Are your expedition/overland vehicles auto, or stick?

[Applejack]

Buy the manual and re-gear the Tcase. Best of both worlds.

You don't have the aftermarket t-case gearing options on these newer trucks that you've got on older rigs like the 1st, 2nd and sometimes 3rd gens.
So whatever is there in the aftermarket, if there is any, is going to be veery $pendy.

My advice is to go and test drive them both. I'm sure the dealership has to have both the 6sp manual and 5sp Auto on the lot most of the time.
We bought ours with an auto and I was disappointed at first, because I wanted the 6sp but it didn't take long to find out the the Taco's auto was unlike the auto's of old. Yes there is the thing about it being computer controlled and there are valid arguments for and against. I found it to be very wheeler friendly and when I was feeling sporty the gated shifter made it fun to manually shift through the gears, though I'm sure it didn't actually make it any quicker.

 

[NothingClever]

Manual transmission in my '02 Taco 4x4 and my wife's Subaru Outback, too.
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I've always preferred manual transmissions because of the touted service simplicity and fuel mileage arguments. However, my sense is those are outdated arguments now because of technological advances in the past ~15 years. The fact that almost all manufacturers are "pure-fleeting" with automatic transmissions is compelling evidence in my mind that they're sufficiently reliable. The fact that almost all manufacturers still offer manuals in many qof the world's markets speaks (I think) to profit margins and comsumer purchase power (manuals are cheaper to produce).
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We all plan for this harrowing circumstance of being on the banks of the Chagres with only an aluminum foil gum wrapper, a Filson hat and that by using a manual transmission we'll guarantee our chances of stumbling across some plucky shade tree indig mechanic to cross cultural boundaries and achieve some metaphysical state of collaborative ingenuity to repair a broken transmission which would otherwise be impossible if we had been so foolish to buy an automatic. I think that's mostly romantic daydreaming.
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Me? If I have any kind of broken transmission anywhere (beyond a self-induced hole which can be repaired with JB Weld), I'm going to flatbed my truck to the nearest big city where I know parts will be on hand regardless of the transmission and where somebody has done the job several times or has access to someone else who has. If I can flatbed heavy machinery through the most remote parts of one of the world's poorest countries (well, it WAS one of the poorest countries), I can find a flatbed anywhere.
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From the driving pleasure perspective, same as lots of others here. A manual is great for mountain driving and hauling a load because YOU pick your shift points but they're not so good for stop-and-go traffic or ultra-slow, high-torque technical off-roading.
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Best of luck with your decision.

 

[Plannerman]

My 2009 taco and 2010 taco were identically equipped except for transmission (dc, 4x4, etc). The auto 2010 gets about 10-20% better gas mileage than the 2009 with manual transmission.

 

[Corey]

My last two rigs (2007 FJ Cruiser, 1991 4Runner) have been automatics.
Prior to that I grew up with sticks, had been driving them since 1973 until I got the 4Runner in October of 1998.

I would not go back to stick again.
I like automatics much better since I deal with rush hour traffic from time to time, and I also like autos better for wheeling, especially if you come to a stop on a steep hill.

Also the auto is much better on my knee joints.

Less fun to drive perhaps than banging through the gears, but the autos have grown on me.
Toyota builds a nice automatic transmission.

 

[Deleted member 9101]

The ONLY reason I own an automatic is because Toyota never saw fit to put a stick shift behind the 4.7 in the Tundra.

 

[pdugan6]

I enjoy my 2011 Tacoma immensely. Of course I am not doing any intensive wheeling in it. I have it as my work truck and use it for hunting quite frequently.

 

[1911]

I currently have one of each (see signature). The FJC is my first ever auto tranny 4WD, but it is a very good one and makes some kinds of wheeling much easier. One thing that I didn't see anyone else mention yet, is that the torque converter slip in 1st gear will give you some of the same effect as a lower first gear, i.e. the ability to go slower with more control over an obstacle. For general fun factor and ultimate control, I still like a stick. It takes a certain skill set to use well but it is a fun challenge to learn that skill set. For the majority of folks that don't want to learn and practice that skill set, an auto tranny makes more sense and is much easier to use off-road IMO.

 

[Karma]

HI All,
I prefer manuals for the reasons listed in this thread; I'll not repeat. I've owned two vehicles with automatics, a van and a Ford LTD. The vans transmission failed. The Ford was OK.

I have another reason for preferring a manual that has not been mentioned. I call it shotgun starting. This is simply starting in gear. It is most useful in low/low range in either steep up hill or down hill situations. No need to slip the clutch or judge the starting speed. Just leave the clutch engaged, give it zero gas pedal, and start. The vehicle should start immediately, just as if the clutch was disengaged, and the vehicle should proceed with the engine at idle and with everything under full control. Seldom do I need to give any gas. I just let the gear ratios do their thing. This works beautifully with my '89 YJ Jeep Wrangler equipped with a Howell throttle body fuel injection and a Tera Low transfer case. The starts never fail. I do this often even if on level ground because it is so smooth and easy.

To underline my point, I replaced the stock starter motor (which, BTW, was working fine) with a heavy duty Mean Green starter because I recognize that this could constitute cruel and unusual punishment for the starter. I'm not sure this is really true because the starter does not appear to struggle but better to be safe than sorry. The load is definitely greater than normal. Anyway, I have been shotgun starting for years with nary a problem. Some people consider this to be advanced 4 wheeling technique. I don't agree but the technique does make perfect sense because it is so useful and safe and simple.

I consider this ability to be so important that it alone would stop me from buying an automatic.

Obviously, If you have an evil clutch interlock, it must be disabled. My YJ is old enough to avoid the clutch police.

