Which clutch kit?

Hi all,

This is only slightly out of place because I'm asking about a '94 pickup. Overall, quite similar to the 1st gen Tacos though.

I'm rebuilding the engine after 300K miles. Since I've taken the clutch out anyway I might as well replace it. I'm looking for a good quality clutch kit. I don't need a "racing" style kit I've seen on some websites, just a good quality kit that won't break the bank. Which brands have you tried and gotten a good service life? Suggestions?

Thank you,

 

I (personally) would stick to OEM.

 

Aisin (OEM I believe) or Excedy is another one I've heard works well in place of the OEM clutch.

 

Luk seems to be decent. The Aisin one is only $30 more on rockauto though, so I'd probably go that route.

 

I've had an Exedy in my truck for 6(?) years and 45k+ miles of stop and go traffic and crawling. It has a heaver than stock feel and stronger hook which may or may not be nice depending on your personal preferences.

I have another one on the shelf to replace it if I kill it.

 

I have One LUK and One Aisin

I can`t tell any Difference driving wise Then I have not had either one real Hot

You might want to check Marlin Crawlers offering If I was needing one that might be my choice.

3.0 or 22RE??

 

I put a Marlin HD clutch kit in mine. Uses a combination of Seco and Aisin parts built to Marlin's spec. Increases load capacity, grips really well but still keeps a nice, smooth pedal feel. I'm a huge fan.

 

I went with Exedy in my Tacoma, and have absolutely no complaints. I did some research when I got it. A lot of people were saying the OEM ones are now being made with plastic bushings on the springs or something, and people were having issues with them. I can't remember details, but I suggest looking into it before getting an OEM one. Or just get an Exedy and you will be fine.

 

That's what I'm likely going to go with next time I need a clutch. The stock clutch is too light and mashed potatoes feeling especially with a heavier truck (bigger tires and armor).

Only thing I've heard negative about the Marlin clutch kits is that they sometimes cheap out on the bearings that are included and some people have found cheap chinese bearings with their kits. Best to swap those out with a quality bearing if that's the case, but I've heard they don't all come like that.

 

I've heard good things about them, but they never seem to be in stock.

 

They were back in stock about a month ago, might be out again though IDK. I do remember once when they were out of stock someone called them and they had them ready to ship, just hadn't updated the website.

 

I never called them, just looked elsewhere when I saw "out of stock." If they did have them back when I needed one, they lost a sale.

 

yeah Marlin makes great products but like most fabrication companies, the website side of things is sometimes lacking. They've been really busy developing new kits for 3rd gens lately from what I've seen on here

 

Mine came with all Nachi bearings as advertised so zero issue there.

 

I owned a chain of auto parts stores for 16 years, bought, sold, warranted A LOT of clutches. Definitely purchase new over rebuilt, OEM or Borg-Warner are good new clutches. Replace the throw-out bearing and pilot bearing as well.

 

Thanks for the link...

22RE, a really nice, reliable engine.

 

Aren't throw-out and pilot bearings included in "kits"?

 

Yes, if you purchase in kit form, otherwise you purchase as individual components. Come both ways.