The achilles heel of the 6-MT

The Manual Transmission's achilles heel is 2nd gear. In second gear, the revs divided by 100 = the speed. In other words 1500rpm = 15 mph, 1800rpm = 18mph, etc.

This means that speeds below 20mph in second will result in RPMs below 2,000 which the Tacoma 3.5 doesn't like. But holding first gear until at least 20 mph is downright painful.

It's even worse if towing or heavily loaded. Someone else once posted about his experience and dismay towing a heavy trailer in hilly terrain, especially at lower speeds.

 

And backing trailers. One of these days I will install the low mod that's been sitting in my garage.

 

I find 1st gear to be just a rolling gear the power in these trucks don’t exist until 3rd gear … but ehh it’s a truck not a sports car .

 

Hmmm, maybe it's just me; the only time the 1-2 shift makes the engine less than happy is when the engine is cold and I shift early (at say < 2,500 RPMs) while going up a hill. As for towing, I've made two 500+ mile trips with the bed and trailer very near the weight capacity and had no issues at all, even in the rolling hills of New England or the Pocono's of Pennsylvania.

 

I don’t know about then poconos but I agree about the cold engine hates second gear. I usually let it wind out longer than I want in first, then reluctantly shift into second and it bounces and lunges. Once warm though, you can play with the throttle differently and it responds much better.

 

I drive in heavy traffic 3 days agree. I agree.

 

Didn’t someone say 3G needs regear from factory

If so would that not solve this
Not to mention how much bigger tires tends to necessitate that on a vehicle.

 

Best Mod for the manual, pulling the airbag below the glove box was the only tricky part. very worth it.

 

Sounds like y’all need a tune

 

I honestly have no complaints with the manual. I got the 2 wheel low mid for backing up a steep driveway in the mountains. Otherwise it does just fine, remembering that it's a truck, and not a quick car. Has get up with revs, and no hunting between gears. Can't complain even with the larger than stock 265 75 16 tires.

 

I would not complain much if 2nd came down a bit closer to first and then had all other gears come down half as much.

Id even play with lowering the whole deal more so 1st would be a granny gear...

The gap is a bit much 1st to 2nd, but it is manageable.

2low mod is essential in my book. I've used it a lot climbing off road.

 

It's up hill both ways when I leave the house. It takes a mile plus in winter before the heater blows cold air.
That first mile takes me to the base of a significant hill (not sierras, but still a climb of about 700 feet) heat (defrost) comes on half way up the climb.
Yes, I hang on to the the revs to avoid lugging up the grade .. No biggie!

 

I understand the gearing in the '24 manuals is nearly what you're asking for. There's a thread on here where a guy is looking to swap one in when it comes available at the dealership. Supposed to be a direct swap.