Considering getting a 2023 TRD pro w/ 6 speed manual

2lo is a pretty benign and easy mod allows your truck to go in 4WD low but trick the system to only use 2 wheels so you don’t bind like shit. Reversing in “2-low” will drive itself up the hill - no clutch feathering needed


here’s my setup

 

93k miles and drives great. Has never had a problem. Thinking about getting a new tundra for more space for growing kids and will probably regret selling the manual.

 

I’ve got 286k on my 18 with the 3.5 & manual.

Original clutch. No slipping. I tow heavy & often.
Slave cylinder squeaks every time pedal is depressed.
Carrier bearing has been replaced twice (use OEM parts)
Put new U joints in it thinking they were cause of my whining, when in fact it was the carrier bearing.

2wd low mod is a MUST unless you live in the Great Plains.

 

almost full throttle???

it is tall - not non-existent!

 

I'm tellin ya, I kept pushing the throttle but she wasn't going. The hill isn't all that steep either. I was like you gotta be kidding me

 

Impressive. 286K in 4 years... lots of driving

 

Every Toyota 4x4 manual I've owned since 1981 has had a pretty tall reverse gear. My 21 seems to be a little taller, maybe. I guess I kinda got used to it. This one seems to shift more like my 01, very easy to drive. And did I mention fun to drive!
I think Toyota will keep a Tacoma manual in their lineup, hell, the little truck manual is really what got them to where they are right now. At least I sure hope so.

 

Tell me more about 2wd low mod?!

 

STEP 1:
https://bbpondtuning.square.site/
buy here ^

STEP 2:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-some-day-build-and-trip-log.599494/page-4#post-21475950
install like this ^

STEP 3:
Profit!

 

Ha! I have a TRD pro but no open button blanks left… options?

 

Just turned 22k today on my DCSB TRD OR 6mt. I like it. no issues aside from a leaking slave cylinder that dealer replaced.
I also tow a ranger on a shorter 12ft trailer . The truck doesn't want to pull much more than that. For any distance at all that's about where I draw the line and fire up my F250.
This is almost 5000lbs loaded. The tacoma can do it but isn't too happy about it. Went about 8-10 miles, hazards on, 3rd gear, 25-30mph. I could have gone faster but panic stopping would be impossible.

 

I love my manual TRDOR. The manual makes it fun to drive.

My only complaint is that there is no hill assist on the TRDOR models, and you can't get keyless entry with a manual.

Oh and 5th gear is completely useless. It is just slightly shorter than 6th. Really wish 5th was 6th and 6th was way longer for highway speeds. I rarely use it, basically always do 4th to 6th shift.

 

you do get keyless entry but no proximity key.
I know what you meant but the way it read it's not correct.

 

Are there any that you never use? If so, pull it/them out, reconnect the wires, and wire tie behind the dash.

 

https://caliraisedled.com/products/2016-2021-toyota-tacoma-oem-style-2-switch-panel

This is what I have - they also have a 3-switch

 

you better start to find one now.....might take a year

 

Get on the waitlist now. It's pretty hard to find one as Toyota doesn't really build much manual Tacomas. It took me 6 months and that's with me getting lucky with one dealership. I think you'll have an easier time finding manual Tacomas if you are in the East Coast from my experience, but I did manage to get one in the West Coast.

Otherwise, the gearbox feels smooth, just a bit rubbery but I ain't going to be picky on a truck. I've towed 5000 lbs (sports car on a U-Haul trailer) to the race track no problem. Really just that the reverse gear is pretty tall.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/fitting-meso-overhead-3-switch-panel.759558/

My solution in the link above. PRO here as well - not many extra slots. I grouped atrac, locker and 2low mod all in the overhead. Up and out of the way of wayward fingers…

I have modified my driver’s side panel to add a few more switches as well…

 

78k on a 16’ TRD Sport.
Love that the manual trans exists, but good lord is it awful feeling. Putting a metal rod in bucket of stones would probably feel just as if not more smooth.
I’d get another one though. Hoping the 4th gen still has a manual option.

 

Unless the 4th Gen gets pushed back, '23 will probably be the last year for manual trans in a Tacoma. I would be very pleasantly shocked if they continue it. Get one while you can, I just took delivery of exactly what you are looking to order, but a '22 model. It took 359 days from deposit to delivery.