Anyone With a 6-speed That Actually Upshifts Smoothly to 3rd Gear?

I've been following issues with the 6-speed for years and is numerous parts revisions. Thought that by about 2011 problems with it were pretty much gone and wanted it on my new truck.

So when I bought my '14 the first thing I noticed from day one was a 3rd gear clunk on the upshift, and if I'm not really careful it can grind. Now at 6,600 miles still the same. This thing has got to be past break-in at his point, no?

I have owned a least 7 manuals over the years and try to rev match, etc. Right now am trying various gear oils. Checked the clutch adjust and even bled it just for good measure. Talked to a couple of dealers and of course they say its normal or "what's a manual transmission?"

And yea, there are a million threads on the 6-speed and its problems. I want to know if you have a good one, especially the 3rd gear upshift?

 

I've had a '12 6-Speed (totaled) and now drive a '13 6-Speed. Both have never given me any issues and shift beautifully. They've both been smooth, quiet, and really a pleasure to drive.

I've been driving manual transmissions for more than 15 years and have owned 4 Toyota Pickups: 2 5-Speeds and 2 6-Speeds.

I've read over all the 6-Speed "Problem" threads and really feel like it's about the person using the clutch and shifting the gears.

 

MT90 fluid will help some.

 

Thanks for the responses. I've replaced syncros in a few manuals and they shifted poorly thereafter for a while until broken in and then no problem.

Sold My Subaru, did you just shift it with out giving it much thought or did you have to focus on shift if you know what I mean?

Rupp1, MT90 is next on my list to try. So far I have tried the factory = not so good; Amsoil MTG = better maybe little bit better; and the GM Synthetic Manual Transmission Fluid = best so far esp. when cold.

I also want to try the Ford fully synthetic "Honey" as it was made especially for problem 6-speeds to improve shiftability.

 

Shift around 3-4k, (most people with this observation are trying to shift too quickly in low RPM's). Slow down your shift from 1-2-3-4-5-6 a little bit. Grind/clunk will go away.

Cars shift faster than trucks.

 

A Subaru is not a truck and it is not rear drive I don't know why every one says my X shifts better than my 6 spd. of course it does. If you have ever driven a full size pickup with a stick you would say "my Tacoma shifts better than that" I have zero issues with my 6 spd. it does not grind in any gear it does take a bit to get used to it any vehicle does when you switch I will say you need to mat the clutch pedal can't just push it part way down.

 

Only time I have ever had an issue with a grind/clunk, I either had short stroked the clutch or hadn't backed off the throttle enough. I've bone both in 3rd and 5th.

 

Only problem I have with the 6 speed is the stupid rev hang.

To the op I went to Redline oil and it seemed to smooth things out a bit.

 

I have a 2013 v6 6-speed (best choice I made on the truck), and never had a problem with grinding when I shift.

 

Change the oil, always use the clutch, shift carefully... or you'll be rebuilding the transmission.

 

Same issue with my 2013 6-speed. I'd grind into 3rd (from 2nd and 4th) on occasion. I also came from a Subaru (2004 STI) and I can tell you the truck transmission is just clunky. It's not made to shift quick and is just a not enjoyable experience because of all it's quirks.... I sold my 2013 6MT for a 2013 5AT within 7 months of buying it.

 

The wife's 5-Speed VW golf shifts incredibly smooth.
The 5-Speed Legacy with 4" lift and 28's beater I own has a cable clutch and is on her 4'th transmission and 2'nd rear end. When it comes to shifting that thing it's

My '13 Tacoma 6-Speed is damn smooth for a truck. It's a TON smoother than the 5-Speed '09 2500 Power Ram or 5-Speed '94 Toyota I had before her.

I usually hit my shifts around 2-2.5k unless I'm merging or want to feel like I'm 18 again. I've changed my driving habits significantly since I purchased an UltraGauge but it hasn't changed the manner in which I go: depress clutch, change gear, release clutch. Not much thought required there.

I've had the TRD shortshifter in both my '12 & '13 so maybe that helps?

 

I think it's a driving habit. I've had several people complain about their manuals like grinding and not shifting smooth or it doesn't shift into gear right. I've noticed is they shift too fast. It's like you're shifting into gear but your foot on the clutch pedal is not fully engaged.

 

Been driving MT since about 1984. Last two cars were a subaru wrx with SS and then a BMW 135i. The BMW was like delicious soft butter with a positive little click at the engagement point. Going from that to the Tacoma was a change for sure but I have had no issues at all with shifting this Taco. Shifts are easy and positive. I usually don't shift above 3k unless I'm freeway on-ramping but even then no problems. It shifts like a truck for sure but I have never had any issues. Weird to hear so many people do have issues.

 

Mine shifts fine. My last one did too, and the 4 or 5 5 speeds I had before that did too. I don't know what causes people so many issues, I don't have any problems with mine.

 

Here is the bottom line if one person out of ten can operate the 6 spd perfectly there is nothing wrong with the trans.

 

Possibly, but as we all know most people only post on the internets when they have a problem. So out of the 100's of 1000's of Taco's sold over the years with MT there are a few people that have issue shifting. Trans problem? User problem? Possibility one of each could be out there. Your mileage may vary.

 

I have not had any issue shifting my 08 into 3rd. Occasionally I need to double clutch on first, but I have have no real complaints about the shifting. Truth is I drive like an old man, rarely in a hurry, and rarely in busy traffic, so the Tacoma 6spd suits me fine.

 

Hmmm. I've seen this type of comment before. Come to think of it its worse <2,000 rpm. Others here also shifting at the higher revs?

 

I know exactly what you're talking about. I get the occasional grind going into the lower gears, and 3rd is most noticeable. I changed to Redline MT-90 and it does NOT make a difference (I think it's really the placebo effect when people think it helps).

I've found RPM "sweet spots" that seem to work with no grinding/nicking. Going from 2nd to 3rd at about 30 mph seems to work well.

Anyway, it doesn't seem like anything major. As long as I'm not having to replace synchros I don't care.