What's the best way to negotiate a huge hill? When I start up a huge hill in the city I often have to shift on a steep incline; the transmission makes a jerky sound going from 1-2 or 2-3. I am wondering if it is better to just stay in 2nd gear with some high RPMs or upshift. The manual doesnt really cover the nuances of shifting. What about downhills? Is it best to let the gears do some of the braking? I really want to learn everything about shifting so any and all advice is much appreciated. Just how tough is that 5 speed on the Tacoma???? Thanks....

The best way that I've found is to say in gear a little longer than you normally would on level ground (if you ever do find level ground in San Fran). YOu don't have to red line it but I usally shift some where between 3500 and 4000 rpms on my 2.7 4 banger. If your sporting the 6 cyclinder you can shift a little sooner. Test what's best for your driving style and what feels right. The "banging" may not be the transmission but rear spring wrap as the axle twistes under load. This would be more apparent if you have a heavy foot and hit the clutch with out pullling back on the accelerater alittle. It can also come from shifting into the next gear with the clutch not full engaved. Do you get the clunking on level ground as well? YOu may ask Toyota or somone to check it out. As for long downhill decents, engine braking is recomended as it prevents damage to the the brakes from heat build up. It's usally better to be in the gear before the decent begins.