Tacoma - hard to get into first occasionally - help

[Barmanus]

I have a 2003 Tacoma, 4cyl, 5spd 4x4, 80k miles.

Occassionally it's difficult to get into 1st gear. 5th gear feels a little sticky as well. I have bled the clutch and replaced the transmission gear oil with GL5 75-90w. No change at all.

90% of the time it goes into 1st easily as it should but once a week or so it will have trouble. I'll go into second and then try first and sometimes that works. Sometimes I just take off in second. I try pumping the clutch and going into other gears every time, that doesn't help.

Because it's been babied it's whole life and the milieage is low and the clutch has been used properly for long life I don't think it needs a new clutch.

Is there a clutch adjustment anywhere?? I appreciate anyones help. Thanks!

 

[Happy Trails]

Mine does the same thing...not much you can do about it. I did the same fluid changes ect. and didn't notice much of a difference. I'd rather have this occasional annoyance than a full blown tranny failure like I had years ago in a POS Ford Explorer I had.

 

[raydouble]

Do a google search for "Tacoma shifter bushing".....that would be the first place I would go, plus it's the cheapest.
Marlin sells them if you indeed need one.

 

[Barmanus]

Thanks guys. I'll order that bushing tomorrow. Do you think I'm doing any real damage by pushing it into first when I absolutely have to? Like when people are waiting on me to get out of the way?

 

[raydouble]

Thanks guys. I'll order that bushing tomorrow. Do you think I'm doing any real damage by pushing it into first when I absolutely have to? Like when people are waiting on me to get out of the way?

Can't say for sure.....

I'd check out the condition of it before ordering it.

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

I haven't worked on a Taco, but the earlier trucks had an adjustment under the dash between the pedal and the master. You loosen a nut and turn the connecting rod out (towards the master) a few turns then tighten the nut and see how it works. I would think the newer trucks would be the same... Good luck!

 

[Barmanus]

Ok, I got the new shifter socket from Marlin but I also recieved a heavy duty shift lever bushing (socket). I have no idea where this goes.

here is what I don't know how to install:
Heavy Duty Shift Lever Socket | Marlin Crawler, Inc.


Also, what type of grease should I use on the shift bushing cup thing??

 

[raydouble]

Ok, I got the new shifter socket from Marlin but I also recieved a heavy duty shift lever bushing (socket). I have no idea where this goes.

here is what I don't know how to install:
Heavy Duty Shift Lever Socket | Marlin Crawler, Inc.


Also, what type of grease should I use on the shift bushing cup thing??

So, you have the below on lock down?
Toyota Tacoma manual transmission pop out of gear? Here's the simple fix!

The picture you linked is the portion that goes on the bottom of the shift lever itself and into the transmission. Mine just slipped off and the new old slipped on....I just used the same chassis grease that I lube the zerk fittings with.

 

[Barmanus]

Ray, you are awesome. Thanks for the help. It looks like I can handle that! I have some mobil1 bearing grease. I think I'll just use that!

 

[Barmanus]

Ray,

In the directions you linked they mention a seat, cap and a seal. I got the cap and the seat from Marlin but I did not get a new seal. Do I need to get a new seal that goes under the seat at the dealership?

So, you have the below on lock down?
Toyota Tacoma manual transmission pop out of gear? Here's the simple fix!

The picture you linked is the portion that goes on the bottom of the shift lever itself and into the transmission. Mine just slipped off and the new old slipped on....I just used the same chassis grease that I lube the zerk fittings with.

 

[raydouble]

Ray,

In the directions you linked they mention a seat, cap and a seal. I got the cap and the seat from Marlin but I did not get a new seal. Do I need to get a new seal that goes under the seat at the dealership?

The seat and seal are one piece on the Marlin upgrade, you will see when you get in there. You take two pieces out and put one back in.

 

[Barmanus]

Ok. I understand it all now. Thanks for the help!

 

[NanoCar]

ray, I have all the respect for you... LOL! forgive me pals for joining the discussion.. I think I have ADHD.. Anyway, sounds like tocoma parts has all been set.. that's what I like about this forum.. keep it up guys.. =)

______________
ADHDguy..

 

[raydouble]

Updates?

 

[Barmanus]

I took it apart and the old shifter bushing had completely disintegrated! Just rubber chunks left! I installed the new one from Marlin and it made a HUGE difference. Slides into gear extremely smoothly. I also switched to Redline MT90 GL4 in the transmission and that also improved the shifting a bit more. The new bushing made a huge difference though.

I am very happy with the way my truck shifts now!!! Thanks for the help!

 

[raydouble]

Dude, that is awesome....glad that was your issue.

 

[Barmanus]

Yeah, I was very lucky. I absolutely love this truck.