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Clutch replacement, what upgrades?

1084 Views 3 Replies 2 Participants Last post by  ShowStop
I've got a 2002 Tacoma with 3.4L(5vz) engine that is need of a new clutch this coming month.

Are there any worthwhile upgrades for the clutch system I should consider?

I intend to buy a new flywheel and not resurface the existing one(time crunch) I was also buying new flywheel and pressure plate bolts at the same time (again, time crunch and ensuring if one sticks/breaks, I have minimal downtime)

Any gotchas I should be watching for? It has been 15+ years since I last did a clutch on a Tacoma so my memory is a bit hazy on it.
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In my opinion, for a daily driver, keep it close to stock. That lessens the fatigue on your leg if you drive in traffic or off-road and constantly on and off the clutch. The important things are to make sure the throwout bearing and pilot bearing are Japanese bearings. Aisin, Seco, and Excedy all use Japanese bearings last I heard. Just check them when you get the parts. The new flywheel (or reman) is more common these days, so no issue. Watch for core charges. Some charge, some do not. Bolts might be overkill, but good to play safe. Everything else is just procedure.

Only other consideration is the rear main seal. Unless its already leaking badly, you won't know if you have a minor leak until its all apart. They are like $40, but might be a good thing to have on standby?
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Only other consideration is the rear main seal. Unless its already leaking badly, you won't know if you have a minor leak until its all apart. They are like $40, but might be a good thing to have on standby?
The truck is my daily driver but zero stop/go traffic. I'm way out in BFE in Sierra:) Worst case I have is jumping 3rd to 4th gear. Maybe a bit of 1st to rev when stuck in snow. Otherwise, no serious offroading since I've got a built rig for that ;)

The bolts are a simple $30 safety net.

How bad is doing the rear main seal? Is it as simple as use a pick to pull the old one out then drive a new one in?

My question on gotchas was related to removal. I want to say I pulled shifter off trans. I know I'll have to pull driveshafts off tcase. Any wires I need to worry about?

As a semi-follow up related question: any thoughts on how to store a resurfaced flywheel? My intent is to get the current flywheel in the truck resurfaced and throw it on the basement shelf.
Rear main seal requires pulling the rear seal cover, replacing the seal, installing new RTV and replacing the cover. The RTV is the tedious step. Usually you also have to drain the oil about 1-2 qts.

Wire harness is a little tricky to get the connectors above the transmission, but doable. Do you have long socket extensions and swivels for the bellhousing bolts? Do you have a puller for the pilot bearing?

For storing the flywheel long term, you should coat the surface with a film of lightweight oil to prevent rust. Then bag it.
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