Hi all - I know, I know, I'll be searching for an answer too, I just had to post since Ive got only a few hours to make a decision, to run and get parts for the shop workin on my truck right now...

but opinon/input please? Whats the word on OEM Toyota Clutch parts vs a Centerforce Stage 1 Kit?

Its a 92 4runner 3VZE Manual, 5.29 Gears with 33" TSL Swampers, Detroit rear, Detroit LSD Front (manual hubs)...

It had a Centerforce Stg 1 in it which gave way after 13 years of service.. now costing me about 1g to have redone.. the difference in price of OE is around $40-60 it seems, both are readily available....


now, im off to search for threads as well, but thanks in advance for any input! :bow:

Tesh

 

I hear centerforce is amazing but I know i love my marlin crawler HD clutch.

Sounds like you do some off roading? If so, id go centerforce or marlin. I paid 200 for my clutch and another 100 in other stuff. How is it costing you a grand? You having a shop do it??

 

x100 on MC clutch! Get the 1600 lb if there are ANY issues of not enough strength...

 

I wish a marlin was in my future - i called around; only thing available on the island right now is a Centerforce Kit (disk, plate, throw.o bearing), gotta get a pilot from another spot.. 330 for the disk and plate, 50 for the throw.o bearing and like 10 for the pilot;

unfortunately, i have no garage (apartment for now, just moved here) so i gotta succumb to a shop to do it...

 

You can order it directly from MC in fresno. Shipping was only 20 for me, fresno ca to portland area, oregon.

 

holy crap! 1k for a clutch job on a 4runner!? Them the jobs I do myself, after a 75 labor fee at a shop i do it myself.

 

yeah man.. I was really tempted to do it myself too - but little time on my end was the issue + no shop or proper tools either; since i moved here, I'm shopless lol

Though you're right, there are a few shops here that would give me a lift an tool use for around $100 or so...

 

OEM fo sure

 

I would go with OEM or Marlin crawler. Im pretty sure MC will ship to you if you want..

Do you like the centerforce?? If so, get another one..

 

I've run several Centerforces in a few different vehicles and never had any issues. Remember Exedy, Sachs and Valeo make 95% of the clutches you'll ever see - comapnies like Centerforce just submit the specifications they want a product built to and resell under their name - so the actual quality shouldn't be an issue.

I personally like the little bit of extra bling everyone notices on the pressure plate weights


(BTW, bought the new Centerforce in my 7mge from an ebay seller in HI for $40 )

 

Although I can't comment on either Center Force or Marlin clutch set ups they do have rave reviews. I opted to go with an OEM replacement from Napa, Aisin parts in the pressure plate/TO bearing/clutch and pilot bearing, and it cost me less than 80$. I like Toyota parts and wanted to go back with OEM. I figured the first clutch set up lasted over 200,000 miles so an OEM replacement will see me at least that long. When I pulled the factory stuff out the clutch was thin, the PP had almost no life left in the spring rate, the throw out bearing was grinding and the pilot bearing was black from heat and wear. It still did the job but was loud.

I wheel my rig almost every weekend. Daily drive it to work and back. Camp as often as I can (about 3 weekends a month hauling several hundred pounds of gear up mountain trails). And the new clutch is a dream to drive with.

Remember that Toyota built things to last.

 

You guys are definitely right about OEM quality being there... but when the price diff was only $40 for a higher clamping rate, i figured why not, CF stage one i guess; but $80?? or $40? i wish i had more time to look around... the base pricing anywhere was 300+ for a full kit (PP,Disc,TB, and PB)


oh, i'll have to post pics of what happend to the spring catches on the disc, afterall, that was the actual failure anyway...

 

Hey junkers, how did you get a clutch kit for $80? Even a junk china made clutch around here will run $125 to $150.

 

Military discount and a discount through the company I work for.

 

If you do any rock crawling and notice that the clutch fades a bit, you might benefit from a Marlin clutch. I think I may go that way when my clutch goes.

 

i have the stage one on my truck and i will never go back. it is one of the best things i have ever put in my truck. it was worth every penny.

 

OEM(AISIN) when it comes to the disc, NOT Exedy, found that out the hard way. Any pressure plate you like with it. My new EXEDY HD pressure plate seems more than suitable for the wheelin' I do.