Original clutch on 200,000 miles

[kxyoung]

I have an original 3rd gen 4Runner with just over 200,000 memorable miles on it. It is with manual transmission and still the original clutch! I'm really impressed with the vehicle, considering that the first 6 years of its life was spent living in the steep streets of San Francisco. I recall the smell of clutch, each time I'm trying to park on the street. Also during raining winters, the 4 wheel drive do come in very handy on the steep and slick asphalt.

That being said, I'm really pushing the limit on the original clutch and in the near future, it really should be replace. Since it is labor intensive and time consuming, I'm considering having it service by a qualified mechanic. The OEM clutch kit is expensive, but I did consider that it lasted 200,000 miles. Also, While it apart, I want to have the gasket seals replaced to prevent future oil leaks.

Do you, kind & knowledgeable folks, have any other words of wisdom to share?

 

[the great him]

your factory clutch here,
Aisin Oem Clutch Kit Set Toyota Tacoma 3.4l 95-04

Genuine Aisin Clutch Kit Toyota 4Runner T100 Tacoma Tundra 3 4L V6 2WD 4WD | eBay

and if i had a 5spd and was going to do a clutch, this is the only one i would consider. -youd never have to replace the clutch again.

New Centerforce Kit Clutch 4 Runner Toyota 4Runner Tacoma Tundra DF505019 | eBay

Centerforce Performance Clutch | Online Store for Centerforce DYAD Drive System Series, DFX Clutch Series, LMC (Light Metal Clutch) Series, Dual Friction Clutch Series and Flywheels - Page 1

 

[kxyoung]

You are not kidding about "never have to replace the clutch again."

Even now, the clutch is technically still fully functioning. Sure, the release point on the pedal is high before it catches, but it never slips (even at highway speed where I purposely down shifts to test the clutch). On take-off from stop at steep hill, it'll whine a little but has never left me stuck.

I'm undecided if I should just go ahead and replace the clutch now due to the mileage or really maximize the OEM clutch and to see the result at the end.

The engine has lost a little bit of compression, but at this rate, it'll probably get rebuilt first in the distant future before the clutch job?

 

[NachoPitt]

If you have the engine out for a rebuild, it would be silly not to replace the clutch at the same time...

 

[TheDurk]

I'm doing mine my second one now. It has 130k on it, but there are a lot of stop-and-go miles on it. The GWB going to Yankee games is a killer. The first one lasted only 19k, burnt to a crisp, but TWO teenagers had to learn to drive on it.

I got the Aisin CKT-040 OEM kit for $198 on Amazon (Prime eligible) three weeks ago, but that deal is gone.

Aisin CKT-040 Clutch Kit : Amazon.com : Automotive

I'm also doing rear main seal, slave cylinder, starter contacts, and shifter bushings (from Marlin Crawler) at the same time.

 

[Shibby!]

Load makes clutches slip, not RPM.

High load is lower RPM with WOT application.

Good to hear. I have 260KM on mine and still stock clutch. I think it's the stock windshield too which most windshields don't last more than a few years here. It's pitted and cracked, sure, but still stock! (or at least Toyota brand which is like 700$ USD)

 

[hoe_nah]

mine had 174k. just swapped it out for an aisin one rockauto. I should have got a urd one but eh stock one will do just fine, plus its my DD

 

[02SE]

You didn't mention which engine you have, but if it's the 4 cylinder, the clutch kit is different from those listed with links, in this thread.

Just an FYI.

 

[kxyoung]

Wow! A lot of great information and thanks to everyone or sharing. I got the stock 5VZ-FE engine & I got no complaint about it. It's funny how my other vehicle for family road trips is a huge '05 Chevy Suburban, but only has 1 less mpg than my '96 4Runner. Certainly, the 4Runner is more fun to drive & the manual transmission version is even more rare now. There were only 5 in the State of California at the time of purchase so we paid extra to transfer. My wife wanted the window roof & luckily it came with 5 speed :jump:

 

[Shibby!]

Wow! A lot of great information and thanks to everyone or sharing. I got the stock 5VZ-FE engine & I got no complaint about it. It's funny how my other vehicle for family road trips is a huge '05 Chevy Suburban, but only has 1 less mpg than my '96 4Runner. Certainly, the 4Runner is more fun to drive & the manual transmission version is even more rare now. There were only 5 in the State of California at the time of purchase so we paid extra to transfer. My wife wanted the window roof & luckily it came with 5 speed :jump:

Seriously, 5?

