Guys-

I did a search on recommended clutches, but I did not reach a conclusion based on that information.

It appears that our "new" '96 4Runner, with 68K miles, was not driven with proper clutch techniques by the previous owner. Last night, while racing my wife in her Accord (yeah, she is cool) I realized the clutch was slipping - excessively - during "spirited" driving. The good news: the clutch isnt completely gone, its just worn badly. So, on a hard up-shift (3rd to 4th), it slips. During normal driving its fine (no chatter or slipping).

I have done a clutch job on an '88 Mazda B2200, and a 95SI, in my garage before. So I have experience, but doing a clutch is a pain to say the least, and I have never done a 4WD.

Here are my options:

1. Take it to the Stealer: $1100 (Factory clutch)

2. Buy a TRD or Centerforce or similar and do it myself:mad: and do a tech write-up for this site $600

3. Take it to a "smaller" repair shop, and pay them $500 to R&R with the clutch of my choice ($1000 total)

4. Drive it with a slipping clutch and get beat by my wife in her Accord for a while

Let me know what you guys think about clutches. I have always gone with Centerforce, and they havent failed me yet. But I would like to hear other options on clutches.

 

I have replaced a clutch on my old 94 Ranger 4x4. But i was working for Ford at the time and had access to a lift. I couldn't imagine taking out the transmission and transfer case without a lift and a tranny jack. Those things are heavy!!

I have only gone with stock clutches when I have changed mine. But it depends on what you are going to do with it, if you are going to (sometime in the future) supercharge or tow heavy things, then go with a TRD or Centerforce. If you are going to do small mods, just stick with the Stock clutch. Remember if you get a stronger clutch you will also need a stronger leg!

 

Thanks SLC. I want to leave the possibility of a SC open, so it sounds like the TRD or Centerforce is the way to go.

Any other clutches out there worth noting? I heard something about the pressure plate not exceeding 1600lbs because the stock slave cyl cant go any higher...

Looks like the TRD and Centerforce are about the same price.

$500 - $600

 

I'd say change it yourself, just make sure you rent a tranny jack. A friend and I changed my clutch on my 82 Toy with 6 inches of lift so it was easier to get under, but it was also not a stock tranny, so it was a lot heavier. If we had had a tranny jack it would have been a lot easier. It will also be easier if you remove the T-case first.

 

Change it yourself. I think I'm going to go with a Marlin Crawler clutch myself although I'm not sure if they have one for your application. Marlin's clutches are very reasonably priced and I've heard nothing but good about them. My only question is whether the 1600 lb version is too stiff for everyday use since the next lower level clutch is a 1200 which I believe is essentially a stock clutch.