Transmission Questions

Hey all,

I am about to replace my clutch with a OEM one I ordered, since my clutch started slipping. I have never have done this project before. I just have a few questions to those that have done it before. I own a 1998 2wd 2.4l single cab. I'm taking on this project during spring break since I'm in college. I will also be rebuilding my entire front end suspension since I've done that to a buddy's Tacoma before.

When I pull the transmission I will check for play in different parts. But If I notice play on the input shaft is it a must that I get it rebuilt? It's my only vehicle so if I have it taken apart for a long time that won't be good. Lol.

I have also heard that there is a crossmember that might be welded in. Has anyone dealt with that?

I will take a look later today to see if I will need to remove my exhaust. But if anyone knows if there's a way to get around it that would be awesome.

Any tips you have for this project I greatly appreciate.

Thank you

 

I would not worry about the play in the input shaft too much. The front of the input shaft is supported by a bearing in the end of the cranksahft, put a little bit of wheel bearing grease there "just in case". Clean and grease the shaft that the throwout bearing rides on too. Pop the pivot for the throwout bearing and clean and grease that too. Try not to breath in the dust.

Look at the disc as it comes out and observe, there is a front and back, they can be installed incorrectly. Grease those splines a little too. When you put the pressure plate on do not pull down one bolt all the way, pull them down evenly. Hopefully the kit will have an alignment dowel for the disc. If not you can get it close by looking at the disc to pressure plate edge clearance and center it.

When you pull the transmission up to the block same thing as above, pull the transmission up evenly. There are alignment dowels and if you put it in at an angle it might bind. When the bolts are tight look to see if there are any air gaps betwween the transmission, the seperator plate and the back of the block. This is all basic mechanics 101 and dont be afraid to take pictures with your phone before/as you go for reference.

 

Wow, I am very glad I asked this because I didn't know any of that.

I don't currently have an grease because I have never needed it. Should I just buy a generic wheel bearing grease from Oriley's or is there a very good quality one I can buy? Does Lucas Oil make a good one?

Thankfully the kit I ordered comes with a alignment tool so that should make this process a bit easier. I ordered a Aisin Clutch kit from the Yotashop.

Will the engine need to have additional support when the transmission is being pulled and when its off?

I looked to see if there where YouTube videos about on this and there isn't any good ones. Lol

Thank You

 

Support the rear of the transmission when you undo the mount so it doesn’t twist the motor mounts. I wouldn’t worry about your transmission health if it shifts fine, put some mt90 or motorcraft gear oil in it when you’re done, any old red grease should be fine for your splines

 

I forgot to mention... check your lower ball joints too. The running joke is that every time you change your oil you need to replace the lower ball joints.

 

Funny you say that about my lower ball joints. The other day when I was replacing my oil pan that was dented I noticed a great amount of slop in my lower ball joint. I ordered a OEM set. So you were right on the money.