TRD Sport Clutch

Hey everyone,

I'm looking to get a Tacoma again and I just test drove 2 TRD Sports (2019 & 2020) I've had a 2007 and 2017 TRD Off-Road.
I noticed on the TRD Sports I just test drove that the clutch is pretty stiff compared to my other Tacoma's. Also it felt like the engine didn't preform as well. Is it just me or is there something super different between the Off-Road and Sport versions?

 

I believe the only difference is that the Sport has a hill hold assist on the manual transmission model. For some reason, the Sport is the only one that has this feature in the TRD line. I really like it cuz I have tons of hills where I live and heavy traffic. It's actually why I got the Sport. Anyone feel free to correct me if I am wrong.

 

None that I know of. If you went from a second gen to 3rd, then rather I could see a different feeling. I wonder if toyota has done some tuning differences from the 2017 to the 18 and 19?

 

AFAIK there is no fundamental mechanical difference in the 17 you owned and the 19 / 20 you tested, especially all being manuals.

 

The 2016 and 2017 SR 5MT had it also.

 

There could be Stock tune differences as there have been many TSBs for the 3rd Gens. Newer TSBs will feel better. On the latest, all 3rd Gen MTs should feel about the same.

The clutch should feel the same between all of them from a stiffness perspective. Some folks do the Accumulator Delete Mod which changes the feel of engagement for the better.

 

It only has hill assist if you start the engine on an incline. If you've come to a stop on a hill but keep the engine running you'll roll back as soon as you let off the brake. Sounds like the Sport will hold you on every incline, not just on startup?

 

Interesting.

Yes. Any gentle slope or greater, it will hold as long as the ignition is on, including Reverse if stopped nose down.

A full stop is needed to activate it, and any graze of the throttle will release it.

 

Gear ratio is different? Can't remember if its just the diff gears or if there are trans ratio differences, too.

 

Manuals have 4.30... Autos have 3.90.. regardless of trim. 4cyl Auto has 4.30 as well...

 

Actually, no. The 2.7l are opposite world. MTs have 3.909s and ATs have 4.30s. See the link in my signature.

It kinda makes sense when you look at the MT gearing and that they use the same AT as the 3.5ls.

The 3.909s in the 3.5l ATs are the real shame of it though.

 

Yeah, I understand the thinking behind 3.909 in the 5 speed, so you're turning 2500 RPM at 75mph or so. Still would have preferred 4.30s, though. Waiting on a generous donor with a 6MT to give me his when he regears to something larger.

 

That is right where I am at also with 32s.

There are a few MTs around here that have regeared. Happy hunting!