6 speed with clunky reverse

Is it normal for reverse to be clunky or stiff when pushing it up into reverse? I've heard is because it isn't synchronized, but I'm not exactly sure what that means. Earlier, I thought I was in neutral and I tried to go to reverse only to find out that I was really in 1st and not neutral. I didn't force it, but it worried me that I damaged or bent something. I have noticied that sometimes it slides perfectly into reverse, and other times it's a little stiff. Any help is appreciated.

 

It is intentionally stiffer so you can tell by feel whether you're in reverse or 1st. Also when shifting from 1st to 2nd, it keeps you from accidentally going toward reverse. It seemed a little awkward to me at first, but right after I got my Tacoma, I got a new company truck with the same shift pattern and got used to it real quick. Now the "normal" 5-speed pattern seems weird when I drive my wife's car.

 

I have to bang my truck into reverse, it does not go otherwise.

You get used to it but unacceptable for a new vehicle. I do have the TRD Short shifter, but it a factory item shouldn't make reverse so hard to get into.

The 6 speed in these trucks is very outdated, shifts like my old 93 4runner.

 

Thanks guys, just takes some getting used to. It takes a little more force to get into reverse than the other gears.

 

When I first bought my truck it definitely needed some force, but I forgot how much until recently. Just got a new transmission under warranty. It definitely gets easier as then when new, though I see you have a 2009 so it should be well broken in by now.

As DJB1 says, it needs to be more difficult so you don't go into reverse when you mean to go into first.

At least we don't have to push down and over like a VW.

 

Could also be an interlock issue . Interlocks prevent the transmission from selecting two gears or two directions at the same time . Detents hold the transmission in the selected gear .
With this said , if there is a lot of wear on the interlock and detent mechanisms or shift forks for that matter , it will be harder for you as the operator of the transmission to select individual gears .

 

HA HA HA, I'm a manual transmission snob and even I hate those VW shifters. But when I was in high school my mom had a Ford Countour 5 speed and you had to pull up a plastic ring below the shift knob, THEN push down and over like a VW. Total PITFA!

 

My 6 speed Miata, is down over and over twice left of first gear. Not sure if I prefer the *hard* far left of my 6sp Taco or the smoother down/over.

 

Try pushing the clutch to the floor or move the seat up.

 

I came from a 2004 Tacoma Xtra Cab 4WD manual 5 speed and I keep wanting use the old shift pattern on my 2007 Tacoma 4WD Access Cab 6 speed. Pushing the clutch all the way helps for sure. The dealer added an extra floor mat and I didn't see the problem at first. I find I do have to be a little vigorous shifting into reverse at times. When I get it the reverse sound chimes. Yeah! Not a reject able factor for me.