6-Speed Manual Trans

I have a 2007 with the 6-speed manual tans. I love the truck. The 6-speed is so fun to drive.

It has some transmission noise. If I understand correctly, this is typical for these.

One thing I don't like is how close the gears are to each other. I would like 1st to be lower and 6th to be much higher (only use for highway cruising).

So, here's the pipe-dream. I would love to pick up a used transmission just like mine, tear it down, re-build it with new bearings etc, and change the gears. I just don't know if that's even possible. Would the gears I want even exist? Is there a kit? Am I off my nut with this idea?

I would love input.

Thanks

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/hilux-rc60f-transmission-swap.629019/

 

I feel that sentiment totally. The gear ratios really leave something to be desired in these manuals, especially 5 and 6.

From what I've gathered over the years is there are no rebuild kits to regear the ra60f. Even if there were, you'd potentially be sacrificing reliability taking it apart and putting it back together. Although perhaps your mastery at rebuilding a transmission is better than mine would be.

@BillDaCat8 recently swapped his out for a RC62F from a 3rd Gen Tacoma. It was virtually bolt and go provided you buy a few auxiliary things. I'll be going that route next time I need a new transmission.


https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/6-speed-shenanigans-ra60f-swap-to-rc62f.701237/

 

I think that is the link I meant to post lol

 

"Great minds think alike" as they say!

B+ on execution

 

OP, I have been in a few and can tell you this: once inside it can quickly become a money pit.

If you want to address a few thing such as syncros and major bearings, to help with noise and shifting that is one level. But anything else rapidly becomes cost prohibitive IMHO. Since noise can be had from the gears themselves being worn, to bearings I could not advocate the inexperienced in random parts replacement. For example, gears are usually best replaced in matched sets. Which gear is noisy?

I despise the high reverse gear, even in 4Lo, and asked myself about changing the ratio. It is physically on the counter shaft but driven by the input shaft. So it is not a matter of just swapping out a single gear but you would also need to produce a new main shaft. Who would produce one-of-a-kind gears and shafts?

I don't want to burst your bubble and you are ready for some work I say go inside and I can help guide. But don't leave yourself without a Plan B for transportation. Otherwise the best preventive help for the 6-speed is frequent gear oil changes with a high quality product. A product being sold on this forum looks attractive for the reverse gear in 2WD by being able to engage the 4Lo gear set.

 

Don't forget the fact that not only is 6th way too low, you can hit 30 mph in reverse no problem.

 

Maybe I want to drive 30mph in reverse!

 

haha, well yah can! It's geared so high. Took me a long time to adjust to it.

 

I appreciate the insight! Now I need to study up on the gear ratios. I wish there was a kit.

 

Yeah, that's kind of what I figured. My pipe dream was that someone out there amongst the transmission gods had seen this problem and developed a kit. The dream included me acquiring a spare trans, rebuilding with the mythical kit & installing.

 

Which really sucks when backing up while towing a big load. Now I shift into 4wd low to avoid further burning up the clutch. Someone here makes a 2-Lo module but it is $300.

 

yep. did that once.

 

1st gen Tundra has the 2WD version 6MT paired with the 4.0 V6 and 245/70r16 tires. 1st is 17:1 ratio and 6th gear is turning the engine at 2600rpm going 65mph.