Clutch Issues?

So. As some of you may recall from another recent thread that I started; I'm having some issues with my clutch on my 2007 2.7 5 speed. Of course, they all started when I was in the middle of the Poison Spider Trail in Moab.

Not fun.

Hadn't felt any slippage, heard any noises, felt any vibrations prior... Was just getting ready to crawl over a small rock (wasn't romping on the engine at all). Went to engage the clutch to shift into reverse, heard a loud whirring then clutch disengaged - causing engine to stall. Following that - clutch pedal felt completely dead - couldn't disengage from 1st gear until I shut the engine off. After that, clutch did nothing. Checked the slave cylinder; fork had about 1/2" of movement, so I judged that to be functional. Limped the truck off trail, it was definitely a test of skill to have to start in gear over highly technical obstacles. Essentially, I'd have to spot my line and go - no second chances. That being said, I learned why Mr. Toyota put the Clutch Override Button in the cluster.

Got the truck off trail.

Limped in to town shifting on syncros, worked OK. Reversing sucked, since I'd have to stop, shut down, shift in to reverse and start again.

Got on to the highway, using syncro shifting... drove for about an hour at 70 MPHs; fully anticipating that I'd be clutch-less for the entire 19 hour drive... Now clutch works. It's sporadic, though, and shifts don't feel incredibly smooth. There is a slight whine noise, which points me towards Throwout Bearing. After sitting all night - went to start the truck this afternoon - felt as though the clutch wasn't disengaging completely - but after a drive around the block; seemed to return to normal.

I've checked my fork for any cracking, didn't see any. Pulled the inspection plate on the front transmission cover, didn't see any clutch plate pieces/fiber come falling out...

For what it's worth, this is the original clutch with 156k miles. I'm re-geared to 4.88s.

I'm already anticipating replacing my clutch with the Centerforce OEM equivalent; just curious if there is any additional input into what may be going on?

Thanks!

- jake

 

Are you replacing the TOB as well?
Are you having the pressure plate resurfaced?

 

I plan on essentially doing a full replacement. The components all have 160K miles on them, for the sake of longevity I'll replace master/slave/clutch/TOB... Not sure if I'm going to go with the URD upgraded TOB. Further, I'll send the flywheel off to be resurfaced if needed. Haven't opened everything up yet, just curious as to initial input from others much more knowledgeable than myself.