

 

SFOB tune puts the “lack of low end” argument to rest.

 

33yrsoftoys,
I hear ya! I’ve researched the OTT tune. Has it been a game changer for you?

 

Hahah, I did that once, was trying to hurry to get in first and went in reverse. Probably terrified the guy behind me.

I have ~700 miles on mine, and still trying to get the hang of it. I do think 1st and 2nd ratios are a bit odd, 1st seems excessively short, and 2nd on the tall side. It's definitely a learning curve coming from my Z28 6-speed, I generally have to be one gear lower in the truck compared to the car. But that said, it's still miles better than letting an auto shift for you. I have my accumulator disk in hand, but have to wait to install it since the truck is getting warranty work for an oil leak.

 

My 2007 4.0 ford ranger had no balls at low rpms in 2nd either. It’s just a thing with V6 manual pick ups.

i6 is a lot different though.

 

Yep, not the first time haha.

 

Last two manual vehicles were FWD so cable operated shifters. Much different feel. The lockout for reverse in the VW was great. I've accidentally put it in reverse a couple times in the Tacoma already. Luckily the truck yelled at me and the camera came on.

 

Maybe so Junkhead.
I had a 3.4L T100 manual and its 2nd gear was better. Not great but better than 3rd Gen.

You’re definitely right about I6 though. My 85 CJ7 2nd gear no issues there!

 

I do like how low 1st is, 2nd though should’ve been a hair lower.