I am a complete newb to this site, but here goes:

I have a 2001 4wd v6 taco with some transmission(?) problems.
I am able to clutch and start or clutch cancel and start.
It will shift into any gear, but shows resistance going into 4th.
If I remain in neutral and release the clutch, the engine sputters slow and stops, with no intimation of engaging the gears or forward movement.
If I remain in gear, there is a second or two with the clutch released that it will run, then a metallic clang and the engine will die OR it will run and make an occasional grating sound.
If I put the pedal to the floor in first it will creep.
If I try reverse in will also creep...forward.
Any ideas or similar experiences?
Thanks.

 

also, there is a burning smell entering the cab and outside, but it is heavier there than in the engine compartment.

 

Well the smell is probably burning clutch...
I would be dropping the tranny at this point, and looking for a new one..
Because from general experience, going forward with the gear shifter in reverse is NOT good.

 

haha, yes, i have deduced that. thanks for the humour, it is needed.
So would you then think that the clutch is burning from a lack of 'help' from the transmission? and that it seems fine?

 

Well, i think its probably burning because it's slipping.
Which is why you aren't moving and the engine still runs.
Which leads me to believe something is jammed up in your tranny..

 

I would be looking for a transmission in a junkyard soon. Have you drained any oil out of the tranny to see how much metal is in it, also check the tranfercase, becayse if you tore stuff up in there you might get away with changing it. So go check the oil in the tranny and the transfer case and see if they are clean.