Manual Transmission Off-Roaders Wanted!

When driving in 4-lo, is there always that annoying beeping sound or am I doing something wrong?!

 

This would have been my response to a "T".
I've owned 3 toyota trucks - all Manual.
Most of the time wheeling in 4lo I hardly touch the clutch.
Looking forward to my crawlbox install tho.

 

If it's beeping it's not working. I've found turning the selector slowly instead of just turning it fast helps. Are you coming to a complete stop and putting it in neutral first?

 

Don't let the Auto v Manual threads get you discouraged. What I've found is more often than not, guys will vote for what they have personally, and There's about a million more AT tacomas out there than MTs, so the votes always tend to swing into the majority. While some folks are speaking from experience of having both transmissions, A LOT of the negative press on MT's comes from "well I have an automatic, but I HEARD those MT's suck!"

You own the truck, you be the judge.

I personally love my 6 speed. And I wheel the f*ck out of it too...

Listen to Moose, Box Rocket, Homer, great advice from some truly experienced 4x4 gurus.

Most importantly, go drive it! While some modifications will absolutely make your experience better, you shouldn't have to wait until you've dumped a ton of money into it before you go wheeling. Just pick some mild trails, fire roads, dirt tracks etc and go have some fun. As you gain experience, and build your truck up accordingly, you'll want to tackle more challenging terrain.

Have Fun!

 

http://www.tacomahq.com/2872/6-speed-tacoma-transmission-review/
Read this. I have the 4 banger 5 speed combo and wouldn't change it for a thing. The gear ratios in 4lo are just right and it really climbs around with ease. I personally still believe that the manual gearbox is stronger than any automatic, but, I'm old school I guess.

I've wheeled in nothing but manuals and wouldn't change it for the world, just love being able to put it in low and idle over everything nice n' slow.

 

I thought this thread was dead! Thanks for the replies.

I've been in my new 6 speed for over a month now and absolutely love it. 4lo is just plain easy to use. I notice the auto guys I've been running with hardly ever use 4lo cuz stalling on the 3mph terrain just isn't a problem for them. I've driven in 4lo's 6th gear at 23mph which just seems hilarious to me! 1st and second gear almost acts like an automatic. Rolling over obstacles at 1mph and 600rpm's! I love it.

I'm glad I chose manual. The feel off-road is just so solid. The only thing I wish it had was a higher top gear. The difference between 5th and 6th gear on the highway is about 200 rpms... I'm assuming it's giving almost no gas savings. But it is cool having a 6th gear!

Thanks again for resurecting this post.

M

p.s.

Do the auto guys risk ruining their slushbox running in 4h on super slow terrain?

 

It's much easier to nuke an auto trans if you are running larger tires and do not re-gear.

 

Thats right on point. I'd be pissed if i bought an automatic and thought that the manual was better hahahaha

anyway enjoy your truck OP. Lucky thing its not to hard to do that

definitely picked the right one. never heard anyone buying the 6 spd MT and hating it except for those who dont know how to drive it. I sure love mine

 

Offroad driving on technical terrain definitely takes some practice and getting used to. I personal like manuals, I have one in my Tacoma and also had one in my Jeep. I personally like it, especially for downhill driving. I don't have to worry about some electronic connection between the shifter and the transmission.

Also the comments above about shifting to 4 Lo early is key! I end up driving in 3rd or 4th gear in 4 Lo a lot of the time when I am trail riding. You can even usually start out in 2nd gear on steep terrain because of 4 Lo.

 

Glad you are enjoying your new truck! I've considered upgrading to a V6 manual in the future, love the 4, but want some more ponies under the hood big time.