I believe my sons Dakota shredded the throw out bearing. Removed cover at flywheel and ball bearings and black shredded fibers fell out. 98 with 5.2 liter, first clutch replacement for me, any time saving tips, or things to watch for?

 

A Haynes manual is your best friend I got mine at autozone for 20.00 def a good investment.

 

Check the release fork pivot and make sure its tight.

Some bolts are really a PITA on the top of the bellhousing. I had to bend some of the body lip next to the frame to get to the crossmember bolts on mine. Why they did that I havent the clue. I also had to remove the oil filter to get one bolt out. The exhaust crossover pipe needs to be removed to get teh tranny back (on a 3.9. Think the 5.2 is the same). Air tools come in handy.

 

agreed on all parts. When i pulled the TH475 off the 454 in our dually, we cut the exhaust H pipe off, used a 4 foot long series of extension with a wobbly on the end to get the top 4 bolts, and the 2 or 4 lowers were easy. Hopefully a shorter tranny will be easier.