Toyota Repair: 2000 Toyota Tacoma 4wd Tranny/Clutch, airplane mechanic, aircraft mechanic

Question
Ted,

Over the last couple of days I have noticed that when I accelerate briskly my car acts as if it is in neutral, with the engine revving up (as if my clutch was engaged). Is this the clutch slipping?

On my way to work tonight, just before I made it in, it became so bad that I could only go about 10mph. I also noticed a burning smell when I got out of the truck.

I work 16 hour days on 3rd shift, and haven't had the chance to have anyone look at it. I am an airplane mechanic by trade, you might find it a bit funny, but as I feel I am proficient aircraft mechanic, my automobile knowledge is very limited.

I would like to try to fix this myself as my funds are VERY limted right now. Any suggestions on where I should start? Do I need to start looking for a new clutch?

Thanks a bunch,
Brian  

Answer
Yes it is the clutch that is going out and is slipping.
The 4x4 transmission is huge and very heavy and we use a large transmission jack to remove and reinstall it so I would not recommend doing this yourself unless there is access to a lift and a jack that can handle the weight of this transmission.
My recommendation would be to locate the clutch parts from an aftermarket source and then find a repair shop to install them, by the way, if it has been slipping for any length of time the flywheel may have to be resurfaced on a lathe, most machine shops can do this, there is just no inexpensive solution to this.