Doing a clutch job for the first time this weekend...

Yams

Yams

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Joined
Mar 16, 2018
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Location
MD, USA
Any advice from those who have done it before? Any other items I should look at while I have the transmission dropped?

I have a couple internet guides ready and watched a couple of how-to vids, have all my tools (e12 torx, transmission jack adapter, plenty of extensions, emery cloth for the flywheel), got my Luk clutch kit and bought an all metal throw-out bearing.

I feel fairly prepared, but am always open to the wisdom of those with more experience!
 
I did the clutch on my YJ. It's really not that bad of a job and seems like you have done your homework. Make sure you double then triple check everything you put in with your write ups photos or any other resources you have before you bolt it it back in. You did yourself a solid favor by buying the transmission adapter. I can tell you a block of wood, some ratchets, and a floor jack is no good.

Good luck.

Welcome to the forum by the way. If you provide information on your jeep. Year, engine, and transmission people may be able to give you more specific recommendations on areas of concern.
 
You need about 379 feet in extensions to reach the top bell housing bolts.

Just kidding. It’s fairly simple if you have a decent background in wrenching on vehicles.


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Alex01 said:
You did yourself a solid favor by buying the transmission adapter. I can tell you a block of wood, some ratchets, and a floor jack is no good.
Click to expand...

Glad to know its money well spent!

Thanks for the welcome, I been lurking here since I bought the Jeep last summer, it's a 98 Sport TJ. Previous owner put a 6 inch lift with long arms and then gave up on the thing (no brake lines, no driveshafts attached), but I got it running (and stopping) so far!
 
I like to use an atv jack with some 2x6's cut the width of the jack with some wedges, much more secure than a trans jack. When you get the trans down to the angle you are ready to remove it from the engine put a floor jack with a board on it under the oil pan then use the blocks and wedges to set the angle of the trans on the atv jack. Take a couple of ratchet straps and secure the trans to the atv jack. This way the trans stays at the right angle and makes install a ton easier. I'd buy a reman flywheel or have yours surfaced. Make sure to torque the pressure plate to specs.
 
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Especially if the bell housing is aluminum;
Do NOT just pull it off and push it on.
The stud threads will file the holes and make everything a bit off-center and wear things out faster.
 
When pulling the transmission away from the engine, realize that keeping or restoring its alignment with the engine is absolutely crucial. A minor angle difference can be the difference in the transmission being easy to remove/replace or frustration and thinking something has gone wrong. A 1/16" difference in jack height may be all that is needed to make it slide out or in with ease.
 
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ive never done a jeep trans but pulled the trans on my mustang dozens of times.maybe this trick will work on a jeep also. I get 2 6"long bolts that will thread into the 2 upper trans to bell housing bolts . cut the heads of the bolts and round of the edge' hand thread them into the bell housing and when you lift the trans you have 2 guides to help slide the trans in straight.
 
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59 wagon man said:
ive never done a jeep trans but pulled the trans on my mustang dozens of times.maybe this trick will work on a jeep also. I get 2 6"long bolts that will thread into the 2 upper trans to bell housing bolts . cut the heads of the bolts and round of the edge' hand thread them into the bell housing and when you lift the trans you have 2 guides to help slide the trans in straight.
Click to expand...

Here is a suggestion you rarely hear, but a good one at that. Get a face mask with some kind of filter. Since you are not new to clutches you know why, but that dust is harmful. You don't want to breathe that in. At the very least, wear a Bandanna like you are robbing a bank.
 
If you are going to replace the pilot bearing, I recommend using sculpting putty instead of wet paper or such. It will push that bearing right out and clean-up nicely.

P.S. Helped a friend do his clutch on a TJ and it took a bit of wiggling to get it to align back in. Don't get frustrated if it doesn't just slide in right away, use your hands and wiggle a bit, just don't push too hard and don't hit it. Torque to spec. You will like the softness of the clutch after replacement. ;) Good luck.
 
Make sure you do it on a level surface and hopefully you have help. It is easy but better with one other person. O did mine in a sloped driveway by myself and it was a royal pain to get the trans back on the engine.
 
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