Clutch or am I the problem? 6Spd 4x4 DC

Had the truck over a month now and I'm noticing problems with the clutch.
Problems are the following
1-when coming to a complete stop and want to put it in reverse while still in 1st gear, I have to forcefully push down several times to get out of 1st and into reverse.

2-when driving, and traffic slowing down and I'm in 1st gear, I attempt to put into neutral because I'm coming to stop but I can't pull it out if 1st gear into neutral, therefor I have to keep clutch pressed in until I can move.

3-while completely stopped and clutch is pressed all the way in, and in 1st gear, truck still moves which then I have to press on the brakes.

All of this doesn't happen all the time but it happens in the worst situations so I'm trying to fix it before it gets me into problems. I did change the tranny oil thinking that might help but it hasn't. I don't know how smooth the gear shifting should feel or sound like on trucks but it doesn't seems to be smoothly shift into any gears except from 4-6.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

It sounds like the clutch isn't fully disengaging. The first easiest thing to do would be to bleed the clutch lines. (I'm assuming the taco uses hydraulic slave cylinder, i drive an auto). If possible check for leaks and all that too. if that doesn't help anything then the pressure plate fingers may be getting weak and not allowing it to fully release.

 

How many miles are on the truck? Not sure it really matters but maybe a new clutch is in order?

 

Around 74K. Previous owner told me the clutch was recently changed. Do you think something went wrong during install?

I'm barely learning about the truck, first time truck owner ever. I will look up what the slave cylinder is and does. I'll read the manual on how to bleed the clutch. Exactly where would I check for leaks at? Thanks for the help. Might be hope after all.

 

Indeed, that's what i was thinking. But it sounds like the throw out bearing might be more of the issue not the actual clutch

 

your clutch isn't disengaging all the way; still moving while in gear and the clutch pressed all the way down is a pretty sure indication of that
and if it's not disengaging, it's not going to let you take it out of gear... easily

as to what's causing it not to disengage all the way... i'll leave that up to the pros

 

try the hydraulics first. Labor is fairly cheap since you don't have to drop the transmission. If that isn't the problem, then something is wrong with the clutch itself. If you're dropping the transmission, might as well replace the clutch and associated bearings.

My hydraulics just gave up one day. Couldn't disengage the clutch at all. No early symptoms.

 

The PO may have also adjusted the clutch pedal to allow the clutch to grab closer to the floor. There's a procedure to verify the free length engagement and adjust as needed. Basically there's an adjustment sleeve and lock nut near the pedal assy that controls how much hydraulic slave cylinder total stroke movement there is. By lengthening the rod, you'll get more stroke on the slave pushing the throughout bearing in farther releasing the clutch. I'd try that first, then possibly bleeding the hydraulic circuit, then looking at the clutch itself.

 

Ok, correct me if I'm wrong on any of this.
1-pump clutch several times and hold down
2-bleed slave cylinder and close.
3-repeat this process several times until all fluid is gone from slave cylinder tank.
4-replace fluid(what is best fluid to replace with)?

If this doesn't work, do I then move on to rebuild the slave cylinder?

 

Well, I have never bled a hydraulic clutch cylinder but I am pretty sure you will want to at least keep some fluid in the tank as not to pump air into the system.

 

If that doesn't cure it, its not likely the slave cylinder is the problem. If its not leaking past the seals and dripping fluid out, its most likely fine. A bypassing clutch master cylinder is a possibility, as is a miss-adjusted pedal or a problem with the clutch, release bearing, or the release fork. I'm going to recommend a professional diagnosis at that point.

 

Thanks a bunch guys!!! Now I'm more confident in doing this. I'm hoping it's just that and not the clutch or something more serious.