Replacement Clutch Recommendations

The clutch in my 03 Tacoma is getting near the end of its life. Not slipping yet but engaging just about at the top of the pedal travel. Just starting to think about parts at this point and I still have some time.

I used a Luk Clutch in another vehicle and was very happy with the quality.

Anyone have actual experience with Luk clutch kits in 4 cylinder, 4WD Tacoma's ?

Any other brands worth considering?

I'm running stock wheels, don't rock crawl, no towing, some off road use but I don't abuse it.

And one more question: What type of rear main seal is used in the 2.7L 4 cylinder? Is it a one piece press in type or one of the two piece seals that you have to drop the oil pan and bearing cap to get out? Mine isn't leaking yet and if it's the two piece type I'm probably going to leave it in there.

 

I highly recommend LCE clutches. I have the Pro Clutch Kit for the 5VZ and love it.

http://www.lceperformance.com/

 

Looks a bit expensive?

 

I've always had good luck with part store clutches, even on 300+hp v8s so I don't see the need to pay $300-400 for a fancy clutch to hold less than 150hp. Luks been around for a while, I'm sure it'll be fine. If you haven't, check out rockauto.com. They usually have a good selection, and Aisin is usually on the list which I believe is OEM. I've heard you can adjust these clutch pedals, that might give you a bit more travel for the time being.

 

Yeah they are a little more than the average parts store replacement. I have used the parts store ones before and as the saying goes you get what you pay for.

 

LCE is a great kit.

marlin makes a nice kit

TG makes a good kit.

All come with OEM bearings and Asin parts...IE..OEM

just beefier versions.

Which ever you want. all three are good.

 

I've got an Exedy clutch that I put in my truck about 5k ago. No bearing chirp, slip or overly heavy pedal. I use it hard when wheeling and all is well.

 

10-4 and thanks all of the responses. I'm interested if anyone has a report based on long term use. I don't want to spend a lot of money for a name, I just want a good solid clutch.

 

i have the TG ceramic clutch. IDK if it would be ideal for a straight up DD. But for a rig it is great. I have abused the hell out of it and it works awesome. Very grabby though and drives much different then a standard clutch as its ceramic and a 6 puck design.

 

I don't believe I want ceramic. My limited past experience with ceramic was that they were fine for racing applications but difficult to use on the street. Not enough slippage during engagement when needed. (slow starts in traffic, starts on hills, etc. )
We used to run truck clutches and they worked great but were hard on the linkage.
What I need is a good, solid clutch that will give long service.
I don't need painted pressure plates, fancy boxes or lots of advertising.

 

id just pic one. rockauto has the aisin for about $170 and that is probably the same one your taco came with from the factory. the luk is around $140, and they go down to around $130 for the exedy. having put alot more power through $120 clutches with no issues i dont see the point in putting a hi end racing type clutch in a weak little toyota DD.

 

I agree, have you used one?

 

used one what exactly?

 

A Luk Clutch

 

Interested also. When I bought my taco 3 years ago the po mentioned it might need a new clutch. Ive just now been experiencing some pretty good slippage, pretty sure its the clutch. Ive heard numerous ways to test it to confirm it is the clutch and not the engine or axle but can anyone throw out a few tests for our rigs specifically?

 

You had good luck it seems and previous experience with a Luk clutch,,grab another one and load it up.

You also had good luck? with the OEM clutch, as quite a few of us have.

So you have 2 choices that you know personally about that work well.

You don't need extra clamping force on the pressure plate, as indicated, so that rules out any extra heavy duty stuff.

 

not on a taco, but on other trucks yes. Some of the fullsize trucks used luk from the factory also.

 

I recently ordered a Luk set for my 98, have not installed it yet, but it was $74 shipped at Amazon.

$111 Schaeffler LuK RepSet 16-086 Clutch Kit, OEM Clutch Replacement Kit

LuK 16-086 Clutch Set

 

I just bought the AMS kit (16077SE) from Rock Auto. The clutch and pressure plate are Aisin. The throw out bearing is Nachi.

I can't speak to the longevity or anything else, yet. It's still a data point, I suppose.

 

Did you know that if you adjust the clutch but don't make a corresponding adjustment to the switch at the top of the pedal, your cruise control will stop working?