Soon to be owner

Hey everyone, I'm picking up a 1995 Tacoma 5speed 4wd with 100,000+ miles tomorrow or Tuesday for $500 bucks. Truck is in great running condition and only needs a clutch replacement. Just want to know how hard is it to replace the clutch on these trucks? I'm mechanically inclined and only worked and owned on Hondas, so this is my first toyota ever. Hopefully I can learn and grow on this forum! Thanks everyone, pictures will be up shortly!

 

Welcome!
I think replacing a clutch in a truck is gonna be way easier than doing one in anything front wheel drive. And aluminum case manual trannys are surprisingly light (they're not a chest crusher like an old 3 speed auto from the 70's)

 

Thanks your input! And is it true that the 1st gen tacomas were recalled for frame rot?

 

Yes they were. But I think the recall/buy-back program expired Dec 31, 2011 (not 100% on the date)

 

Oh I see, how can I tell if this truck I'm getting has severe frame rot?

 

You would know almost immediately if it was "severe." check for flaky ness and holes in the frame.

 

Ok thanks!

 

Pictures are up, the truck is pretty rusty but it has enough strength to last! The clutch has normal clutch pressure but it catches very high up? Does that mean I just need to adjust my clutch or bleed the clutch fluid out? Or is my clutch totally gone? Because I know in a Honda the clutch pedal would feel very very soft and it would be difficult to even get it into gear. Any thoughts? Thanks

 

As far as I know, there's no adjusting a hydraulic clutch.
If it still holds good but grabs high on the pedal, I'd say the lining is almost worn off. My car is exhibiting this (55,000 miles of city driving in 9 years before I got it; 152,000 now)
I would just drive it until it starts to "lose it's grip"

 

See this is the weird part, it holds normally good. But you have to push the clutch Pedal down no more than 1inch for the truck to start catching. And there is a clutch burning smell. Truck has 155,xxx miles. I believe original clutch on it too.. It's just confusing to me because if the clutch pedal pressure feels good, why does it grab so high?

 

Hmm... if it smells like burning, the disc is probably glazed and therefore compromised as far as holding power is concerned. Maybe you'd do well to change it right away!

 

Ok thanks