Tacoma's have very well engineered stock clutches for 90% of users but off roaders with weight and off roaders that ride the clutch for terrain reasons do not follow the 90% rule if they do this more than 10% of the clutch's life (average person off roads 10% OR LESS)
Please note going thru the 4WD system for 15 min is NOT off roading,...................... just say'in
The Tacoma also has a "clutch pressure accumulator" it's built into the hydraulic system that engages and disengages the clutch.
Some people remove / modify it to get that "real clutch engagement feel".
It was installed by the factory to make clutch engagement a tad slower and smoother for the drop footed non experienced clutch user.
If you know how it operates and are good using clutches you can figure it out pretty quick and know when to release the pedal earlier.
But the accumulator makes "feathering - riding - slow release" of the clutch a more wearable factor to the clutch pads.
I will say it can increase
friction time between 30-60% as that is what the accumulator is designed to do DELAY ENGAGEMENT for a smoother shift. Remember the drop pedal non experienced user....... we are talking tenths of seconds in delay for drop footers BUT its delay is multiplied when its being feathered - riding - or released slowly on purpose for obstacles or even weight added to the climb.
Do aftermarket clutches get rid of the accumulator or even mention it?????? I DO NOT KNOW.
Will keeping the accumulator installed affect the performance of this fancy new clutch? Is the fancy clutch designed for it???? I DO NOT KNOW.
These are great questions to ask an aftermarket clutch manufacture / installed,
Dont be the test subject here.
Please note these aftermarket "grippy" clutches will ride quite differently on the street,..... YOU WOULD HOPE SO.
They also will not be a guarantee of extended life,... they are designed for a purpose and may give you many more miles depending on the user operator.
Do your homework on manufacture of these Toyota aftermarket clutches but remember 100% off roaders and 50% off roaders and weekend warriors will all have different experiences!!! Their opinion's will vary greatly AS THEY SHOULD.
If you guys are going thru a clutch in less than 75K then you must fit into the feather - ride - slow-release bunch of the operating crowd.
The accumulator and stock pressure of the OEM is just not fitting the operator's driving style it is most likely doubling or even tripling the friction time when the clutch is being operated. This will lead to the clutch's life being shortened by over the same percentage.
It is physics and simple mechanics,... the same exact theory applies to your brake pads feathering - riding - slow release will result in more pad wear,....... clutches are the same, they use friction pads just like disc brakes do but add in springs and pressure plates and you get the picture.
ADVISE - please replace ALL of the clutch components. Pilot Bearing - Throw-out Bearing - Clutch (obviously) and yes, the Pressure Plate.
The pressure plate CAN BE resurfaced.
But do not waste your time,..... remember the brake theory, as you would replace the disc and pads,..... resurfacing will warp and speed wear.
Aftermarket clutches have "stages" of clutches ........ like flywheel weights and they can explain the grip and speed of the plates spring rates ect.
CenterForce is a aftermarket company,.... one of their "stage" clutches explained
First their
AD then a buyer gets an
install
Source: https://youtu.be/3ZFjIsEPzC4
Source: https://youtu.be/YwBFcvMe4OE?t=449
