JShaffer0525

The vehicle- 1987 4runner w/ 22re, w56 manual transmission

The issue- I was pulling my friend out a some snow the other day and all of a sudden my 4runner won't move (like the clutch won't engage).

Things that may help diagnose my problem-
-still have to have the clutch pedal in to start the 4runner and move through the gears (hopefully not transmission?)

-when the clutch pedal is released it idles slightly lower when in gear as if it were going to die like it would if you let the clutch out without giving it gas. it feels like a tiny remnant of the clutch wants to engage still but it cant.

-everything around the pedal bracket appears to be fine,, tight, not broken

-the master cylinder has been leaking maybe 1 cup full per month, enough to notice fluid on my floor and around where it comes through the firewall.

-there is still a lot of pressure behind the pedal, it is not slack at all

-the clutch is a basic clutch from advance or auto zone, nothing special. it was replaced when i did my engine swap less than 10k mi ago.

-i have been using my 4runner to pull people out of snow and stuff but nothing that i feel strains it in anyway. the clutch has not shown any signs of slipping before it stopped engaging.

-there is no boot at all around the clutch fork (that is what is going into the right side of the transmission right?)

-i tried adjusting the nut that connects the clutch pedal to the master cylinder. there was no change at all.

I should clarify- I guess I'm asking if it is indeed my clutch or not? If not, what do you think it is?


I have searched through threads on clutch installs and clutch bracket issues and such but I haven't seen anything that pertains to me. I am a novice at this but I don't mind getting my hands dirty and I welcome all your input.
Thanks!

For laughs I called around to get prices on replacing the clutch (though I intend to do the work myself) and the dealership quoted me at over $700! HHAAHAH

pruney81

when mine went a while back a bought an OEM Aisin kit from http://www.wabfab.org/products/clutches/clutches.htm and had my flywheel resurfaced locally. I'm lucky a friend helped me put mine in for $180.

JShaffer0525

thats the thing, im not entirely sure mine is gone. it showed no signs of wear until it just completely stopped working which im hoping/guessing could be caused by something else. if it is indeed the clutch then ill be dropping a 1600lb MC clutch in it.

waskillywabbit

iTrader: (-1)

Is there fluid in the MC? How about the slave? Is it leaking?

JShaffer0525

mc was about half down when i checked it. ill check the slave in the morning as the 4runner is a long walk from my house

the mc has always had some fluid so i dont think air bubbles have formed in the hydraulic system.

4rnrlvr

Have you tried to shift the transfer case?

JShaffer0525

transfer case shifts just fine, disengages the 4wd light, etc. just for the heck of it i unlocked the hubs and tried 2wd but same deal.

4rnrlvr

My bet is there's a gear or shaft broke in the transfer case.

JShaffer0525

hmm, maybe time for a rebuild and duals =p.

im trying to stay positive... every broken thing is an excuse to spend money on fun stuff like more hardcore parts or more tools!

4rnrlvr

OK. Hope it wasn't your DD.

JShaffer0525

nah, my DD is a 35ft El Dorado city bus :p. i drive a bus in boone.

anyone have anyway to rule out a tcase issue?

4rnrlvr

Must be a Bitch finding a parking place at the grocery store.

Seriously though, it's a good thing you have public transit! When my transmission blew a couple years ago I found out the hard way how much it sucks to be broken down with no public transit, no extra set of wheels, and my significant other out of town. Be glad you can get around, cause sounds like the 4Runner might be grounded for a bit!

JShaffer0525

yup its a good though under appreciated system for sure.

anyone else think it could be the tc? it sounds feasible and i wouldnt know how to differentiate between te clutch going or the tcase going.

JShaffer0525

brian, i finally got down to check the slave. it still has fluid and is pushing the clutch fork as it should.

the transfer case is fine as well. apparently it is the clutch, i was just hoping it wasnt. yay for cheap advance auto clutches with lifetime warranties...

quasi

sounds like you broke a driveshaft. do you have open diffs? try putting it in 4wd and see if it moves, or
jack it up and release the clutch to see if you have drive to the diffs.
good luck

JShaffer0525

i checked the drive shafts and transfer case. with the rear up on stands and in 2wd spinning the drives shaft spins the rears and in 4wd nothing spins since the front is still on the ground.

quasi

ok, if the rear is up on stands release the clutch with the truck running. if the main driveshaft spins or not is what we need to know.

4rnrlvr

Now that you added information to the original post, it does sound like it could be the clutch. Clarification about the idling would have been helpful the first time. But in low range it should still start to pull.

If it's not the clutch (I'm still not completely convinced it is) or driveshaft then the next most likely problem is transmission or between transmission and transfer case.