MT low range shifting

Is there any special techniques to shifting while in low range? Its my first truck and I've used low range a few times and going from 1-2 just feels weird. Im not sure if its the accumulator or Im just not doing something right. It feels like it holds me back until I let the RPMs drop then shift.

 

1-2 sucks, this motor likes to rev hang, so gotta be patient.

 

So just shift nice and slow?

 

It's normal, what terrain are you on? I usually just stay in 2nd on flat normal trails. 1st for challenge or uphill.

 

Pretty much, and like the guy ahead of the, stay in 2nd and above as much as you can.

 

Ok, cool. I usually just shift dramatically slowly and it turns out fine. I'm on rocky stuff out in CO. Usually use 2nd too but 1st when getting steep and technical and need to go super slow.

 

I loved aspects of M/T offroading with my jeep, but I found it to be tiring on a trail, the tacoma o/r auto made way more sense after years of shifting haha.

With water crossings in the spring, a good habit is to never shift while in water. The clutch can hydro lock and not re-engage on the 2nd gear shift leaving you stuck in water. So 2nd in, 2nd out.

 

And while we're on that topic, do the rear diff breather mod.

 

You dont use 1st in low, unless you are on very steep hill. You take off in 2nd if you are on flat or even on a minor hill.

Also, the rev hang doesnt help, gotta release the clutch slower to let those rpms drop for a smoother shift from 1st to 2nd.

 

You'll get use to it and once you do you'll love it just as the rest of us did. Shift Slower till you get the feel for it.$.02

 

Awesome, thanks for all the replies everyone. I have watched videos and learned to not shift while crossing water. Luckily the water crossings aren't too deep here. But I do love driving through water. I heard 1st was better that way if you stall you can use the clutch start cancel and start the truck in gear..... but i suppose it depends also on how fast you need to go through and how long it is, how deep, etc.
I'll keep practicing in 4LO and shift slow like i have been. I do use 1st for the steeps and have learned that I can take off in 2nd on the flats.

Thanks again

 

Oh, yea and the Tacoma is rated to ford so many inches of water....I can't remember exactly what the specs of this is. But at what point do you need to do the breather mod? Ive seen so many tacos without it (assuming) driving through water without issues. Im sure at a certain point its necessary but then wouldn't a snorkel be as well at that point? Thanks

 

If you're in lo range shifting gears shouldn't happen often. Pick one and leave it there. It won't hurt a thing in most cases to just start in 2nd gear if 1st is too low.

The factory breather tube goes up past the top of the tires. Unless you're up to your headlights you should be fine. If you're needing a snorkel to get air to the engine then you need to extend the tube.

 

It's really super overkill, but in the 2-4 range you can also double clutch to help make those shifts a bit smoother until you get a feel for it. Old school technique that isn't needed any more, but can help with this just to get your bearings

 

Great tip, thanks

 

When I was in the army we used to always skip 1st gear. We replaced a lot of clutches! Just saying.

 

1st gear in taco is quite low, no need to use on a flat surface, even slight incline. You just release the clutch and she goes no problem. On slight uphills you gotta give it about 1k rpm and all good.

 

That's been my experience. Usually 2nd low is where I need to be till it gets steep, Then I stop and downshift and walk up the obstacle.

Ok, that's great advice. When I do the snorkel, I will do the diff breather mod too.

 

Yea, not really wear and tear cause its so low and slow. I love that the truck can drive itself in 1st

 

Double clutching is something I need to look up! I've had a few manual cars, but never got super technical with the driving, just drove it normally mostly.