markf1

My 1989 4x4 22RE 5 speed pick up 175k miles, seems to be developing an intermittent problem. While driving, and I think mainly when shifting between the higher gears like 4 and 5 but maybe also 3, at times it seems like, maybe after shifting, that I’m giving it gas and the engine rpm is going up but that’s not being transferred to the drive train. Almost feels like iit goes into neutral for a second or 3. The gear shift does not pop out of gear and I don’t do anything to affect or correct the problem and the truck always resumes powering the drive train like normal. Possibly happens going up hills when down shifting to get up the grade. At first I thought I was imagining this. Intermittent and strange. Selfs,corrects/ goes away on it’s own quickly, like “did that really happen”.? Today was the most noticeable episode yet. GF was on board and it was the most sustained episode yet, going up hill. She noticed it.

Feels like he clutch is maybe slipping somehow? Anyone have experience with this? Any help or advice greatly appreciated.

Discombobulated

Original clutch?

markf1

Yes, original clutch.

ev13wt

Yea, it's most probably going bad.
I drove it like that for 10 years. Bonus: you cannot ˟˟˟˟ anything up when you slip off the clutch :p

You can do a clutch yourself if you have at least an engine hoist or something of that nature.

arlindsay1992

iTrader: (8)

Clutches do slip when they get worn out. They start out just like you say and only get worse. Eventually they don't transmit enough torque to drive. Our clutches are hydraulically actuated so usually don't need any adjustment after the initial free play adjustment at the pedal. With cable actuated clutches a misadjustment can cause your symptoms. 175,000 miles is an age at which I would not be surprised to see an original clutch wear out. I have videos made outlining the replacement.

markf1

Thank you guys for your very helpful comments! I will not be able to do the work myself so...

Good to know that I am not causing any additional damage or problem by continuing to drive it. Interesting and surprising to hear you were able to drive for another 10 years with that happening.

I’m going to have it fixed as soon as I can. “Pay me or now or pay me later.” I guess. Not sure how soon the local shop will be able to take care of it.

I do need to drive to a doctors appointment 5 hours round trip in two weeks and dentist appointment about a week later, 3 hour round trip. We live in a small resort town in the mountains of SW Colorado. Real nice but gotta drive over high mountain roads for services when necessary. Don’t want to break down out there, esp in the winter. Hope the truck can keep on going till I can get the work done. Sounds like it will be about $1K. Ouch.

Thanks again.

ev13wt

Well, you need to a bit careful. The slipping can and will heat the metal. In certain spots it will cool so fast that is hardens. Then you a a mix of soft and hard spots on your flywheel. Soft spots wear "faster" and when you install a new clutch you really *should* resurface the flywheel.
I didn't.
Have some chattering when I use low range in first while engaging.

markf1

Thanks!

ev13wt

Mountain passes, yea? Well. Depending on the condition of the clutch you might be in second gear.
And you can do it yourself. Rent a engine hoist. It's all you need. And some metric wrenches.

And a clutch.
Start watching YouTube instruction vids.

It's a lot cheaper that way.

markf1

Yep second gear likely as well. I appreciate your encouragement. I might be capable but existing conditions, and circumstances....... gonna have to have tthe shop do it. Thank you,

JJ'89

My '89 P/U 2wd 22RE clutch slipping @ ~ 173,000. 2012, independent garage in Fresno. New pilot bearing, release bearing, disk, pressure plate, 4 pt. gear oil, surface flywheel: $632.03 w/tax.

markf1

All of that in Telluride, CO plus rear engine seal and for 4x4 = $1,200 almost double yikes. checked another shop in Durango (2.5 hours away) $1K

ev13wt

Again. It's like lego.
You've watched the vids by now.

markf1

Thanks, I can see that it's not rocket science.

I could probably do it BUT...at 9,000' in November in a gravel parking spot and with just a basic/standard (including metric) collection of wrenches, sockets, etc., and without an engine hoist (or ability to rent one without driving 60 miles to get it) or vehicle lift or heated shop (like in the video). I just can't set myself up to suffer like that any more. Plus the time it would take me...I have a lot of other things to attend to...like work.

SO...she's in the shop.

thanks again!

arlindsay1992

iTrader: (8)

I've done two clutches with a lift, and three or four without. It's really not necessary. A two post makes it pretty easy but a four post (like in my video) doesn't do a whole lot for you. The ramps are often in the way.

akwheeler

Don't try driving through the mountains with a sketchy clutch, unless you like being stranded.
You will ABSOLUTELY do damage to the flywheel if you keep driving it. Every time the clutch slips it creates heat and wears more off of the friction disc, when that gets down to the rivets that hold it together they will gouge the flywheel. the excess heat will warp the flywheel and/or create hard spots that will make a new clutch chatter even if you have the flywheel resurfaced.
Fix it now and fix it right!

markf1

Thanks akwheeler. It's in the shop now and supposed to be done today. Trusted shop complete repair and replace - New pilot bearing, release bearing, disk, pressure plate, 4 pt. gear oil, resurfaced flywheel, new rear engine seal. Having the transfer case and both differentials fluid replaced as well. Agree don't want to be stranded in the mountains esp in winter

ev13wt

Good decision. Have fun this winter!

crawler85

I was watching your vids the other day for my clutch job.

Great work!

Interesting that people are recommending lifting the engine out vs. dropping the tranny....

arlindsay1992

iTrader: (8)

Glad to hear the videos keep helping people.

I would never recommend removing the engine to replace a clutch, but people can do whatever they want.