Anyone replaced their own clutch?

I've got a 96' tacoma 4 banger with a 5 speed manual. 216,000 miles, original clutch. Well the clutch is going bad and I have two choices: replace it myself or have someone else do it. I'm pretty handy, but I don't know if I have all the right tools to do the job. No air/impact wrench or what not. Just typical mechanic's tools. I realize that you have to drop the tranny to do it. I have no lift, which might also be a problem. How much am I looking at if I have ot done professionally?

 

If it was me, I would do it myself. I did mine on an old Datsun 260Z. You don't have a transfer case to mess with, and unless you are pulling the flywheel off to have it surfaced then you don't really need air tools. Pull the driveshaft,(after you make a reference mark) use a floor jack to support the transmission, use clutch alignment tool install pressure plate clutch, throwout berring and use a new pilot berring, just re assemble, have a friend help with the heavy parts, I did mine in my garage, don't know about the cost, look around on the parts co$$t it's an easy-ish job with basic tools and a free afternoon. Plus, when you're done, a satisfied feeling knowing you did it yourself.

 

Clutch and tranny in one night!!!

 

HMM. my buddy Tim (I think he registered on here as Timicha) has a 97 Tacoma 4cyl and the clutch went out a week ago. cost him $800 to get it replaced! Seemed pretty damn steep to me. Think he got taken on that?

 

i hade like 180 for a clutch kit..... But i did all the work my self...... With a shop's laybor that might be about right imo....

 

I assume you're not counting labor in your estimate if you have the dealership do it? It'll be way more than that to have them do it. You should spend a little less than $200 on a good clutch kit alone. I've replaced the clutch in 2 of my Toyota 5spd trucks and would recommend using a transmission jack. You can rent one from most rental stores for like $20 and it will save you a bunch of time. My first one I just used a floor jack, jack stands, wood blocks, etc., and it was a pain in the ass. The second truck I used a transmission jack that my uncle had and it cut the time in half. You don't need and air wrench (but it is helpful). If you're pretty good with basic tools then you should be able to do it.

 

Well, doesn't sound like its too big of a pain to do myself. How hard is it to get the old clutch off? This one is the original clutch so I imagine its stuck on there pretty good. Also- if I don't resurface the flywheel, I assume the new clutch will have to seat itself before it gains full traction?

 

ive changed the one on my 95 and also on my buddys 88 toy, so easy, no air tools required but to remove the flywheel for replacing or resurfacing it would be easier, you will need a pretty long extension to reach the two bolts on the top of the tranny and possibly a ujoint/knuckle. you will also need a special tool to remove the pilot bearing as well. spend a couple hundred bucks on the clutch, resurfacing the flywheel should cost under fourty bucks. some kits come with the centering tool. its worth the savings to do it yourself
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=ZZZ%2DMU70116%2D1A&N=700+4294924746+4294907680+4294907573+4294839354+4294888959+4294925134+4294865886+400409+4294865898+4294897966+115&autoview=sku

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/13714-my-first-clutch-job.html

helpful little tip in there for pilot bearing removal (if I do say so myself)

 

yes'r that does work quite well, a buddy of mine showed me that, he had a couple wooden dowls that fit perfect