Clutch Problem? 1990 7M-GTE Longbed 4x4
 

I have a 1990 Toyota truck with a 7M-GTE (supra 6 cylinder) engine swap (from a 22RE); the engine has some performance modifications, which bring it up to around 375hp - it is connected to the original transmission and transfer case, with an OEM toyota supra clutch disc.

Last week I was driving on the freeway (high range, 2WD) when a sharp metal on metal banging noise started; it sounded like a bad rod knock, so I immediately shut the truck down, and coasted off the freeway. I had the truck towed home, and left it alone until earlier today, when I was forced to move it or risk getting a parking ticket.

When I started the truck the noise was still there, it increases in rhythm when the engine is revved, but when I push the clutch pedal in (disengage the clutch and hold the pedal down) the noise goes away entirely. When I release the clutch pedal and let the clutch out, in neutral or in a gear, the noise returns, and increases in frequency with revving.

I had been trying to source a replacement 7M-GTE engine, as I was under the impression it was an issue with rod knock (that's exactly how it sounds) - now with this discovery, it seems the noise is clutch pressure-plate, or otherwise transmission related. The car moves, and seems fine outside of the loud metal on metal noise.

I need to get the truck repaired; I don't have the space to separate the engine/trans and work on the truck myself, and I will need to have it towed, rather than driven, to a repair shop. I would like to call shops ahead of time and get an idea of cost, but I don't know what to ask them. Does this sound like an issue common to these trucks, probably an issue intensified by the increased force on the transmission? I have tried searching this forum, but have not found issues similar to mine.

it sounds like its something with the clutch i think. try pushing down the clutch and reving it. If no noise, then i think you can take a sigh of relief..

With the clutch pedal pushed down the truck runs smooth, there is no noise; when the pedal is released, in neutral or in gear, the metal on metal banging noise starts.

well, if you push the clutch in and it goes away it means the problem is after the flywheel, it could be a clutch and pressure plate took a dump, or even worse could have blown the transmission. do you feel any shutter or twitching when letting the clutch out/ engaging it? if not than its probably not the clutch and in the transmission its self.

The truck seems fine, except for the noise; shifting and clutch engagement is smooth. I was in 4th gear when it happened, and used 1st and reverse gear today.

well i got some bad news then, your prob gonna have to tear apart the tranny.

This is one of those things you might be able to pull the starter and look around with a flash light and mirror see if anything came loose..

Either way the engine and tranny are going to need to come apart .If you can find someone who has done one of these swaps and knows what they need to do to get the transmission out .

It is not going to be cheap

Good luck

Is there a DIY for removing the transmission?