Manual Transmission: Access cab vs DBCB

I appreciate your feedback. I drove an MT and I loved it. I found a huge difference between that and the FJ Cruiser transmission. If my memory serves me right, they share the same transmission, but it just drives so differently.
I'll stick with the manual. Thanks again.

Thank you!

 

In general, I prefer driving a manual. In technical situations, I really would like to have the auto. The gearing on these isn't low enough for crawling and the clutch smokes pretty easily - in my experience. I've smoked mine 4 or 5 times this summer. It would be fine with a crawl box or 2wheel drive low range.

 

Can this be fixed with a simple re-gearing?

 

It would help a lot, but these clutches aren't really designed for what some of us expect from them. The super charged guys usually have to put in aftermarket clutches. I'm thinking URD stage 2 when the time comes. Mine's starting to slip on occasion when starting out on cold mornings.

 

Well it depends on the 4 wheeling you do. For the rock crawling I like to do having only two pedals is a HUGE advantage. In my crew I'm the only one with an auto, the others all have sticks. They think I'm an awesome driver <Trump voice>I am the best!</voice> Truth be told the reason I never kill the engine is the auto.

For Moab style rock crawling there isn't a driver out there that hasn't smoked the clutch or killed the engine or done both at the same time. And, there isn't a MT driver out there that hasn't done those things in a really bad spot. The one advantage to a MT is with the proper wiring modifications is you can use the starter motor to get you out of a sticky situation. Us auto drivers just use the engine to move the truck. Just about every competitive rock crawler runs an AT, there's got to be a reason.

That said I wouldn't want an auto in a performance street car. (but I've read that even that market is moving to eliminate the MT )

 

I have an AC 2006 TRD off-road 6spd manual, with 33in MT on it. It has plenty of space for my dog (german shepherd) up front. In the back seats it would be tight. Offroading isn't too much of a difference with the DC and the AC. I have buddies with DC's that have a little more trouble here and there through some technical stuff.

 

True, any time we do a difficult trail run (a lot of steep, rocky 4lo crawling and climbing) I count it as a big victory if I can make it through without stalling. Anyone who's ever driven or tried to drive a stick shift can appreciate how challenging it is to try and crawl up and over a shelf or big rock using the perfect amount of throttle and clutch work. Too little and you stall out, too much and you risk causing damage to your vehicle if you gas it up and over a rock too hard, or worse.

It's a shame that the performance street car market is moving to eliminate manuals as well (here in the states anyway, in many other countries manuals still outnumber autos). I get it in the sense that technology has really put autos ahead of where they used to be, modern day automatics are quicker off the line than any manual driver can hope to be. That never used to be the case.

 

DCSB and AC are the same length wise as the DC has a short bed. All AC comes with the 6 foot bed. We have an AC and a DC as well and I've also had the 6 speed Tacoma. The manual's first gear is short. It can also be notchy but Redline fluid seems to help with that. There are also issues associated with the 6 speed such as a squeaky clutch pedal as well as the TO bearing shaft issue and the so so clutch. These issues are correctable.

AC vs DCSB will perform the same. Just a matter of usage and preference. The dog can fit into the AC but might be tight plus the back window only pops partially open and not all the way with a DC. I would get an 11 just because it is the year before the smog pumps. If you must get a 12+, skip the 12 as most people that have issues with the smog pump/valves are 2012's as programming has been changed 13 and up.

 

Well professional rock climbing isnt my intent. I want to practice on the trails, but use the Taco as an expedition mobile.

 

I did not know that about the years. Thank you

 

I'm doing a 2wd low range mod soon and will eventually regear to make the truck run better with my 33s. Those will help with my minor complaints. Overall, I'm really happy with my 6sp MT.

 

First is too tall for my liking, and reverse doubly so

 

Well, for what you want to do a MT is just the ticket. I can't think of a single reason to not buy one. So many times people feel the need to bash the "other" side, but that's not me. I've probably driven more miles in a MT vehicle than an AT.

 

I agree. I think MT is the way to go for my application. I understand that as a rock crawler MT might not be on par due to the gearing. I had asked a member if that could be fixed with a regearing, and if it could be done when upgrading to a bigger tire. I'm not sure I received that answer. Anyways, I think I would have more smiles per mile with an MT.

Right now I'm looking at http://www.xoverland.com/videos/truck-builds/2013-toyota-tacoma-trd-build/ for inspiration. I believe they drive an AT. I'm curious as to why?

Feel free to link me to other Tacoma builds that you think could be good inspirations!

 

What kind of differences did you notice between the 6spd fj and the 6spd taco? I drive a 6spd fj every so often and i love it, but then again im a diehard manual guy. Im looking into getting a taco in the next few months and am curious on the differences btwn the two. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

 

Im a diehard manual guy as well. So believe me I was disappointed when I drove the FJ. I was willing to look past the "blind spots".

Clutch: The clutch travel distance was huge. I felt that there was way too much travel before the clutch actually kicked in.
Shifting: The throw on the gearbox was much longer.
Power was better though. The FJ carries a premium and as much as I loved it (I was giggling) it just wasn't what I wanted compared the Taco. I drove a 6spd Sport and I felt both the throw and the travel were more car like.

I currently drive an 09 outback in 5 spd, and before that the 6 spd Matrix XRS.