4Runner heavy flywheel
From Schaffter
Contents |
The reason
The temptation was already big. I had read in all the catalogs about it. The heavy flywheel, that would give a lot of more bottom end torque. Exactly what I would like when going off-road. But, it's a big work to bring down the gearbox and clutch just to change the flywheel.
The excuse
During one of my trips to Sahara, I inadvertently abused the clutch. Since that day, it did not work as expected anymore.
The truck was almost vibrating every time I let go of the pedal for first gear.
This was my chance. (Positive approach, no?)
I could now change the clutch to a re-inforced one and change the flywheel at the same time. Suddenly, it made sense to bring down the gearbox.
The work
After a short phone call to Downey Industries, where I gave them my credit card number, they sent me the new clutch and flywheel by UPS.
I did the installation myself. I must say that I had no major issues in doing it, even if I do my work in the garden at home. If you are used to work with your truck, it's not really an issue.
You do not need any special tools, with one single exception. You will need to have a clutch alignment tool. You buy this at the same time and place as you buy the flywheel. (Downey's or NWOR ?) It's five bucks and it removes a lot of hassle. Recommended. Also, make sure you have a good set of metric standard tools. Finally, I strongly encourage you to have the Toyota Repair manual available. Following Toyota's procedures for lowering and remounting the gearbox and the clutch will make life a lot easier for you.
I'm not a quick one when working with my truck. I used a week-end to do the repair, but it could have been done quicker. Especially if you have access to a professional garage.
The work requires you to bring down the complete gearbox.
Since my truck is raised 4 inches, I have more space under the truck. This have made me very happy several times.
You will need at least one good hydraulic garage hi-jack. The gearbox is heavy. You do not lift it by hand, even if you are two to do the work.
I had help by my wife, by then pregnant in third month. She's an angel. Obviously, I'm not.
When Gabriel later was born, he showed to be a healthy boy. :-)
Anyway, once you have removed the gearbox and the clutch, you have six more bolts for the flywheel.
Use lock-tite on the bolts when remounting them!! Make sure you use the prescribed torque on all bolts.
The result
I was seriously surprised by the huge difference in low-end torque with the new fly-wheel. I've been rolling steep uphill (unloaded truck) with 400 rpm with no knocking. On first high gear!! (I don't do that regularly, but there was a situation where I couldn't avoid it.) And the truck just pulled as if it had been a diesel. I do not regret having made the change. I was afraid that I would notice a slower throttle response, but no. Nothing at all.
Additional reading
Since then, I have also changed exhaust system, mounted another air filter and mounted a Power Breather, so there is power enough in the machine.
