Manual transmission Fan Club and BS thread (All Generations Welcome)

i wouldn't describe it as underpowered at all, a bit weird with the power hitting on hard at around 3550rpm, almost like a turbo kicking in, but even before that there's no struggle in the least. but i haven't hauled or towed yet, i'm at about 110 miles so far lol

 

I don't feel that it's under powered at all. I'm coming from a RAM 1500 with the Hemi so there is a noticeable difference between the two, but I am never wanting for power in the Tacoma. I do think that the automatic version of the truck would feel under powered. This is because the engine makes its max power high in the RPM range and the auto trans tries to always keep RPMs low in an effort to help with fuel economy. With the manual trans, I can keep the RPMs as high or as low as I want at all times. I have total control. I absolutely love the truck with a manual and do not miss my RAM one bit. If you're on the fence about the power, you shouldn't be.

 

I was noticing today that the shifter linkages are really noisy. It sounded like she was a wind up steam-punk version of an AT-AT as I was driving through a narrow stretch of road. Anyone else getting this or is just that she needs some more breaking in?

 

I just picked up a '17 M/T. I really enjoy it so far, but I have noticed that it is pretty loud and clunky sounding between shifts. Doesn't really concern me though. Think that's just how it is. I also noticed just the past few days that when it's cold in the morning, I'll noticed a very slight surge when switching gears until the truck warms up. For example, if I shift from 1st - 2nd, I'll feel a bit of lag when initially pushing the gas and then i'll feel a slight surge and power kick in. It does it through all gears for about the first 5 mins of my trip when its cold out.

I don't think either of these things is a concern, but I do notice them. Other than that, the Truck is fantastic so far.

 

Yeah, my 2016 is "clunky" shifting, too. I really don't understand this...I've been driving M/T pickup and light trucks for 50 years, starting with a well-used and almost decrepit 1932 Model A, and I've never encountered another with a tranny as "clunky" as the one on my Tacoma.

 

Other manual trans cars I've had in the past have been similar in sound the Tacoma. I think it takes a little learning and finesse to get the shifts just right so they're smoother in this truck. If I rev it out more it shifts very smooth so I've been doing that a bit more lately.

 

I know one trick I did with my 2nd Gen works for my 3rd Gen too. When shifting through gears I pause for a split second and let shifter slide into the next gear, not forcing it, just let it glide in. It doesn't seem any more clunky than an otherr pickup that I've driven. In fact, it seems to be the smoothest.

 

Yeah, I agree here. It is a very smooth transmission if you do it right. I think you hit the nail on the head when you say that shifting more slowly makes it smoother. This is very much the case. If you don't try to push it and just let it slide from gear to gear and give it a second or two, it's buttery smooth. You can try to drive it faster, but it will let you know that it is not meant to be shifted like a sports car.

Maybe clunky wasn't the best way to describe it in my last post. It's not clunky, you can just hear the mechanics of the transmission through the floor pretty clearly.

 

yeah, mine is also the smoothest truck tranny i've driven, and one of the smoothest all-around, just not fast shifting. it suits the rhythm of the truck if you ask me. adding a short-shifter or something for quicker shifts would then get it out of sync with everything else, just my opinion. but i could potentially consider a shifter kit in the future just because i generally prefer solid or extremely firm bushings in everything, always... just not for the purpose of shortening the actual throws.

 

I've been noticing a bit of a low grinding or rumbling noise in first gear that I don't think was there before. First heard it during a looong roadtrip when I stopped for gas. Only seems to happen at very low speeds and doesn't happen all the time. Its not real alarming yet since its pretty minor and doesn't seem to affect anything but hopefully it doesn't grow over time. Have about 5k miles on the truck. Anyone else ever hear something similar?

 

Mine does this sometimes . I think it is a heat shield vibrating? But I have not determined this for sure .

 

Hmm I could see that maybe, there certainly are enough of em under the truck. Seems odd that it would just be intermittent but who knows how different vibrations play around with each other. Glad that someone else has noticed it too though.

 

Anyone install a quickshifter? They used to offer them as a TRD upgrade in gen 2. Not that I think that the throw is long, but the one I am looking at claims a 44 % improvement. For $150 it doesnt seem like a bad deal.

Click to enlarge





URD short throw shifter boasts:

• 44% shorter throws
• Improved Gear engagement
• Installs in about 20 minutes

You wanted this major improvement since the first time you drove the Tacoma. The URD short shifter works on all 2016 and later Tacoma, manual 6-speed transmissions.

Shifts are short throws; about 44% less. Gear engagement is improved. There is no known downside here. This is the serious improvement that you have wanted since the first time you drove your six speed Tacoma.

 

The rpms actually fly down really quickly when you bounce of the rev limiter or close to it, the first to second shift will always be jumpy cause you're engaging into the power surge of the 2gr

 

I agree though, it won't clunk when you match them perfect

 

Absolutely agree. Less is more.

 

I wouldn't say it is under-powered at all. In fact, I feel like the engine has gotten stronger since I've gotten it. I'm at 11,000+ miles and loving it more everyday. I'm very satisfied with the engine.

 

curious about this also. install looks like a bitch and ive read a lot of complaints about reverse effort but i think a heavier ball would fix most of that

 

New addition to the MT family arrived today. Definitely glad to have a manual again, just need to get used to offroading with it now. Heated seats work great BTW. Considering my last MT was a 1970 Chevy pickup I can't complain about anything on the new truck, other than it's waaaaay too quiet to hear when to shift

 

Nice. I actually own two manuals at the moment. My 2016 and a 1970 Chevy!