Anyone gone from Auto to Manual?

I did this after about a year.. imo the gearing in the manual is much better suited for the engine / powerband in the 3.5

 

I converted mine to a flip key and now I never tell people, so you right.

 

I will concur that if one does not like a manual in traffic, then lots of traffic is a reason to not get one. However for the trailer issue, the 2Low harness is a life saver….no reason to not do it really other than maybe cost, but that’s only like $120. Instantly makes the 3.39:1 reverse gear become a granny 8.69:1….certainly makes the manual + towing a completely acceptable combo. Hell, it’s even good for an auto and helps the torque converter out.

 

Do you ever use crawl control?
MT doesn't have crawl control, some say just put in 2nd gear and low range and crawl on your own, but I think the computer probably can find better traction than a human can modulating brake/throttle

 

It has A-TRAC in place of CC, works great.

 

I seem to remember when Toyota first introduced crawl control the rep said it probably wouldn't go over well with offroad purists, but it allowed less experienced drivers to enjoy the sport.

 

In all my almost 7 years of having it, I have never used it. I tried it out on the test drive and haven't used it since the. Other than some gravel roads, that's all the offroading it really ever gets.

 

I went from a manual to an auto because I'm lazy and old

 

Idk, I can't find any real issue with the auto in my 3.5. I think it'd be perfect with a 4.10 or 4.11 final ratio.

 

If the auto had 4.30s-4.88s it would be a lot better. When I first drove the manual, I couldn’t believe it was the same motor. It’s quite different.

 

Absolutely true. Whole different animal.

 

Yes! I went from an AT Ridgeline to a MT Taco and feel strongly that it was the right move. You’ll get the best throttle response with the MT. The Ridgeline likes to shut off cylinders and the AT Taco is shifty. Neither will deliver hesitation-free acceleration while under way.

BTW - I AM one of those guys telling the world that I drive a MT. It’s a special club and you can be a member too!

 

I had a similar experience when I first test drove my 6mt. After about 5 minutes of driving I commented to the sales rep that the engine felt a lot different than my previous taco with an auto. He responded that I was probably feeling the difference in the shocks. I stopped talking to him after that.

 

I live near Denver, traffic sucks. I would drive a drive a manual 100% if I lived more rural but its just not feasible in a place with constant traffic backups.

 

I think I'm going to look at 4.88's maybe.....

 

No need with the 6mt unless you are running 35’s (maybe) or just like lower gears so much that are are willing to spend $$$. I have 33’s and the gear ratios are just fine for on and off road. Personally I would rather save my money and put it towards a dual transfer case.

 

I got a really good deal on my 6MT ACLB, so one way or the other, I can't complain!

I had a 2009 4Runner V6 before, so I guess it's not apples to apples comparison, but the Tacoma manual is definitely way more fun to drive. It's no corvette, but acceleration on command is a huge plus when I want to get up quick.

It's also the smoothest stick I've ever felt on a vehicle. Like others say though, the clutch is kinda weird. Haven't done the accumulator delete yet, but it's definitely on the bucket list.

As far as offroading, you definitely use that 4LO gear. When engaged though, you can crawl over anything.

 

Buy the manual. You will not be disappointed. I made the switch auto to manual. Really makes the most of the motor in these trucks. And if you do any mods at all, the 2Lo harness is a must.

 

I’ve never understood this “gear hunting” theme that is so common on here either. Why complain about an automatic transmission that automatically shifts for you? That’s why you bought it, yes?

My 2016 with an AT was the best AT I ever owned, but I still had all the same complaints about it. I like my manual better.

 

My doesn't gear hunt, but of all the gears, 5th doesn't seem to exist. It's either 4th or 6th.