Tacomas, Truck Yeah

Jasonstacoma · Jul 24, 2020

Floyd Rivers[OP] initial post: ↑

The 3rd gen Tacoma simply rocks. I love it’s funky, clunky, simple, tried and true ways. I was super hesitant at first to get into a 3rd gen, due to the “new” engine change and the claims of dodgy and neurotic transmission, etc, over the earlier two generations.
I come to my 2020 TRDOR from a totaled ‘18 4Runner TRDOR. The 4Runner was in many ways, simply perfect... alas.
I’ve done a couple simple things like stock sized BFG KO2s, the brilliant TACOMODS radio knob “mod,” and am looking forward to adding the rock climbing chalk bag cup holders- simple stuff, bc the truck is just great. I ended up getting the automatic trans, and i’m happy to report that it’s not that bad! Maybe it’s a little weird, but i don’t remember now, as it’s been a few months, and the other vehicles i get to drive both have manuals. Everything works. It works well. The truck trucks just like a truck should. It’s bouncy but squishy, has body roll, sway, nose dive... basically, it’s a truck!
Maybe my frame will rot and have to be replaced, maybe my fuel pump will have to be warrantied, etc, but the truck itself is about as honest a contender on the road and in four wheel drive as a person could hope for. It’s obviously not a tower, and the legroom for back passengers is not impressive! But it’s solid. And it really works well as a general “bay boat” for almost any other thing you’d ask a modern vehicle to do. I guess I’d just like to re-say hello to the community, and to give props to Toyota for an honest vehicle well made. Word.
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I've read in the t4r forums and just as many guys seem to complain about the 5speed auto. Some people will just never be pleased. I'm happy w my auto, and I'm lifted and on 33s. It hunts a little but, but mostly when I'm driving more aggressively. Overall, super happy w my taco.

Floyd Rivers · Jul 24, 2020

Jasonstacoma said: ↑

I've read in the t4r forums and just as many guys seem to complain about the 5speed auto. Some people will just never be pleased. I'm happy w my auto, and I'm lifted and on 33s. It hunts a little but, but mostly when I'm driving more aggressively. Overall, super happy w my taco.
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That’s a great looking truck! The 6 speed transmission seems to be pretty well sorted, and i’ve actually enjoyed learning how to get along with its personality here in the mountains. Clearly, i’m grooving with it right now.

Joe Snuffy · Jul 25, 2020

I'm getting a little blood to it. Hahahaha love mine as well.

ICU1 · Jul 25, 2020

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HubZ2cABBfU
Oh what a feeling...

Devious6 · Jul 25, 2020

zoo truck · Jul 25, 2020

Once these trucks get driven some, i don't know why all the whining with these 6 sp autos either. Truck works like any other automatic i've owned.

Stocklocker · Jul 25, 2020

Floyd Rivers[OP] said: ↑

That’s a great looking truck! The 6 speed transmission seems to be pretty well sorted, and i’ve actually enjoyed learning how to get along with its personality here in the mountains. Clearly, i’m grooving with it right now.
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I drive equal amounts in an F150 10 speed I drive for work, and my personal 17 Taco. I will say this:

The Ford 10 SPD auto is exactly what you expect it to be. Drives totally normal, does what you expect, shifts are undetectable, once in a while screws up its pattern, but hardly ever. Huge Bravo to Ford for making a totally predictable and totally boring transmission. Never have to think about it.

The Toyota 6 SPD auto is a weird duck. As strange as it sounds, I enjoy “driving” the Toyota auto more. I feel I control the gear selection with my gas pedal, and have to stay on top of what it’s doing. I shouldn’t have to, but I can. After a few years driving the Taco, I find it more engaging, for being an auto. I can get it to upshift and downshift, delivery power or economy, with right foot control. For most people, this is less than ideal. I’ve grown to like it. Like a “poor mans manual”.

boynoyce · Jul 25, 2020

Stocklocker said: ↑

After a few years driving the Taco, I find it more engaging, for being an auto. I can get it to upshift and downshift, delivery power or economy, with right foot control. For most people, this is less than ideal. I’ve grown to like it. Like a “poor mans manual”.
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Very well put.

As a lifelong MT driver who has crossed over to the dark side with this 16 Taco AT, I know exactly what you are saying and agree 100%.

@jsinnard said something similar back in 2017 and it’s been my signature since.

Floyd Rivers · Jul 25, 2020

Stocklocker, boynoyce,
It really does! The 6spd auto behaves in ways that remind me of a manual/it’s hard to explain bc its so illogical and weird to make the comparison, but that’s one of the things about this truck that’s got me so in love with it- you have to spend some time “bonding” with it.

It’s still the weekend! Take care

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