manually shifting an auto

i noticed that my taco goes L 1 2 3 4 d so i was wondering if that means i can drive it as a manual as well. will that mess up my transmission or anything else?

 

I've down-shifted a few times with no problems.

 

ive done it 1st all the way up to 5000 then second and third and then knocked it off when i hit 70

got up quick

 

I slow my truck down with the tranny 75% of the time to stop at a traffic light.

 

I don't think it is a problem. Just don't over rev the gears. Some people swear it actually is quicker to start off in 3rd and then shift through. I don't notice a difference.

I do notice if I have the cruise control on and I'm going up hill, if I knock it down to 4th, it holds the speed better up the hill.

I also downshift every now and then when needed.

GA

 

One of the things I wish Tacoma's had is autostick/manumatic. I really miss that from my Altima.

 

I launch in 2nd all the time.

 

is letting off the gas important?

 

my hand's always hovering over the shifter -- I use it frequently to slow the truck down, haven't ever noticed a problem.