2011 clutch replacement

Hello!
At 35,000 mi my truck had become difficult to put into 1st and 2nd gear. It was not exactly the same every time, and I could easily put it in 1st if I was rolling but not stopped. The dealer said I needed a new clutch, but I am skeptical of the dealer- however I knew of no other reputable shop. I had a mechanic-for-a-living friend change my gear oil and it was black with metallic particles shimmering throughout, but no shavings. The shifting improved for a couple weeks. Everyone automotive that I knew got sick of my clutch questions and so I found this forum. Seems as though other people have had early clutch replacements too.
I had the clutch replaced by my mechanic friend who I paid for his time, and I've known for over 10 years to be an accomplished mechanic and I trust him. This is the thing: when I first got it back after he replaced it, the clutch was like it was the day I bought it brand new. After a short while there was tension pushing the clutch pedal down. Now I'm having slight resistance going into 1st and 2nd gear. We changed the gear oil again, as it hadn't been done since before the new clutch. The shifting improved for about a week. I am freaking out that my new clutch is going to go bad-it's only been about 7 months!

 

Hello Robyn,

Welcome to TW!
If you don’t mind, can you tell us;

The year model?
If it is 2 wheel drive or 4 wheel drive?
Is it a V6 Engine or 4 cylinder Engine?
Also, is the truck a PreRunner? (It should say on the tailgate)

 

It is a 2011 Tacoma double can TED Sport 4x4 v6. NO PRERUNNER!!!

 

Autocorrect Hugh TRD double cab