Question about RPMs

Hey everyone, just got a 2011 4x4, v6, double cab, 6sp tacoma. I've never owned one before, but so far I love it. However, I noticed when I took it on the interstate, that in 6th gear at about 70-80mph the tach is at 3000rpms. That seems pretty high to me, is that normal?

 

Have the same engine and transmission and noticed the same thing with the high rpms. How's your mileage?

 

Thanks. I dont suppose there is anything that can be done to fix that? (sorry I know I'm showing my ignorance on the subject)

 

The 5 spd auto would be about 2500 rpm at the same speed, thanks to a taller top gear (0.72 vs 0.85 for the manual). EPA highway milage is worse for the 6-spd manual probably for this reason.

 

Not really sure of the actual mileage yet. I just filled up for the first time, got about 300 miles on a full tank.

 

bigger tires will help

 

x2, kind of like the gearing on a dirtbike. make the back sprocket bigger, the top speed raises with the ammunt of rpms

 

larger back sprocket actually reduces the top speed and gears it down but we get the idea

 

haha true

 

It will take a significant jump in tire size to make up for the 18% difference in gearing between the manual and auto, like going from 31" to 37" tires. Bigger tires are heavier, so they'll offset milage gains. Going to a taller axle ratio, equivalent to a smaller wheel sprocket on a bike, has fewer drawbacks (minimal weight gain, no speedo error), but acceleration will suffer. The proper solution for Toyota is to go with a taller 6th gear or add a 7th gear.

 

seems pretty stupid that 6th gear on the manual is lower than 5th on the auto. Sounds almost like it's a close ratio tranny in the 6 speed manual? Thing must accelerate like a beast.... But for practicality they should have put 5th slightly lower than the auto 5th and then made 6th higher. I mean when i consider getting a manual tran car, the first advantage i think of is better MPG...

 

could the OP fix things by changing out the rear axle gears? or would it mess up the gaps in the lower gears?