Replacing a clutch...., Easy to do yourself? Options

[CupCrazy38]

Well, was going to a friends house the other day and next thing I know... can't make it up this big arse hill.

Need a new clutch. Got it to the Toyota dealer... they asked me where the tow truck was that dropped it off, lol. Anyway, just got the car back a few weeks ago after it took 5 weeks to fix after I got hit.

The problem is, it's gonna cost me a crap load in labor to fix. After having to shell out $500 to fix "previous damage" that I was unaware of to have the car fixed (Insurance paid another $3,400), $875 to have a new clutch put in is a bit pricy for a college student to make while having to pay over $300 a month for full coverage on an ST.... ugh. Can't wait to have this thing paid off, but at this rate....

My ? is.... anyone ever replace their clutch? Is it hard? I've got a Haynes Repair Manual, while it's not the greatest thing, it is a start. I've worked on my parent's cars in the past, and have helped replace just about every component in my mom's car's engine (1985 190 E). The other cars were a 70 Chevelle, and an 84 Monte Carlo. How does the celica compare to those?

I've got my dad whose been fixing his own cars his whole life and fixed jets and helicopters in the marines for 21 years to help me as well, and there is a lift that I can use on base for free.

Toyota diagnosed the following:
Clutch- $69.64
Pressure Plate- $98.02
Throw Out Bearing- $44.04
Turn Flywheel & Rear main seal- $35

and on a side note, a left axle seal for $14.99

With labor they want $875 for it all.... to save over $500 I'm more than willing to take my time and learn how to do this....

Thanks in advance, and sorry for the long post....

This post has been edited by CupCrazy38: Dec 10, 2003 - 4:23 PM

[ConeTrouble]

Hey CupCrazy38

I was wondering if you got around to doing this yourself or not... If so how tough was it?

I just bought a '94 GT and it came complete with a clutch engagement point that is so high that it doesn't catch until the pedal gets into the free play at the top of the throw. Clutch is definitely headed south. Aside from that and the brakes needing complete overhaul, the car is in fine shape. I would rather do the work myself, because I know if I am able to do it, that it will be done right. I am just not sure I have the tools necessary to get it done (basically, i am talking about air-impact wrenches and stuff... you know, the stuff the mechanic has and uses to bust nuts that have been lounging around with 'RoadGrime' and his buddy 'Rust', having beer and pretzels for the last 9 years...).

Anyway, any feedback would be appreciated. Hope it went well for ya.

Mark

EDIT: Nevermind... just read the post RIGHT above mine. Brain just never works before the second cup of coffee these days. Anyone done this and can comment on how possible it would be for two clutzes with a pretty good outlay of Craftsmans and an engine hoist?

This post has been edited by ConeTrouble: Dec 16, 2003 - 11:39 AM