The Glory of Manual Transmissions + Gen.3 Tacoma Impressions

I learned on an '71 Scout straight-6 4MT. Somehow a manual makes any vehicle more interesting even if you wouldn't normally be into it. Take a 70's corvette, the AT 350ci is something your gramma would drive but with a MT it's fun like a naughty fat girl.

 

Tongue in cheek humor often used on TW.

Code word for welcome to the forum!

 

Caution mate, the following may be another 'TL;DR' for you.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

I have noticed there are several with similar experiences of the 3rd Gen.'s 6-Spd M/T.

Indeed, when I drove the '19 OR, the M/T itself was nothing spectacular (I was not expecting it to be given it is a reliable, mass off-road vehicle and not a precise, performance-oriented sports machine). The shifts were indeed long yet had good engagement and resistance, and the NHV to me felt normal, all of which are honestly common to and inherent to such vehicles with multi-component 4x4 systems. The clutch pedal was indeed soft but not detracting, however, I must agree that throttle response was disappointing although this is more of an issue that is inherent to the 2GR-FKS 3.5L V6 and not necessarily drivetrain specific... For me, it was mostly how the M/T revolutionized the experience by further connecting me to the soul of the vehicle and removing what I perceive as a significant layer of annoyance, detraction and disconnect (A/T).

I am glad to know that there have been TSB updates for the M/T, as well as the availability of @OVTune's spectacular work, all of which thankfully enhance the experience further.

Funny enough, I found myself on the opposite end of your spectrum, where the M/T brought the truck to life, and left me wondering how so many prefer the A/T with its lackluster character and larger consensus of poor performance (yes the TSB updates and OVTune seem to be a blessing, yet still far from 'a joy to drive').

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The beauty of personal preference... What matters ultimately, is that we are pleased and content with our own experiences of choice.

 

Indeed mate. Cheers.

 

I have owned 8 trucks in my life. Of them, 7 were manuals. The one that was an auto I converted to a manual after a year. First truck was a little rusted out datsun 5 sp. Next came a 5sp Dodge ram 50. After that I got my first auto, a 78 Dodge step side 2wd with a 360 V8. She was fast and ugly but needed a stick and 4wd so I bought a burned out 4sp Power wagon and swapped everything but the trans over. Beast of a truck with super low granny 1st gear but not much fun on the highway and got about 8mpg. Got sick of having to always wrench on the dodge so i leased my first of 4 manual Tacos in 96. After that lease was up I bought a 2000 which I sold to my brother in 05 when the 2nd gen came out. I had the first 2nd gen registered in the state. I drove the hell out of the 05 for 307k miles then bought my 18. I still have the 05 and it runs great. I really love my Tacomas for their size and durability, but mostly for the joy they bring me when Im rowing through the gears. As was said before, a manual trans can make even a slow vehicle fun to drive. It is the ultimate man machine connection.
Ned

 

'Feel'? What is 'feel'? What is this mysterious concept that you have introduced to my psyche? I ____ unstable all of a sudden.

 

Thank you for sharing.

It is funny, and classic, that you converted the only A/T truck you had to a M/T. Sometimes, such things are unavoidable.

You have experienced quite a selection of trucks over the years, pickings from various parts of the spectrum. Interesting that your first truck was a compact Japanese Datsun (very clean and characterful trucks actually), and after journeying through an American selection, have come full circle with the Toyota Tacomas.

Of all of your trucks, is there one that you cherish(ed) the most?

 

In an attempt to keep this thread barely alive...




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