About a month ago my '97 Tacoma (3.4, manual) started skipping/hesitating. Say I'm turning a corner at a slow speed in 2nd or 3rd gear and then start to accelerate into the straight, it will start to jerk until the RPM's get up and there is less load.

I started to think it was the clutch slipping; I do often pull heavy loads (too heavy for this truck, including construction equipment and 4 cross-country moves with cargo trailer and bed at full capacity). The truck idles fine and when it is running at 2500-3000 RPM is it smooth. It's only when there is too much load or too high of a gear. For those reasons I ruled out a fuel problem. Could be the tranny??

I would love to have some suggestions from you guys because the nearest reputable Toyota mechanic is 2 1/2 hrs away.

If it is the clutch, what am I looking at in terms of cost to replace. I understand I can get an OEM clutch for a couple hundred $$, and I know labor rates vary, but what kind of time frame, etc...?

Thanks for the help.

Regards, Jarrod

 

Not positive if it's the clutch, mine have always slipped by making the engine rev up but not gain speed, but in a smooth, not jerky way, so I can't be sure. As far as the rates and time...a good clutch will only run you around $200, but the labor will be at least that much. I'd say if the shop can get right on it it could be a 1 to 2 day job.