clutch lifetime?

[JohnVT]

driving my 2000 4runner over the Adirondacks the other day, on a steep run, it suddenly felt like the RPMs were revving, but we were slowing down in 5th gear. I downshifted to 4th, which didn't change much. Managed to get to a pull-off, waited a few minutes, started out again, and didn't have problems the rest of the drive that I could tell.
This clutch had 77000 miles on it, and we had only a moderate load (5 people, some luggage). Weather was cold, snow on the ground...
What is the typical life of a 4 runner clutch?
How much are parts, How much to change??
thanks

[JohnVT]

The truck ran fine today on the 150 mile trip home. Still not sure why we seemed to lose drive going over the mountain... of course, today we took a slightly different route that doesn't go up and over the steep mountain. any ideas?
(and I know there are lots of variables, but how long does a clutch typically last?)
thanks

[kball]

You said it, there's lots of variables....

I've heard of clutches lasting 100,000 miles to over 200,000.

I have an auto so no personal experience here.