Install new clutch

[Bernie]

I have a '74 302 3-speed with floor shift. How tough is it to install a new clutch, throw out bearing etc for someone who hasn't done this before. Can you get it done with a couple floor jacks and normal hand tools or am I better off going to my local tranny shop? Any suggestions?

Beach Bronco Bernie

 

[Yardape]

The hardest part will be aligning the clutch plate. Some kits come with the alignment tool, which just looks like the input shaft on your transmission. You can make one, if thats your only option then write back and I will tell you how, but your kit should come with one. Be sure to get your flywheel turned and make sure you replace the pressure plate as well as the disk.

 

[Bernie]

Yardape, thanks for the info. I would probably replace the fly wheel and install all new components for the clutch. I am aware of the need for an alignment tool to get the splines aligned. What I am most concerned about is can you do this all from underneath on your garage floor with floor jacks. Would it help to have the front wheels up on a set of ramps that I have for more room to work on the underside? I also have a couple of floor jacks and a bottle jack that I can use. Can you safely slide the transfer case and tranny out as one unit without getting crushed???

Beach Bronco Bernie

 

[Yardape]

It would make your life alot easier removing the T-Case first, alot of guys will probably say leave them together but would make the removal and install much more difficult. You should only have to jack your truck up far enough to clear the Tranny and T-Case. If you have enough clearance with the truck on the ground I'd leave but if not I'd lift the whole truck off the ground. Its a pretty easy job, dont sweat it, you'll be done in no time. Replacing the flywheel really isn't a necessity unless your old one can't be turned. When you get it back you'd swear it was brand new. Have a good look at the surface and see if there are any cracks because that is pretty common. I used to grind flywheels a few years back and they come out pretty darn impressive. Also would be a good time to check out your rear main seal. Oh yes and dont forget your jackstands, Do not rely on those jacks to keep you save.

 

[STLKIKN]

Bernie, if you have the tools and the time, and are fairly mechanically inclined, then you can probably handle this task at home.

The cast iron Dana 20 and three speed tranny are fairly heavy and are tough to move around while working on your back on the floor, this would be a two man job.

If you separate the tranny from the t/case on this truck there are two things to watch for...

1) if you split them at the adaptor in front of the t/case, the bearings that support the input shaft will probably fall into the t/case....

2) if you split the adaptor off the tranny, you MUST lock the tranny into first gear or you may drop the input bearings into the tranny (requiring a partial teardown/ rebuild)

When removing the tranny, leave the bellhousing on the back of the block, it will make removal much easier.

Good luck.

 

[Bernie]

Bernie, if you have the tools and the time, and are fairly mechanically inclined, then you can probably handle this task at home.

The cast iron Dana 20 and three speed tranny are fairly heavy and are tough to move around while working on your back on the floor, this would be a two man job.

If you separate the tranny from the t/case on this truck there are two things to watch for...

1) if you split them at the adaptor in front of the t/case, the bearings that support the input shaft will probably fall into the t/case....

2) if you split the adaptor off the tranny, you MUST lock the tranny into first gear or you may drop the input bearings into the tranny (requiring a partial teardown/ rebuild)

When removing the tranny, leave the bellhousing on the back of the block, it will make removal much easier.

Good luck.

Thanks for the input on doing the clutch thing. From what I read on some other sites and going over the engine/chassis manual it sounds like the best thing to do is put the transfer case and tranny as one unit to avoid dislodging the bearings you guys mentioned in your notes. In hoping that a couple floor jacks with some safety strapping and a cradle affair would allow me to slide the complete package aft and down. Once that was done then I would go after the bell housing, pressure plate, clutch etc.

Appreciate your comments.

Bernie

 

[Yardape]

In that case, definatly do that. I have never experienced what they said but would **** if it happened. Have fun. >-

 

[STLKIKN]

Yardape, it's an EB thing.... fullsize don't have those problems...

Bernie, sounds like your plan should work.

Good luck.