clutch won't release, 2002 4wd

[mrscullini]

my vehicle is a 2002 supercab 4wd, 4.0 with 5mOD. it's got the original clutch with 144k on it. most of my miles are highway. i've replaced a couple of clutches, although it has been a while, so i have a good understanding of how they work and i am really easy on them.

this morning, while rolling to a stop with the clutch disengaged (pedal down) the clutch suddenly engage as if i released the pedal but the pedal was still down. i was able to roll into a parking lot and park it. i've lost resistance on the pedal but it still returns to the upper position after being depressed. now, when the pedal is depressed, the clutch does not disengage.

my first thought is that the fingers on the pressure plate have broken. any thoughts?

at any rate, the tranny/x-fer case need to be pulled and the assembly inspected, so i've got a few questions.

1. assuming a routine clutch replacement, what can i expect a shop to charge?
2. should the master and slave cylinder be replaced at preventative maintenance?
3. if i decide to do it myself, how long should the job take?
4. should i leave the tranny and x-fer case married?
5. any special tools required?

any other insight is certainly appreciated.

 

[Yellowsplash]

Sounds like your slave cylinder failed...common problem. If this is the case, I would just do a whole clutch job while your in there being you have 144k miles. A good quality luk clutch kit will work and a slave cylinder from the local parts store. Just remember to resurface the flywheel too.

 

[mrscullini]

Sounds like your slave cylinder failed...common problem. If this is the case, I would just do a whole clutch job while your in there being you have 144k miles. A good quality luk clutch kit will work and a slave cylinder from the local parts store. Just remember to resurface the flywheel too.

that thought crossed my mind also but since the pedal returns, i figured it was okay. i figured i should replace all the parts while in there.

how difficult a diy job is it? any estimate on time involved?

 

[mrscullini]

so it looks like it is the slave cylinder. i had a puddle of fluid under the vehicle.

so the question, do i tackle the job myself?

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

only you can answer that.

pulling a transmission really isnt that technical and it only requires basic hand tools.

while your at it, i would replace the master cylinder too. chances are its not far behind the slave. plus, as these plastic peices of crap start to fail, they contaminate the hydraulic system with chunks of teflon seal and plastic. it'd be a shame for your brand new slave cylinder to be ruined by your old, deteriorating master cylinder.