master clutch cylinder issues

Guys, I feel pretty dumb because I just replaced the master clutch cylinder on my B2200 a few months ago and now I cannot remember how I got to the two bolts that attach the clutch master from INSIDE the firewall. Can I remove the cowl thing that is between the windshield and the hood? I cannot imagine getting to them from inside the truck..

Also, any recommendations for brands of clutch master and slave cylinders? I am going through them like they are going out of style? Is there some thing very special about this hydraulic system that I am missing? I just replaced this master a few hundred miles ago

Thanks very much,
Jim Lee
1988 and very proud to be a B.

Jim Lee - haven't heard from you in a long time.

Most of us have been through numerous clutch master and clutch slave cylinders. You can remove the cowl, But that WILL NOT help you get the clutch master cylinder out. You get the clutch master loose by removing the two nuts (12mm socket) from the cab, up near where the clutch pedal pushrod goes through the firewall. Yes, you'll likely need to lie down hanging legs outside the truck door to do this. You'll need 12mm socket, short extensions, and ratchet. For the clutch fluid line you;ll need 10mm flare wrench. I pencil all this stuff in my service manual, and I just took a look at my own '88 for you, the two nuts are pretty accessible.

Got it. Piece of cake when I actually did it.
Now my question is why have I had to replace 2 master and 2 slave cylinders in not so many miles. This time it was the master but I brought another slave for next month when that goes out. Is there some design flaw in this system? The saving grace is that the parts are relatively cheap and easy to change out.

I do not like the being left stranded at an intersection unable to get in any gear. I ended up grinding it into reverse and backing up into a nearby parking lot. Last time the clutch failed it gave me a lot more warning. Fr weeks it would stick on the floor. This time it all took place during a short trip to the store. Thank buddha for triple A.

Thanks all,
Jim Lee

Well, I was adding to my post yesterday when the site went down. Yes, we're all looking for reliable hydraulic cylinders for these, don't know why they are like this, the design is just like other vehicles. I've got a 1998 Frontier with 186K miles still on its original clutch hydraulics AND brake hydraulics. Same with my 2004 Frontier but that has half the mileage.

"OK, what brand of clutch master cylinder? Dealer clutch master is about $115, don't know if rotary can supply for less. Aftermarket ones are considerably less. I'm at a crossroads what I will do next time.

My history: bought first replacements at a local parts store, lifetime warranty. Store later acquired by CarQuest, and they honored the warranty quite a few times, cylinders (MC and slave) came with quite a few brand names on them, including Wagner. Anyway, last time I replaced these, Carquest manager said to consider these (I usually replaced in pairs) the last free replacement. So don't know if I will try CarQuest again, or switch to AutoZone lifetime and try those. If factory ones would have a great life, I'd try them - but then again I think my original ones lasted 8 years at most (if earlier owners didn't have failures) because I replaced them first time (for me) in 1996.

Maybe others can post which brands have proved reliable for them. By the way, EVERY time I replaced these, I pumped out ALL the old fluid out so only new fluid would be inside. And I did bench-bleed the clutch masters."