Manual Transmission Question - How smooth/easy are the shifts?

1st to 2nd is the most "notchy". It will take trial and error on what rpm to shift and foot work.

In my experience, if I push the clutch in just enough for the clutch to disengage, it will be a butter smooth shift from 1st to 2nd.

If you love driving stick, that small stuff shouldn't bother you

 

I didn't have to order mine, got lucky and found one locally. The salesman drove it about 45 miles from another dealership. After looking the truck over the salesman asked if I wanted a test drive and I declined. I said, you drove it here how was it? He said it's nice, brand new truck, transmission is very smooth shifting. I said great, let's go write you a check.
My experience is that it's a very smooth shifting transmission if not a little more car like than say 3/4 ton domestics.
Only thing for me was when shifting at redline 2nd to 3rd was a little tricky but I got it down now.
I don't always drive it that way but sometimes

 

Mine drives great, only issue I've had is sometimes I have trouble getting fully into 1st. But its not a big deal

 

Yeah that rev hang is something to get used to. Not that bad once you figure it out a bit though.

Not sure why so many guys have so many issues driving this thing. I know some of the earlier calibrations were not great, but 17/18+ should all drive great.

I find every excuse to drive my taco, it’s that much fun.

 

I just had a laugh remember that video someone shared in the broken shift lever thread
Edit to add, it's really that smooth if you drive it correctly.

 

I must say the gearing makes the MT worth it. My friend with a 2017 auto hates his gearing. If you drive like a grandpa (like me) you can get 23mpg on the highway. I've gotten 20mpg on a city commute home. So don't let the EPA numbers fool you. I've been pleasantly surprised. My 2013 auto only got 19mpg hwy and 17mpg on my commute.

 

Yep. MT experience - drove a 2000s buddies frontier offroad a bit, was a valet for a while, running a 97 4runner and the taco now. Had a 08 subaru turbo for 6 years. I have had this truck since 3/18 and have 36k on it. Owned 3 bikes.

It could just be the way of the truck, and I'm a bad driver. I have to say I don't hate the transmission itself as much as the way it is matched to the engine. The clunking I got over (just engage clutch slowly), and the throw I don't really mind, but the way it interacts in concert with the engine character and gearing is just not optimal. Having bigger tires doesn't help the hill situation either, but I felt the same way about the truck before I added them.

I love the truck overall, and the issues I have with it are as well managed as they'll get until I get around to installing my 4.88s. I am so used to my gripes with it that I don't actively acknowledge them alot until I saw this thread. Just thought I'd throw it out there for someone who asked. I don't think its a great vehicle to learn on, as there will be alot of clutch slipping in your future. Let me reiterate - I love the truck and would buy it again in MT.

 

OP, while there might be subtle differences between various manual transmissions and automobiles with them, the differences are minuscule compared to the differences between an automatic and a manual. She’ll relearn to drive me it. It’s like riding a bike.

 

The shifting is smooth, but the shift intervals are short (compared to a 5-speed). That means that you'll be shifting a lot more than you might expect.

 

OMG when I first got my '16, I was not ready for the stumbling off the line, super inconsistent/drunk throttle, and weird engagement. I adapted, but realized quickly that it wasn't pleasant (for me).
Turns out all of that can be "fixed", so that's what I did (tuned and accumulator modded).
The early M/T calibration was a shitshow compared to later revisions.
Not bench racing, I actually flashed my '16 to 04B13 for comparison (I was already tuned at the time), and the stock calibration for my '19 is also much better than the original.

 

I drive my manual like a 4-5 speed most of the time. I skip 5th pretty much 90% of the time and I skip 3rd quite a bit as well.

 

So I have heard That’s why I said 17/18 + should be fine. There are still seem to be some inconsistencies between the 3rd gens though.

I would love to take those guys that are struggling for a ride. If they close their eyes they will think they are in an auto *most of the time.

 

So one of the other users mentioned that some 1-2 issues can be solved by changing the speed of clutch DISengagement. Seems that either the actual clutch position is lagging behind what’s commanded and/or the throttle is doing it’s own thing…

I’ve been against it due to warranty concerns but I’m 90% ready to do the ADM. I’m glad to hear that this seems to make rev matching easier and solves other pesky issues. I’m hoping that if/when I do this, I’ll instantly LOVE driving this truck.

at the end of the day though, I’d rather sit around and complain about a bad MT than a bad slushbox!

 

- Clutch is fairly soft and forgiving compared to others
- The throw is higher though because its a truck which takes some getting use to.
- Redline transmission fluid goes a long way for smooth shifts
- OVtune or similar does a lot to help with the shift points and rev hang.

overall would not be driving a tacoma if it didn't come in a manual and manuals needs to be enjoyed while they're still around. But regardless of how experienced someone is at stick shift each vehicle has its own shifting quirks that takes some getting acclimated with.

 

My wife can drive mine.

 

Yeah, I've found disengaging the clutch (pressing pedal down) slower on the earlier shifts (1-2, 2-3) to be very helpful. Not saying it's needed, I probably drive a bit poorly and it makes it nice. There are many different ways to drive it, which is awesome. Sometimes I rev above 4k rpm lol

 

It's not as smooth as my '16 GTI but much smoother than my '71 Scout.

 

I have to upshift from 1st to 2nd almost as soon as the truck begins moving, and then soon after that to 3rd. This is in contrast to the 5-speed in my 2000 Ford Ranger, where I can dwell in the lower gears much longer (without over-revving the engine).

 

its fine

 

Compared to the Audi A4 or the '79 Mazda RX-7, the 2021 SB Sport has less positive gate feel in the shift. Out on the road, moving between 3, 4 and 5, you need to remember where you are coming from, and where you are going. Bu hey! It's a truck. I just take my time....