6 speed gears.

new to 6speed. any tips for getting a good shift between first and 2nd?

 

I just use first to get the truck rolling, then make the shift to second. The tacoma 6 speed takes some getting used to and even then shifting is sometimes rough.

 

the tacoma manual definitely takes some getting used to. its smoother if you go a little higher on the rpm, but mostly it just takes a little bit of time to learn the quirks.

 

it bucks like a bull if you drop the clutch, give it steady gas while entering gears

 

Well, this is likely to result in a bunch of suggestions that are completely contrary to each other ...

I just drive a little slower, short shift a little in 1 and 2 and use the low end torque more to accelerate. When I have a little momentum, I let the revs go a little higher and then build more speed. I find if you use higher revs on the 1/2 and 2/3 shift it's little harder to be smooth but that might just be me.

I find what works well is to slightly pre-load the clutch and shifter for an instant (an instant ...) right before shifting so there is no slack in either system. What ends up happening is that the shift happens quickly at the minimum amount of clutch pressure required to make the shift and then the clutch re-engagement is really smooth as there is no "impact" when the clutch grabs again since you barely released it in the first place. Whenever I let someone else drive my truck, they inevitably press the clutch too far in or let it out too fast, making a shock load that bounces all the way through the drive train and a resulting clunky shift.

 

^ I agree with the second half of that but my truck usually makes funny noises at me if I try to accelerate from too low an rpm in 1 and 2.

 

Depress clutch then move stick.
Just kidding. No problems with my 5 speed

 

Getting the URD short shifter made mine feel much better. SMoother shifts as well.

 

I just got that installed 2 hours ago. man. what a difference.

 

after a couple of weeks you'll forget you even have one

 

theyre on sale right about now too.