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

I've only ever owned one vehicle with an automatic gearbox, a 1999 Infiniti QX4, which was an interim vehicle until I could finally afford to get buy a 2017 Taco. I hated every day I had to drive that vehicle because of the automatic. My 2000 Taco was a 5-speed manual, and I never once considered buying an automatic when I was in the market to purchase that truck.

The #1 reason for owning a manual is control. These modern, sophisticated vehicles, with all their technology, radar, cameras, etc, are an answer to the fact that most Americans behind the steering wheel are too distracted to realize they're actually driving. I wouldn't be surprised if less than 5% of manu-matic owners use manual mode (or even know how to use it). Even with the manu-matics, the computer will still upshift or downshift for you if RPM's get too high or too low. If I want to run my vehicle to 6k-7k RPM in 1st gear, or try to run at 800 RPM in 6th gear, the computer won't let me do it. One example I've used in the snow/ice is starting from a stopped position in 2nd gear to reduce the torque to the wheels. This helps prevent wheel spin and facilitates traction in an otherwise slippery situation. Sure, it may take longer to get moving, but at least I can get moving. With a true manual, one can do as they wish and be in full control.

For me, it's three pedals or none.

Jon

 

nice, and welcome.

for real control at the throttle your next stop is the OV Tune for your MT's ECU. if you prefer control, it's indispensable.

 

No more four banger manual for 2018? So sad. That was the last real Toyota pickup in the old school style.

On the plus side, Porsche brought back the manual for the GT3 so the taco is getting a stablemate (same color too). I wonder if the pedal will squeak too.

 

Oa

If I had cash burning a hole in my pocket, I'd pick up a 2017 4 banger 5 speed and put it in deep storage for 15-20 years.

 

Hey do you guys know Toyota has discontinued the 5 speed manual transmission for 2018! I found out from a article in Car & Driver.

 

The End of Days is near.....

 

They discontinued the 5spd and gave it the 6spd as a replacement.

 

But I don't think it will be a manual transmission.

 

Anyone ever felt a mild clunk when braking in neutral, when barely moving or coming to a complete stop?

 

Do any of you have any issues with the reverse gearing in these trucks? It seems awfuly high geared to me. Even with just the truck you have to kinda ride the clutch to get it going and give it plenty of gas and then it moves too fast for me. I do a bit of trailer hauling between my utility trailer and micro camper and it's awkward backing into spots because it's too fast. I was trying to ease my utility trailer in reverse up my driveway this morning and had to stop as I started smelling clutch just a little.

 

Agreed, geared way too high and I also find myself riding the clutch more than I'd like when parking.

 

common complaint usually heard from MT drivers backing up a trailer. they all smell the clutch. browse back if it want to see for yourself but it's the same basic post you made. until someone figures a way to mod the tranny this is what you got.

 

I pretty much never tow and the gearing is still too high. I can’t imagine backing a loaded trailer with this gearing. Reverse feels like it’s geared to be comfortable at around 20MPH.

OA

 

Agreed, It feels more like second gear. I have read through a good bit of this thread and thought I'd seen this mentioned before but never remembered a resolution. The only thing I could tink of temporarily would be utilizig 4 lo. I'm going to look at the FJ transfer case mod with twin sticks as, from what I've gathered so far, it gives you a 2wd low. Idk if this would be the fix or not but perhaps worth looking into anyway

 

Quick solution- Put it in low range. Better solution - Install a switch to enable put it in 2-wheel drive low-range. Did that on my 2001 - There it was easy as the transfer cases lever had a push button on it. You could move the transfer case to Low - and not push the button - and you were in 2WD - Low Range.
Would have to look at a schematic to see how to do this on a Gen 3. Perhaps someone on the list has already done it and can share. - Clay

 

4lo was what I was thinking for now as well especially since most of the backing up is on gravel or dirt and only short distances. I have a second gen and with the electric 4wd switch idk if there's an option foe 2 lo like you mention

 

It sure is a pain in the ass though and way too fast for reversing a trailer. This is my first and only complaint about this truck and the first time I liked the auto better as you could just creep

 

I agree. The ratio is all wrong for a truck that can tow a 6,000lb trailer.

I would love a 2lo mod. IMHO, it would seem easy to do for an electrical guru since both the t-case and front hubs are electronically controlled. I wish I had the skills.

If the mod had the preference / feature to pop into 2lo every time I drop it into R? Fuuuuuuccccck! That would be amazing.

BTW, a couple of our MT cars had a reverse ratio lower than 1st also. Even those were head scratchers. I'd enjoy hearing from anyone that can justify a low reverse ratio. I knew peeps that were skilled at driving backwards fast, but . . .

 

Manuals are all that I own and care to drive. Dealer I first went to tried and tried to get me in an automatic. I made them mad as I knew I wanted a manual, so went to another dealer and found my dream truck. As long as they are still making them, I will be buying them.

 

I hate the reverse. If I need to do it under any sort of load, I put it in 4lo.