Thoughts and Questions: Flywheel weight, Man. Transmission Rebuild, Wiring Harnesses, and more...

Alright, I have been scouring the Internet for a few days now, for answers. I'm curious to hear if anyone else has experience or can point me in the right directions.

1. The Flywheel Housing cover has been missing on my transmission for who knows how long, years probably. Went ahead and bought a new cover, and was about to install it yesterday. Out of good conscience, I'm thinking it would be wise to pull the tranny out. This way I have access to thoroughly clean the inside of the flywheel housing. As well as replace the flywheel, and clutch. After looking at different flywheel/clutch kits, I have landed on a kit from LCE Engineering that comes with a 35lb flywheel. From what I have seen, stock weight is around 22lbs.

Q: Has anyone installed a heavier flywheeel? If so, what was your experience? Not just the installation but the difference in driving?

2. I'm just recently at a point where I have enough time and money to slowly overhaul the entire truck. So I'm no expert mechanic, lol, but I am having a blast learning everything.

Q: Would it be wise to try to learn how to do a manual transmission rebuild? Is there a partial rebuild I could do that wouldnt be so extensive, but give the transmission a facelift?

3. My buddy and I dropped a new Japanese crate engine in the truck 10 years ago. Its been a great engine! Unfortunately, we were not tidy when re-installing wires and clips.

Q: Where could I find all the misc clips, all the different wiring harnesses, and connectors? It would be nice to secure everything properly, and get new wires and connectors for peace of mind.

4. I recently filled the AC with the store bought refill cans. AC works, its not entirely as cold as it should be, but its cold enough. I do notice while looking through the AC dryer/reciever viewing window that the refrigerant stays cloudy at all times when the ac is running though.

Q: Any thoughts or advice?

Thanks for reading!

 

Welcome to the forum.


First move should be finding the Complete Factory Service Manual for your truck .

A good code reader if not already in hand at least a multi meter as well.

The heavier flywheel will make pulling out easier more rotating mass it might take some getting used to.

Depending on your mechanical skills throwing a bearing kit in a transmission is possible .

At your Tacoma`s age many of the wiring harnesses are now obsolete along with retainers clips etc . It never hurts to check with your online or local Toyota dealer.

Check Part outs for wiring harnesses and clips etc. across Toyota Forums on here you don`t have enough posts but you can message people.

Ac without manifold gauges and a vacuum pump your rather limited to what you can do.

Moisture in the system and time for a new drier.

 

Thanks for the Reply @Bivouac.

I do have a Haynes Manual, and a OBDII reader. Also use to be an RF Electrical Engineer, so I have a Multi Meter as well.

When you say

what would I be needing to get use to? Shifting habits, sluggish acceleration, clutch engagement? Is it worth it?

Haha, I'm not sure where I would rank in mechanical skills. Would you say common sense, and the ability to read instructions to be good enough for a bearing kit rebuild?

Shoot, I was hoping that wasnt the answer lol. This is me being lazy now, but would you by chance know if it would be easier to find the right connectors and wire up the harnesses myself?

I've been told by a few people that its a huge mistake to try replacing or fixing any of the AC components myself. Would you be another? lol

I appreciate your thoughts!