any special tricks that I would need to know? I am pretty mechanically inclined, just never touched a truck. Helping my brother out with this one….

You will need a transmission jack on a good solid service. You will need an alignment tool. I would get the fly wheel resurfaced (turned) at a machine shop just for good measure. If it has any burs or defects it will ruin the clutch pad. At the very least clean it thoroughly and inspect for any defects..Have Fun…

I hear stories about how the gearbox is really hard to operate, even heard that it "feels like it’s set in cement!". Same with the clutch. But I would never get an automatic version of the Corvette, what’s the point? Also, I heard that it is very easy to lay black lines all over the road, which can be fun, but not so fun when you just want to pull out of a parking lot.

On the plus side, I personally know that the interior is very comfortable (albeit a bit cheap), it has an exorbitent amount of cargo room, and the engine can easily get close to 40 mpg if you really try. And then there’s the cheap factor, less than $50,000 for a base new one.

So, owners… is the car easy to live with on a daily basis, or am I better going for a Porsche Cayman S or BMW M3?

I’m sort of leaning towards the M3, but I can’t ignore the Corvette offering the amazing offer of a value supercar.

Thanks.

The gearbox in the 08-09 C6′s is like butter….much better than earlier years where it’s a bit notchy. Go test drive one and see for yourself…everyone has different preferences.

The ‘vette would be easy to live with as a daily driver though I think the M3 might be a bit better.

Though, as I said, everyone has different preferences…go test drive all 3 if you’d like…hell, that’d be some fun right there, haha.

I have a 96 Toyota 4runner 3.0 liter and I need to replace the clutch. I am wondering if there is anything in particular that I need to worry about when doing it, as I would like to do it myself. I have moderate experience and am confident that I can do it.

The main thing I am wondering is, what parts am I going to need to buy to do this. I want to buy everything that I will need to do the job in one trip (that has rarely happened in the past) as well as things that I might as well replace while I am in there, as far as maintanence.

Thanks.

well first off, you’ve got a 95′, not a 96′. Or your confused about your engine size. 1996 models didn’t come with a 3.0L. only a 2.7 or a 3.4L. This information is important when ordering your clutch kit.
This is a tip that might help you if your planning on pulling it out on the ground. You can change the clutch w/o pulling the transfer case off ( that’s if it’s 4WD). when you remove transmission, Use ratchet straps and connect them between fram to hold transmission up while you remove clutch, pressure plate, etc….
Like the other guy said, I would pay close attention to your flywheel, If you see scortch marks or heat cracks or groves, have it machined. Also pay attention to input shaft where it sit in pilot bearing. Check for abnormal wear that may cause problems to new pilot bearing.
Other than that, all you’ll need is patience as this will not be cake job for a non professional. Good luck!