On my 86 truck 4x4 2.4..it's getting harder to shift on occasion.It has new seat and bushing on the stick,fresh Redline MT-90,new slave & master cylinders.Shifted smooth as silk for one month after all this was put in and now the shifting on occasion is getting tough again.My mechanic friend said he'd put in an adjustable slave cylinder rod and that should fix it for good.Clutch is supposedly only two years old with less than 15,000 miles on it and no slipping or chirping.Any thoughts or experiences with an adjustable slave cylinder rod?

 

There's no need for it. And I highly doubt it would solve the problem, much less for good. IMO your mechanic friend doesn't know what he's talking about, and/or doesn't understand how to fix the problem in the correct manner.

Right now, you've really only got 2 routes to go as far as troubleshooting and/or fixing the issue. Route 1 being inspecting the clutch components. Route 2 being inspecting the transmission.

Route 1 see here:
http://personal.utulsa.edu/~nathan-b...sm/clutch.html

Route 2 see here:
http://personal.utulsa.edu/~nathan-b...nualtrans.html

From what you're describing, my inclinations are leaning towards clutch pedal adjustment or transmission synchro wear/damage. You also want to check that the clutch pedal bracket isn't damaged. It's common for the bracket to have broken welds holding it to the body, causing it to flex out of position when the clutch pedal is pressed. Which will simulate clutch pedal misadjustment. So check that it's still solidly attached to the body before trying to make any adjustments.

 

Where's your clutch free-play set?

If it's occasionally, I've seen the bracket break as Mud Hippy mentioned, and have seen the bracket break through the firewall as well, so check around the clutch MC for cracks and watch the area while someone depresses the clutch pedal. Chased that problem in a friend's truck for a while.

It could very well be that your transmission is just plain worn out as well, it IS a 26 year old truck.

 

Yes I finally managed to squeeze my half falling apart body under the dash and get a fair look at the clutch bracket with a flashlight.Just above the cotter key and a little to the left I see a previous weld that seems to have opened up by a stud that goes through.Will have a younger fellow confirm that as I don't know what I'm looking at really,being non mechanical.Now If I can only find someone in this motherlode area of California to take it out,weld it good and put it back in.What's the best way to weld this?Pics please if anyone has them/or the OEM part number in case I need a new part.Seems like there's a 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch side play in the clutch pedal when moving side to side by hand with a noticeable squeak.....thanks.

 

I have never seen a adjustable slave cylinder rod but I live a sheltered life.

Then i never really had reason to look for one either:wabbit2:

 

the slave cylinder rod on my truck is adjustable

 

I used an adjustable slave cylinder rod on my truck..I will find the link on the clutch bracket fatigue mudhippy mentioned..
Edit the link is here:
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...tickys-242840/

Midway down in the first post, sorry my stupid phone would let me copy the specific thread link...
Here you go, now it works..go figure

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...fatigue-32667/

 

1979 Toyota 4x4 truck clutch slave cylinders have threaded shafts / nuts and spring for fine adjusting your clutch. I know they will work on all 1979-1983 Toyota trucks but not sure about other years. I have one installed on my 1983 truck and I am very happy with it.