Sparky

 

[RusM]

As soon as the 22re on my rig shats the bed, it's getting replaced with a 3.4/A340 and the duals are getting the full chromoly treatment. I'll also go with some RADesigns controls for the auto and one of his triple sticks. I've found that one can never have too low of a gear option.

 

[upcountry]

wow that was a helpful post.

Dont quote me on it but ive heard that the newer autos get better fuel economy than a manual these days.

now that wasnt hugely helpful either but i have a 2008 tacoma with the automatic and with basically no maintenance done to my truck i havent had any transmission problems.

ive towed alot (over the limit a few times- obvs not recommended) and havent had any issues either.

Im not a fan of where the ebrake handle is placed on the 2nd gen tacomas when equipped with a manual trans. i found it hit my knee but i only drove a manual tacoma a handful of times so i might just have not had the seat adjusted properly.

i also think an auto would be easier to sell than a stick as anyone can drive an auto. ( resale value is always a good thing to consider):smiley_drive:

You must be a newbie to Toyota Trucks. Every model of Toyota truck from the beginning of time has had the E-brake handle in the same place. In-fact, if they moved it I have a feeling we would revolt. We have all bumped our knoees on the brake handle and we all love it.

 

[upcountry]

Clutch Start Cancel

HI All,
I prefer manuals for the reasons listed in this thread; I'll not repeat. I've owned two vehicles with automatics, a van and a Ford LTD. The vans transmission failed. The Ford was OK.

I have another reason for preferring a manual that has not been mentioned. I call it shotgun starting. This is simply starting in gear. It is most useful in low/low range in either steep up hill or down hill situations. No need to slip the clutch or judge the starting speed. Just leave the clutch engaged, give it zero gas pedal, and start. The vehicle should start immediately, just as if the clutch was disengaged, and the vehicle should proceed with the engine at idle and with everything under full control. Seldom do I need to give any gas. I just let the gear ratios do their thing. This works beautifully with my '89 YJ Jeep Wrangler equipped with a Howell throttle body fuel injection and a Tera Low transfer case. The starts never fail. I do this often even if on level ground because it is so smooth and easy.

To underline my point, I replaced the stock starter motor (which, BTW, was working fine) with a heavy duty Mean Green starter because I recognize that this could constitute cruel and unusual punishment for the starter. I'm not sure this is really true because the starter does not appear to struggle but better to be safe than sorry. The load is definitely greater than normal. Anyway, I have been shotgun starting for years with nary a problem. Some people consider this to be advanced 4 wheeling technique. I don't agree but the technique does make perfect sense because it is so useful and safe and simple.

I consider this ability to be so important that it alone would stop me from buying an automatic.

Obviously, If you have an evil clutch interlock, it must be disabled. My YJ is old enough to avoid the clutch police.

Sparky

Great Point. Most of the different generations of manual tranny Toyota trucks have all been equiped with a "Clutch Start Cancel" button that is intended for exactly that purpose and I have used it in a few situations to get un-stuck. Infact, it used to be included in most of the older truck owners manuals.

I have seen some build threads over on Tacoma World where guys new to Toyota truacks have actually removed the clutch start cancel to put a switch in for lights or something else. I wonder if they know the true benefit of the clutch start cancel?

I found this from http://www.toyotaoffroad.com/Articles/Information/4x4Tips.htm:

"STALLED IN A SITUATION: If you have the clutch start cancel button it can be handy. When you're going over big obstacles you don't want to roll back if you stall. So leave the truck in gear and hit the "clutch start cancel" button. Turn the key and allow the starter gear to move the truck a bit while the engine starts again. Then you're off again moving over the obstacle without having to engage the clutch."

 

[upcountry]

Gas Mileage - Manual V. Auto

wow that was a helpful post.

Dont quote me on it but ive heard that the newer autos get better fuel economy than a manual these days.

now that wasnt hugely helpful either but i have a 2008 tacoma with the automatic and with basically no maintenance done to my truck i havent had any transmission problems.

ive towed alot (over the limit a few times- obvs not recommended) and havent had any issues either.

Im not a fan of where the ebrake handle is placed on the 2nd gen tacomas when equipped with a manual trans. i found it hit my knee but i only drove a manual tacoma a handful of times so i might just have not had the seat adjusted properly.

i also think an auto would be easier to sell than a stick as anyone can drive an auto. ( resale value is always a good thing to consider):smiley_drive:

I looked up the mileage for a 2007 Tacoma V6 in 6 Spd manual and 5 Spd auto. EPA estimated mileage says the auto wins. See attached.

 

[Martinjmpr]

I looked up the mileage for a 2007 Tacoma V6 in 6 Spd manual and 5 Spd auto. EPA estimated mileage says the auto wins. See attached.

View attachment 72968

I wonder what the gearing is on those, though. If the manual is geared lower than the auto, that could explain the discrepancy right there.

 

[Mountainhound]

Great Point. Most of the different generations of manual tranny Toyota trucks have all been equiped with a "Clutch Start Cancel" button that is intended for exactly that purpose and I have used it in a few situations to get un-stuck. Infact, it used to be included in most of the older truck owners manuals.

I have seen some build threads over on Tacoma World where guys new to Toyota truacks have actually removed the clutch start cancel to put a switch in for lights or something else. I wonder if they know the true benefit of the clutch start cancel?

I found this from http://www.toyotaoffroad.com/Articles/Information/4x4Tips.htm:"STALLED IN A SITUATION: If you have the clutch start cancel button it can be handy. When you're going over big obstacles you don't want to roll back if you stall. So leave the truck in gear and hit the "clutch start cancel" button. Turn the key and allow the starter gear to move the truck a bit while the engine starts again. Then you're off again moving over the obstacle without having to engage the clutch."

The link don't work.

 

[upcountry]

Just tried it again and didn't work for me either. Not sure what happened.