The Toyota W59 transmission is the 5-speed manual that was used from 1995-2004 in both 4×4 and 4×2 versions of the Toyota Tacoma, Toyota 4Runner and Toyota T100. This transmission was only fitted to trucks that were equipped with the Toyota 2RZ-FE 2.4L or Toyota 3RZ-FE 2.7L 4cyl engines. Although it works reasonably well, Toyota W59 transmission problems do still occur. So let’s take a look at some of the most common issues, and figure out what you can do about them.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Toyota W59 Transmission Applications
Model
Toyota Tacoma
Toyota W59 Transmission Technical Specifications
Mechanically similar to the Toyota W55/W56 transmissions, the Toyota W59 transmission is what’s known as a three – shift type of manual gearbox because it has an input shaft, an output shaft and a counter gear. The engine power is transmitted from the input shaft to the counter gear, then onto the output shaft which is co-axially fitted to the input shaft. When fourth gear is engaged, the input shaft and the output shaft are directly engaged to one another.
Toyota W59 Gear Ratio
1st = 3.95
2nd = 2.14
3rd = 1.27
4th = 1.00
5th = 0.85
R = 4.09
Common Toyota W56 Transmission Problems
Hard to shift gears
If you notice that your Toyota W56 is becoming difficult to shift, then it may be due to one of the following reasons:
- Low or contaminated manual transmission fluid
- A broken shifter
- A failed synchro ring, sleeve and/or hub
- A failed gear
Jumps out of gear
What Transmission Do I Have?
- Damaged locking ball spring
- Worn shift fork
- Worn or damaged gear
- Worn or damaged bearing
