Manual transmission optimized

I just thought I'd share a couple of things regarding this. There are tons of threads covering each of the things I mention. When I got my truck I absolutely hated the transmission / clutch. I have a long history with manuals and this one shifts like a dump truck. The system I have now has completely transformed that now. I get clean crisp shifts with good clutch feel, and smoother launches. Delicate clutch work offroad is way better. Here is a quick summary:

Switch to Redline MT90 for better synchro function
Install URD quick shift kit to shorten the throw
I removed the rubber from the shifter and welded it up solid, then custom bent it
My new clutch is a Centerforce II running on a URD quill kit and TOB
I swapped the flywheel for a URD heavy unit. Centerforce makes one even heavier
I deleted the accumulator in the clutch hydraulics
Lastly I reflashed the ECU and eliminated the rev hang.

The only remaining problems are the crappy gear splits, where no real fix exists. Other than that, this system is top notch. It has transformed the mushy sloppy vague Toyota system into something actually useable.

 

How did you go about reflashing the ECU? Bring it to a shop? Custom software? The rev hang, and idle-up while decelerating irk me. Takes the function outta downshifting to engine brake when the ECU cracks the throttle to ~1500rpm to reduce unburnt hydrocarbons.

love my 6-speed. I agree that The Redline and URD short throw kit are big improvements.

 

I used a local tuner in the Phoenix area. Great guy, very knowledgeable. You are right about the downshifting. It's all better now!

 

Awesome, I didn’t know such parameters could be alterred. I gotta buddy who runs a dyno shop, will have to pay him a visit.

 

Total cost ????

 

Maybe it's just me but I have only been driving standards for 60 years my only complaint with the 6 speed is reverse! Any one got an exploded pictures of the 6 speed manual? Want to see how they keep the reverse gear from spinning so that it doesn't grind kind of like a backwards synchromesh. I was the guy at the transmission shop that rebuilt the manuals must have done hundreds of 5 speeds (mostly bearing issues).

 

FYI I never had a good experience with Redline. I use 1/2 Motul Gear 300, 1/4 Lucas 85w140 and 1/4 Lucas oil stabilizer.

 

I wonder how URD TOB compares to CM HydroTOB

and if the URD still ends up with the same issues or not

yes the URD is bigger but the stock arm still actuates at a significant angle and supposedly always keeps preload stress on it even with pedal not pushed

Other manual vehicles don’t seem to have these issues

kind of sucks I threw away my stock parts when converting to HydroTOB
They say to always replace them anyway (like the fork, etc) but Toyota charges stupid prices for those simple pieces of metal, way more than any other manufacturer
I’ll probably have to shop around if time ever comes to trying out the URD kit

 

The URD TOB is just a Toyota TOB machined inside to fit over the stainless steel quill. I did not use any of their hydro options. I used this: https://urdusa.com/throwout-bearing-upgraderepair-kit-2005-tacoma-v6-6-speed/

 

The only complaints I've heard about Mt-90 are from people in very cold climates. Do you live where it is very cold? For me it has been great, but it's rare for my truck to see zero degrees, and 95% of the time it's 20 or above.

 

Amen on the dump truck shifting Badger! I had driven a standard transmission from the age of 13 all the way through my late 20's. Bought an new '09 tacoma with the 6 speed and had to trade it for an automatic 2 years later only because of the transmission. Did the trd short shift kit, and that did jack..When you know how to shift and save the clutch, but the only way to get a smooth shift is to slip the f'r every time...it's garbage.
You have more patience and money than I had back then

 

I don't know exactly. I've been collecting parts for years to do all of this. I picked up the URD heavy flywheel in the TW marketplace. The ECU work was $500. The accumulator delete was under $20.

 

I'm read a lot about this problem at 2gen but not on 2012-2015 gen have this problem, is it right?
Or toyota already make improvement on this matter.

 

Interesting side note. My truck has 182,000 on it and has seen some hard use. Not long ago I started smelling clutch after climbing long steep grades at highway speeds. With the miles, I figured it was starting to slip. That is what prompted the clutch replacement. When I got it apart, the clutch disk and flywheel looked like they could go another 40-50K! No burning on the flywheel, or signs of slippage. I was pretty surprised. The only part that appeared to be in need of replacement was the TOB. The rear main seal was barely weeping, but none of that was on the clutch surfaces. Not sure what was going on.

The Centerforce II seems to be a nice clutch to drive. We'll see how it lasts.

 

I nearly sold my truck early on because the transmission felt so bad. Like you I'm a life long manual driver, raced cars in my younger years, and developed the skills to do it well. I honestly think that the better manual driver you are, the worse these problems feel. If you shift everything like a dump truck, then you will feel right at home

 

Toyota was continually modifying this transmission while simultaneously denying there was ever a problem. The last upgrade came in 2012. They still never fixed the gear split issues or the reverse gear, or the problem with the quill. The quill is part of the bell housing, making it a non-serviceable part. The quill gets worn and can cause problems with the TOB function. It extreme cases the quill can break. Luckily URD has a fix for this in their stainless steel sleeve. The stainless is harder and provides a smoother ride for the TOB as well.

 

Basically this. When shifting into 1st or 2nd gears, just have a cigarette and a 5-minute nap before dropping the clutch & you'll be fine. I jest -- I don't smoke, but yeah, 1st & 2nd gear in the 2nd gen 6spd MT are dump-trucky. (This is true for me even with RedLine MT90 in there.)

Reverse is a joke. Having the 2LO mod (drop-in module) is a requirement in order to get a usable reverse gear. Without the 2LO mod there is no way to back up a steep driveway without burning the clutch.

 

Definitely they denying there was a problem with that to void recall... what I mean probably they use better material on bell housing especially in quill part... as my taco reach 200K mile don't have this problem I hope I don't want problem but looks like I better prepare as I plan upgrade to clutch state 3 plus light fly wheel this summer.

 

the quill is non serviceable 2005-current

 

I must have a freak 6-speed on the '14 as I do not get any RPM flare during shifts. Go figure
Oh, to be sure, my '09 5-speed had rev hang so bad I could barely drive it at times and is one of the reasons I sold the thing.
FWIW, except for reverse gear I actually like the 6-speed. Flame away...