Manaul again?

Mechanical problems-3rd synchro was bad by 75k or so, clutch throw out bearing design issue, the huge 1-2 rpm drop and way too tall reverse.

Circumstantial problems-too much going on during delicate, very low speed maneuvers, like trying to climb over an obstacle without spinning wheels, smoking the clutch or drifting backwards, and wife not being able to drive it.

Before all the "I prefer that my wife can't drive it" comments come in, it is pretty important that mine can. We go way out there with no other people or vehicles, so if I get jacked up she can get us out.

I also got over manuals when I had to start driving occasionally in full kit with a rifle in my foot well. That would be real ugly with a third pedal and stick.

 

The engine makes peak power at redline, making it ideally suited for a manual transmission.

 

Definitely sounds like you needed the auto. I don’t have any of those issues other than my wife also can’t drive it witch is a problem for me to that and traffic. I don’t believe anyone that says they don’t get tired of a manual in city traffic.

 

You will not believe me so I won't say it.

 

I have the opposite problem....I get fed up with Autos in traffic because I’m so used to driving the MT.

 

Because of how annoying it is not having to depress a clutch pedal every 15 seconds? I can see that.

 

No, because the opposite leg drives the car. In an Auto it’s all right leg and I’m used to all left leg.

Have to admit, the adaptive cruise in my automatic work vehicle is nice for traffic because it’s no-pedal driving.

 

My wife says the same thing...though after 28 years of marriage, I'm pretty sure it's not a compliment.

 

Ever notice that normally a vehicle with a manual transmission takes off slower from a stoplight?

 

The driving experience in the manual is so much better for me than the auto. That is just how I feel though. I want to feel like I'm driving the car and part of the experience. To me it's worth the extra effort.

 

I love manuals and probably wouldn’t own anything different I just don’t think they are Ideal for every situation

 

Automatics are not ideal for every situation either...

 

I went from a 18 MT to a 20 AT and am happy.

 

Very true

 

Yes, manual again. Why not?

 

Not really.

 

OVTune helped mine tremendously. I still dislike rock crawling in it though, the idle is just not very strong, nor the gearing as low as i would like for a manual transmission.
That torque converter is a boon to any slow off-road maneuvers

Hilly cities like Seattle or San Fran can be a nightmare, particularly if reversing (who designed /that/?)

I feel like the manual just isn’t a good match for the 3.5l, especially stock. Certainly funner on the highway though!
Also anything over 65 is gonna tank your mpg with it

 

You should try the adaptive cruise MT tacoma. Its easily one my favorite feature not because of traffic, but because its just a trip to see working seamlessly in a mostly mechanical setup.