Although a minority here, there are still quite a few manual transmissions.

Strange how Canada gets different things. Like my old work truck, I HAD to get a short box to get the 6speed on the 2nd gen Taco. Canada doesn't get the long box 6speeds when wanting the double cab.

 

[the great him]

Seriously, 5?

Although a minority here, there are still quite a few manual transmissions.

Strange how Canada gets different things. Like my old work truck, I HAD to get a short box to get the 6speed on the 2nd gen Taco. Canada doesn't get the long box 6speeds when wanting the double cab.

shut up canada... you got turbo diesels, your argument is invalid permanently!

 

[Shibby!]

shut up canada... you got turbo diesels, your argument is invalid permanently!

Turbo diesels?

That we do not get. =(

The ones we have now are all clapped out Japanese and Asian units. Many have very few KM's yet most don't run well. I believe most are right hand drive too = lame.

 

[JohnsD90]

I'm doing mine my second one now. It has 130k on it, but there are a lot of stop-and-go miles on it. The GWB going to Yankee games is a killer. The first one lasted only 19k, burnt to a crisp, but TWO teenagers had to learn to drive on it.

I got the Aisin CKT-040 OEM kit for $198 on Amazon (Prime eligible) three weeks ago, but that deal is gone.

Aisin CKT-040 Clutch Kit : Amazon.com : Automotive

I'm also doing rear main seal, slave cylinder, starter contacts, and shifter bushings (from Marlin Crawler) at the same time.

Took me 4 days too learn how to drive stick. That is terrible 19k miles.

My red 4runner had the original clutch in it when i sold it at 209k miles, i dont touch the clutch unless they slip or the tranny is out for another reason. I have 15k miles on the clutch on the black 4runner, but i bought it with a toasted clutch and put some cheap ebay one in, the guy "rode the clutch" so bad the pedal return spring was so worn the pedal wouldnt come back up, i put a different pedal assembly in it off a junk truck since it was so hard to drive with the pedal not returning.

 

[JohnsD90]

Seriously, 5?

Although a minority here, there are still quite a few manual transmissions.

Strange how Canada gets different things. Like my old work truck, I HAD to get a short box to get the 6speed on the 2nd gen Taco. Canada doesn't get the long box 6speeds when wanting the double cab.

If you are out there spending that much on a taco work truck, might as well step up the 6 speed cummins it comes with an 8 foot bed, it would make a fun work truck!

 

[TheDurk]

Took me 4 days too learn how to drive stick. That is terrible 19k miles.

In their defense, they were learning to drive ON a stick. That is WAY different than knowing how to drive and then learning to drive a stick. But they didn't wear it out, they BURNT it. You can fry a clutch disk lining in minutes if properly abused.

 

[Shibby!]

If you are out there spending that much on a taco work truck, might as well step up the 6 speed cummins it comes with an 8 foot bed, it would make a fun work truck!

A) By work truck it was a my company vehicle. No work was done with it.

B) As much as I'd like a cummins, it kills me to think that the truck that wraps around it is utter crap. I've done plenty of searching for one. I've had two company dodge trucks before. They are nowhere near Toyota build quality and fall apart. I'd still like one just for the engine though. Deep down inside I'd like a 97 cummins with a flat deck (non-dually).

 

[JohnsD90]

A) By work truck it was a my company vehicle. No work was done with it.

B) As much as I'd like a cummins, it kills me to think that the truck that wraps around it is utter crap. I've done plenty of searching for one. I've had two company dodge trucks before. They are nowhere near Toyota build quality and fall apart. I'd still like one just for the engine though. Deep down inside I'd like a 97 cummins with a flat deck (non-dually).

Thats a very specific year you picked there. Minus the trannys and rust not much really goes wrong on a 12 valve dodge. But yes there is something to be said for the way toyota interiors hold up.

 

[kxyoung]

No kidding about the interior: The plastic interior parts are dis·in·te·grated, yet the original clutch is still holding after 201,000 miles. The first to break was the cup holders, the center console, the instrument lighting, and now the actual shift knob. Just minor annoyance but it does give me excuses to replace broken/worn-out stuff with customized parts.

 

[Shibby!]

Thats a very specific year you picked there. Minus the trannys and rust not much really goes wrong on a 12 valve dodge. But yes there is something to be said for the way toyota interiors hold up.

To be more specific it would be the access door 97/98 model with the 12v =)

Toyotas hold up well and their parts are better quality.

Good to hear the OP clutch is still hanging in there. I hope mine goes that far or farther too!