"Toyota Clutches"

I am a long time marling customer so I didnt check before because when paying a premium for marlin parts, and they beat their chest over having all Japan made parts, trusted that they wouldn't have a chinese pilot bearing that failed in 20k. I got really lucky it didnt take out my input shaft of the trans. The Toyota pilot bearing I bought to replace it had made in japan all over it. My oem clutch lasted for 160k and could have went longer. All OEM clutch parts prices comes out really close to their kit, it's a no brainer for next time.

To the second part just about all the drivetrain parts on my truck comes from toyota, or an aftermarket specialty shop. I rarely buy anything mechanical from parts houses for my toyotas. I've been burned a few times using non OEM parts.

 

I have done some research on clutch kits for fist generation Tacomas.

The majority of first generation Tacomas equipped with a manual transmission came off the assembly line from the factory with an Aisin manufactured clutch, which is considered a stage one clutch. Aisin is 30.00% owned by the Toyota Corporation. There are some reports of LuK clutches being used off of the assembly line, but the majority of first generation Tacomas came with Aisin clutch kits.

Unfortunately for those of us who live in the United States, almost all manufactured products come from China. Even companies like Marlin and Centerforce manufacture in China. This is hard for some of us to comprehend because these companies used to be considered "choice American corporations."

First generation Tacomas are now older than holy hell so many of them are going to need to have their clutches replaced in the very near future if they have not already had them replaced. Unfortunately, we all know that Chinese manufactured goods do not have the best quality control on the assembly line, which can result in extreme frustration for clutch kits that fail way the hell before they should. For example, the nightmare that Slander had to go through. Most non-dealer shops seem to be partial to the LuK kits. I am sure that LuK is made in China, though.

I am still researching the brands of clutch kits for first generation Tacomas. I will let all of you know as I find out more.

Take it easy,
Paul