Hi All,

I'm going to be replacing the clutch this weekend and am looking for any pointers, things to look out for, etc., to help me out. I have the tools, the parts, the factory service manual (plus a Haynes), the mechanical ability, and the garage space..........just not the experience.
So if you've done it before and have any tips, I'd appreciate a reply. FYI, it's a 91 regular cab, long bed, V6 with four wheel drive.

Thanks in Advance,

Jerry

 

probably be easier to pull the motor than it would be the tranny...you won't have to worry about dropping the tcase and stuff...

 

I'd like to pull the motor so I could replace the oil pan gasket but I don't have an engine hoist......I do have a tranny jack though!

 

Well if all you have is atrany jack you might be able to drop the shaft and just slide everything back.If you are changing the clutch because it was chattering,check the pilot bearing for damage.

 

In general the things that are most important to consider regarding clutch replacement are the ff:

- rear engine crankshaft seal
- universal joints/CV joints
- shifter linkages/bushings
- motor/transmission mounts
- flywheel/ring gear
-transmission gear oil
-transmission seals

 

injmopar: I already plan on changing the pilot bearing since I'll be in there. I'm replacing the clutch because it's just plain worn out......the truck creeps forward when it's running with the tranny in first and the clutch pushed in. It's also hard to get in reverse without grinding and the pedal doesn't release until the very top of its travel.

kent08: I would like to change the rear main seal but am trying to get the truck on the road quickly so it'll have to wait....I don't think it's leaking but will probably change it when I do the oil pan gasket. The u-joints/cv-joints are good as well the shifter linkages/bushings. I just finished replacing the motor mounts and the tranny mounts still look pretty good. I will definitely be checking the flywheel while I'm in there. I'm going to replace the output shaft seal on the tranny along with the clutch this weekend.

I started the job tonight. I got the truck up in the air, the driveshafts off, the transfer case and tranny drained, and everything disconnected from the transfer case. I'll start tomorrow with removing the transfer case (after a couple of cups of coffee). One thing I've learned so far; safety glasses are a must at a minimum. The amount of dirt/crud that keeps falling in my face is getting really annoying.....I might wear a full faceshield tomorrow so I save my eyes and don't end up eating anymore of the crap falling off the bottom of the truck.

Wish me luck.

 

Ya I don't brush every day but definetly after a clutch change. That sounds like the clutch release not the clutch.

 

thats what i was going to say..inspect your throw out bearing and fork...might as well replace the throw out bearing while your at it..i don't know if that will come in the kit or not..

 

Yep, the throwout bearing is in the kit and definitely going to be replaced. I'm still leaning to the clutch being worn out since in it's former life, the truck was used to pull a fifth wheel. But I'm definitely going to inspect everything.

I got a late start this morning so didn't get very far. I got the transfer case out - finally! I had problems with it because of my stupidity and the steel vacuum lines that are bolted to the case. Of course I didn't find the vacuum lines until after repositioning and adjusting the jack plate about a thousand times. I kept thinking the transfer case was binding on the output shaft and bolts....DUH!

After that screw up, I went on to the tranny and of course the crossmember was giving me the fits. It just did not want to come out. Luckily, I got it out. I've quit for the night because my arthritis is hurting too much to go on - getting old really sucks. Tomorrow the tranny is coming out and then I'm cleaning everything underneath that truck (as well as the tranny and transfer case).

Since I'm going to do the cleaning, I won't be finished this weekend. Also, it looks like the tranny is leaking where the sections bolt together, so I'm going to take it apart and fix that while I'm at it. It's funny that I bought the truck to help out a friend that was selling it, but I've been cursing him a lot lately. I also figured that I could have a project and learn a thing or two while I was at it - and I'm definitely learning things.

I really appreciate all the suggestions - please keep them coming!

Jerry

 

they pulled a 5th wheel with a dakota?? hope it wasn't a big one ...them dakotas don't have very good brakes....that and it was a v6?? hummm...