Description
Rather than treating clutch selection as a universal fit, the EXEDY Performance Clutch Kit – 1996–2000 4Runner / 1994–1998 T100 / 1995–2004 Tacoma (Toyota) is organized specifically for 1996–2000 4Runner / 1994–1998 T100 / 1995–2004 Tacoma (Toyota), with configurations chosen around street-driven, work-duty, towing-conscious, and mildly modified applications where clutch control and heat tolerance matter.
A Century of Clutch Engineering
Since 1923, EXEDY has developed clutch and powertrain components for OEM and performance use around the world. The company's Daikin Clutch heritage and motorsports engineering experience underpin a catalog that ranges from OE replacement hydraulics and clutch kits to SFI-certified sport clutches, chromoly flywheels, and Hyper multi-plate assemblies.
Why This Part Fits the Build
EXEDY's performance single- and multi-plate systems are intended to raise torque capacity and heat tolerance while matching the engagement characteristics to the car's intended use. Stage 1 uses an organic friction strategy for the most street-friendly behavior; Stage 2 moves to cerametallic friction for harder use; Hyper systems add dedicated flywheel and multi-plate architecture for substantially higher-output builds.
Choose the least aggressive configuration that comfortably covers the engine's torque and heat load. That approach normally gives the best balance of drivability, service life, transmission friendliness, and track durability.
Available Configurations
This parent listing contains multiple EXEDY configurations for the same application family. The differences below are functional and should be selected around torque demand, heat load, and acceptable engagement behavior.
| Configuration | EXEDY Part Number | Construction / Character | Torque Capacity | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 Organic | 16806A | Ultra-Fiber organic, sprung center. Smoothest performance option; typically closest to stock. | Application-specific; higher than OE | Street, canyon, autocross and light track use on mildly modified engines |
| Stage 2 Cerametallic – Cushion Button | 16956A | Cerametallic cushion-button disc. More progressive than a rigid puck-style disc while still aggressive. | Application-specific | Street/track builds wanting stronger bite with some engagement cushioning |
How to Choose
For 1996–2000 4Runner / 1994–1998 T100 / 1995–2004 Tacoma (Toyota), start with Stage 1 when street manners and modulation are the priority; step to Stage 2 when torque output, repeated heat, launches, or track use demand more bite. Where thick, thin, or cushion-button Stage 2 discs are offered, choose thick for broader thermal durability, thin for lower rotating inertia/quick shifts, and cushion-button for a more progressive compromise.
Engineering Details
- Clamp Load: Stage 1/2 covers are designed around roughly 40% higher clamping load than the genuine part
- Pedal Effort: Typical Stage 1/2 increase is approximately 20–35%, application dependent
- Flywheel Compatibility: Stage 1/2 generally use the OEM flywheel unless noted; Hyper systems include/require their dedicated flywheel
- Certification: EXEDY Stage 1, Stage 2 and Lightweight Flywheel products are SFI 1.1 certified
- Vehicle Application: 1996–2000 4Runner / 1994–1998 T100 / 1995–2004 Tacoma (Toyota)
- EXEDY SKUs: 16806A, 16956A
Application-specific construction notes: Cushion-button disc, Cerametallic friction.
Fitment note: Before ordering, confirm the exact year, trim, engine, transmission, and flywheel/clutch-system combination. EXEDY may use different components within the same model range, particularly where transmissions or factory flywheel designs changed.