It looks like the rear main seal of my 88' 4Runner (22re, W56) is leaking. The clutch is also starting to get a case of the shudders, probably from oil contamination. I am planning to replace the clutch when I do the seal. First question: I am thinking of using Marlin's 1200 lb clutch kit - sound like a good idea? (Truck sees DD use and occasional creepy-crawly offroading).

Second, and more importantly: though the clutch only has about 30k on it, I am planning to resurface the flywheel. Is there a minimum spec thickness? I can't seem to find one in the FSM. Also, can I get some recommendations for new flywheels if mine is out of spec?

 

if you wanna you can upgrade to a 3rz clutch and flywheel apparently, a buddy of mine has one on his 22re its bigger as big as the 3vze or bigger

 

I don't know the specs but I had my flywheel resurfaced when I replaced my clutch at 98K miles. Although, if you have much higher mileage than that you might as well buy one from Marlin for $100 or get one from Napa for around $60. It's almost not worth it to get the flywheel resurfaced for $40 when you can buy a new one for $60.

That said, I had mine resurfaced and 12K miles later it's fine. I just found a local shop and told them it needed a step machined in it and as far as I can tell they did a good job.

 

I had a Marlin 1200lb just replaced it for a 1600lb kit as mine was slipping. I think somewhere around 35-40k mileage. Worn down almost to the rivets.

the 1200lb kit is great and better than stock! You probably wouldn't like the 1600lb it's closer to feeling like a ceramic clutch, pedals stiffer and it grips real hard. It's more difficult to start from a stop and shift.. to keep it smooth.

I'd just buy a new flywheel, thats what ive done on every clutch job. Having a flywheel surfaced requires downtime and costs nearly as much as a new flywheel. A heavier flywheel means slower acceleration but better torque and a decrease in compression braking performance.

Id stay with a stock flywheel. If you wanted a heavier one, go with a 22RET flywheel.

 

You're Marlin 1200 lb was slipping after 30-40K miles? That's crazy, I ended up buying a stock AISIN kit from wabfab, which I understand is the same as Marlin's his are just a little more clamping force as they are both AISIN.

I just had my flywheel resurfaced, they had it done in one day as my truck was already out of commission in my driveway anyways it didn't hurt me.

I wanted to get parts from Marlin but it took two weeks and they hadn't shipped anything out so I had to cancel my order.

I don't think you need anything more than a stock AISIN clutch unless you are doing some serious off roading with 37" inch tires.

 

40k is pretty good on a clutch thats seen hell. And I am running 37's

 

I would think a clutch that has been abused should last at least 100K.

 

Thanks for the info, guys. I found some good thoughts reading some old pirate threads too. Looks like the step should be about 20 thousandths.

We have this great guy in Atlanta called "Clutch Man" who drives over in a big box van, sells you an OEM clutch and machines your flywheel on the spot with the lathe in his van. They do an awesome job - I may just call them.

 

What kind of clutch is the "OEM" clutch he sells you?

That is pretty cool he drives over and resurfaces the flywheel at your house though

 

I guess it's not OEM since it's Daikin (also a high-quality Japanese company)

The guy I spoke to specifically indication that they "don't use the Chinese stuff"

 

$155 after tax for the clutch and grind.

 

I just googled Daikin - a.k.a. Exedy, apparently.