I was driving my 1995 4Runner 4x4 around and I began to notice that all of the sudden my clutch pedal was going all the way to the floor when I pressed it to switch gears. I was still able to drive the truck, but at times it was very difficult to shift into first gear and when I did I was not able to sit idle because the truck would lurch forward as if the clutch pedal was not pressed in at all. I checked the master cylinder and it was very low, but even after topping it off with DOT-3 brake fluid I still have the same problem. The fact that the truck is still somewhat drivable makes me wonder if there is something else that I should check or should I assume the worse and be prepared to shell out $500 ($200 for parts and $300 for labor. Is that high?) Thanks for any advice

It sounds like either the master or slave cylinders are leaking. I know the master can be rebuilt for cheap, and it's not a hard job. I'd suggest either rebuilding or replacing the slave, too.

Mark

Thanks, I don't see any leakage around the master cylinder and even depressing the clutch didn't cause the fluid level to go down. Where is the slave cylinder located? Is it also against the firewall?

Slave cyl. is located on the side of the bellhousing, also look up where the pedal connects to the master they leak inwards into the cab

It's either your master, slave or both. Regardless, change them both at the same time. The master can have an internal leak that you won't see and it will not build and hold pressure. Try and buy a bench bleeding kit, usually arouns a buck or two and bench bleed the master before installing. Not that hard of a job to tear into yourself.

It could also be that the bracket that holds the clutch pedal is cracking and not allowing full throw on the pedal. Get under the dash with a flashlight and check it for cracks. Fix, order a new bracket from the dealer.

Another thing that happens is the firewall around where the clutch MC is mounted starts cracking.

I've got a cracked bracket. I had a mechanic try to weld it, but it's broke again. How hard is it to replace the bracket myself? My mechanic told me it was a $250 bracket and a couple of "mechanic" hours. I read another thread saying it was $75 for the part and 1-2 hours for first-time labor and 20 minutes if not. Are there any other threads I'm missing that'll give some hints or pics of replacing? It's on a 1991 4x4 x-cab.

If all else fails, could be the same problem I had. The clutch fork that lifts the plate inside the bell housing actually cracked. I was slowly losing travel in the clutch until it finally would not release at all. Not fun.
On the other hand, I did just rebuild my master cylinder and never having done it before, it was pretty simple.

Get one off a junker. www.car-part.com

They don't list this part, but at least you can see who has a junkyard nearby with a Yota sitting in it.

Thanks, I've got a call into them now. Anyone have tricks/hints about dismantling/reassembling all the connections involved?