Hey everyone, I’ve had my 2021 Tacoma since 18k miles, now up to 46k. Been driving manuals since I first got behind the wheel, and I won’t own an automatic. But I gotta say, this thing has one of the stiffest and harshest engagements I’ve ever felt, almost on par with my old Cummins with a ceramic dual-disc clutch.
Anyone got any tricks to smooth these things out? I already swapped the fluid in both differentials, t-case, and trans with Amsoil, and while it helped a lot, it’s still stiff as hell. Thinking about changing the clutch fluid and lubing up the linkage to see if that helps. I drive like a grandpa most of the time, and the way this thing feels like an on/off switch just doesn’t sit right with me. Seems like it’d be tough on the parts over time.
I’ve noticed the same thing, especially when my wife drives it. She’s used to a much shorter clutch throw, so her shifts feel rough. These trucks have a clutch accumulator—wonder if that’s part of the issue? I haven’t removed mine yet, but I’ve been thinking about it.
Might want to check what transmission fluid you used. If it’s GL-5 instead of GL-4, that could be messing with your synchros. A lot of mechanics and even dealers don’t realize this and just use the generic GL-5. I have a 2022 with 68k miles, and mine shifts way better now after swapping to GL-4. First changed mine at 35k, and it’s still smooth.
I own a lot of manual cars, and my 2017 Tacoma shifts rough compared to most modern manuals. I was surprised at first, but I think that’s just how they are.