Frustrated with my 6 speed

It took awhile to get used to mine. These manual trannies shift different than anything I've ever driven, you just need to get into the rhythm. If you're accelerating fast then your problem is likely compounded by axle wrap. I try to shift just over 2k rpm and often skip gears if shifting at higher rpm.

 

The URD short shifter makes a big difference. The best upgrade IMO is the Hurst/Core shifter. Noisy but IDGAF.

 

I've got an 04 V6, it's clunky from 1st to 2nd sometimes.. Other than that pretty smooth. Ive been trying to get to where I can shift without the clutch but I just can't get it right.

 

55k miles on my 6sp, no problems. Agree with the TRD ball, doesn't feel like I'm shaking hands with a dog.

 

You will get used to it, the biggest issue to over come is the slow throttle return, pretty much second nature to me in 53 years of driving I never owned an automatic. Is it the best manual? no is it the worst no. I have no problems with mine in 55,000 miles and can shift it as smooth as any automatic. You want a treat if you think the Tacoma 6 speed is hard try a Mack Triplex.

 

If you like your transmission quit trying.

 

OP, I wonder if you just have a worn out shifter bushing and that's what is making it feel sloppy and hard to find the right gear. It could also be causing the thud noise when you release the clutch, because it is going most of the way into gear but not completely. Then when you release the clutch, engaging the drivetrain is what forces the linkage the rest of the way into gear instead of the shifter.

 

Heh, my feelings exactly.

To what OP said, I also agree, and sometimes feel like I'm grinding gears (maybe when shifting into third?), even though the clutch is all the way in. I don't hear any grinding noises, but I can feel the cogs spinning around through the shifter. I'm fairly new to this truck and am worried it'll have some gear issues down the line.



When I hop into car transmissions it feels pretty great to just tap on the clutch, flick the shifter and move through gears with very little effort. By contrast the truck has a lot of space between gears to row through, and the clutch needs to go in pretty far. But, hey, that's just how it is and I don't mind. I ripped the "Sport" badges off a long time ago anyways...

 

Hmm... After 10 minutes of reading around, I think I'll be buying a short-shifter kit...

 

I've been driving manual transmission vehicles almost exclusively since 1989 when I started driving. I love Toyota trucks, now on my 15th one. All but 3 have been manual transmissions. I loved my 05 access cab with the 4 cyl 5spd. Spent some time driving my brother in law's 05 access cab V6 with the 6 speed and my last 2 second gens have been autos. I really prefer manual transmissions in general and I hate the auto-downshifting the auto does (except when I'm towing when it's actually useful) but I just hate the current 6 speed. Ratios seem out of whack, reverse is way too tall, 6th is too short, and it just shifts like ass. Not to mention the hit in gas mileage. I hope they use a different transmission in the 2016's because by the time I'm ready for another truck that will likely be what I'll buy and I would like a manual again.

 

Lmao.

 

That's a sad statement because the "much better" 4 cyl 5 spd feels pretty lunky to me. Sure not as good as the 1st gen, or any other manual I've ever driven, ever.

 

The only complaint I had about the 2nd gen 5 speed was it was tough to get into 1st while rolling. Switching to Redline MTL helped that a lot though. My 89 shifts almost as nice as my BMW. Even my 79 FJ40 shifted incredibly smooth.

 

I have had my shifts into 3rd get hung up on the gate, but it never really slowed me down too much. I find that shifting my truck has been very smooth, with emphasis on downshifting. This truck does a really decent job with that. I sure do not miss my auto one bit. BTW, 26000 miles on this truck.

 

I've done the Redline gear oil change and have the URD short shifter and it's still clunky- just the nature of the beast. (Now at 34,000km/20,000ish miles)
I suspect that with a URD lightweight clutch, some improvement might be noticed but I haven't seen anything to say so from those that have done it, so who knows?
The OP stated he only had 5000 miles on his truck... that tranny would still be breaking in, unless that's a typo

 

Short throw shifter helps allot. I have URD kit. Be prepared for a bit more difficulty getting into the reverse gate. That said it is still worth it IMO. Then remember you are driving a truck. Make your shifts slow and easy.....Love it in.

Tom

 

Too bad they've gotten like this. My '83,'87 & '88 were all manuals and shifted great.

 

I like the Core/Hurst shift kit also. After I installed the kit I could hear alot of gear noise when the stock fluid was in the tranny. That made me switch to MT-90 and the gear noise was gone, and it shifts pretty smooth now after like 6000 miles. Sorry for the sideways pic.

 

I know I'm new to this forum but im not new to standard transmissions. Telling someone not to use the clutch to shift is very very irresponsible. These transmissions have synchronisers and not dog style engagement necessitating the need to use the clutch on all shifts, just because you did it without incident doesn't mean you didn't chip the teeth on your synchros.

 

Grind em till you find em.