When it comes to off-road adventures and rugged terrains, the 70 Series Landcruiser has remained a popular and a reliable companion. While many vehicle owners focus on engine modifications and suspension upgrades, one upgrade that often gets overlooked is the clutch.
However, if you’re looking to take your driving experience to the next level, it may be time to turn to performance clutch upgrades! If you’ve ever considered getting your ECU remapped, or if you’ve already had performance upgrades fitted to your 70 Series, then a heavy-duty clutch is a must-have upgrade to help deal with the extra power and torque.
In this guide, we uncover everything you need to know about clutch upgrades and their transformative potential for your Landcruiser 70 series. From understanding the fundamental workings of the clutch system to selecting the right upgrade that aligns with your driving needs, we ensure you have everything you need to get the most out of your Toyota’s performance potential!
Understanding The Clutch System
At the heart of every 70 Series’ power transfer lies the clutch system. The clutch system is a mechanical device that allows for the disengagement and engagement of power between the engine and the transmission.
When the clutch pedal is pressed, the clutch system disengages, disconnecting the engine’s power from the transmission. Conversely, releasing the clutch pedal engages the clutch, allowing power to flow from the engine to the transmission and the wheels.
The clutch system comprises several key components, each with its own specific function in the power transfer process. These components include:
- Clutch Disc: The clutch disc, also known as the friction disc, is a flat disc featuring friction linings on both sides. It acts as the direct medium for transmitting engine torque to the transmission’s input shaft. When coupled with the pressure plate and flywheel, the clutch disc establishes and breaks the flow of power between the engine and the transmission.
- Pressure Plate: Positioned adjacent to the clutch disc, the pressure plate exerts pressure to keep the clutch disc securely pressed against the flywheel. When engaged, the pressure plate enables the transfer of power from the engine to the transmission, allowing for seamless power delivery.
- Flywheel: Serving as the interface between the clutch mechanism and the transmission, the flywheel is a large metal disc that features a series of teeth along its outer edge that engage with the engine’s starter motor. The flywheel provides weight for rotational inertia to keep your car’s engine running. Without it, the engine will stall when you let your foot off the accelerator.
- Throwout Bearing: The throwout bearing, also known as the release bearing, facilitates the release car’s engine from the transmission during a gear shift. This force allows the clutch disc to separate from the flywheel, allowing for seamless transitions between gears.
The Benefits Of Upgrading Your 70 Series Clutch
Every 70 series Landcruiser is equipped with a standard factory clutch that caters to the needs of the average driver, ensuring a reliable journey from point A to point B. However, for passionate drivers and Toyota enthusiasts seeking to enhance their off-road experiences with ECU remaps and other diesel performance upgrades, upgrading the clutch becomes an essential modification. Heavy-duty clutches, meticulously engineered to withstand enhanced power and torque, offer a multitude of advantages that far surpass those provided by factory clutch kits.
Durability and Longevity
Constructed using top-of-the-line materials, performance clutches are designed to deliver exceptional performance and withstand the increased power levels generated by tuned or modified diesel engines. Whether you’re an avid enthusiast or a professional driver, upgrading to a performance clutch ensures unparalleled reliability even under the most demanding conditions.
Superior Heat Resistance
Advanced clutch systems excel at handling high temperatures generated during intense driving conditions. With superior heat resistance, these clutches maintain consistent performance, even under demanding circumstances such as touring, or towing. The ability to operate at elevated temperatures ensures reliable and efficient power transfer without compromising performance.
Greater Reliability
In the realm of daily driving, a heavy-duty clutch system can offer more than just enhancements; it can significantly bolster the reliability of your vehicle. The robust construction of heavy-duty clutches leads to increased durability, reducing the chances of clutch-related issues and breakdowns. With this enhanced reliability, you can trust your vehicle to perform consistently whilst towing or off-road, providing peace of mind during your journeys.
Enhanced Driving Experience
Upgrading your clutch system goes beyond added power and torque resilience. Designed with drive-ability in mind, these clutches offer unique characteristics that enhance your shifting experience. The advanced engineering and high-quality materials used in performance clutches ensure smoother and more precise gear engagements, reduced pedal effort, and cleaner shifts.
Factors To Consider When Upgrading Your Clutch
When selecting an upgraded clutch for your Landcruiser 70 series, it’s essential to consider various factors to ensure optimal performance and compatibility. From power goals to vehicle weight and clutch materials, each aspect plays a crucial role in determining the right upgrade for your needs.
Power Goals & Intended Use of the Vehicle
Before upgrading your clutch, it is important to identify your future vehicle power goals and determining how you intend to use your vehicle. Whether you are looking to upgrade your turbocharger, injectors, or invest in custom ECU remapping, understanding your power requirements and usage scenarios will help guide you towards a clutch that can effectively meet your performance needs.
Vehicle Weight
The weight of your 70 series also plays a significant role in clutch selection. Heavier vehicles, especially older models can exert greater stress on the clutch assembly. To prevent issues like premature clutch wear or damage, it’s crucial to choose a clutch that can handle the load effectively. Generally, heavier vehicles require clutches with higher clamp pressure to ensure smooth and reliable power transfer. This also extends into towing, it’s important to keep in mind your towing requirements when choosing a clutch for your 70 Series.
How Just Autos Can Transform Your Driving Experience
When it comes to your vehicle’s clutch, Just Autos offer high-performance clutch upgrades that are precision-engineered exclusively for Toyota vehicles. Whether you’re navigating rugged off-road terrain or cruising the city streets, our NPC clutch upgrades are tailor-made for a wide range of Toyota applications, including 4×4 enthusiasts, towing and touring vehicles and everyday drivers.
Our range includes premium quality clutch plate and pressure plates that increases the clamp pressure between 20 to 45% above standard specifications. This combined with our full faced clutch disc and a flywheel upgrade achieves superior durability, smooth engagement, and a flawless driving experience.
Going heavy-duty with your 70 Series clutch
Upgrading your clutch can significantly transform your 70 Series Landcruiser, enhancing durability, reliability, and overall driving experience. Whether you’re looking to conquer challenging off-road trails, tow heavy loads with confidence, or carry out diesel performance upgrades, our clutch upgrades are the key to unlocking your Landcruiser’s full potential.
Just Autos is a leading supplier of clutch upgrades for the 70 Series Landcruiser. We offer a wide range of performance clutch upgrades and aftermarket clutch kits that are specifically designed to handle the demands of high-performance Landcruiser 70 series applications. With our expertise in diesel performance tuning, trust us to transform your Landcruiser into a high-performance machine that delivers power, precision, and reliability. Contact us today to learn more!
