Hello everyone,

I am in the process of replacing the clutch on my daughters Dakota, 2001, 3.9. I have one, of many I'm sure, question at the moment. Do you think I need to remove the exhaust pipes below the transmission. It looks like I might be able to get the trans out without doing that, might be tight though.

Thanks

 

You should probably go ahead and remove the exhaust pipes. It will make this an easier job. The factory Dodge Service Manual says to remove the exhaust y-pipe and remove and lower the exhaust pipes "for clearance as neccessary". The transmission is heavy and if I were under the truck doing the clutch I know I would want as much room to work as possible.

Good luck. Let us know if you have any other questions.

Jimmy

 

Thanks Jimmy, will do. I was trying to talk myself out of wrestling with the rusted bolts on the exhaust. One side was easy, of course, other side is being a pain.

Thank you again!!!

 

Ok, this is probably a dumb question. I only jacked up the front of the truck, not the back. Will be a problem? I am still trying to figure a way to get the front jacked up higher, without buying another jack. I have a trans jack and it doesn't look like I'll have clearance to get the trans out from under the truck.
Good news exhaust is ready to come out.

 

you can place blocks of wood under the jack to get it higher. Jus make sure to secure it with jack stands before working on it.

 

+10 on using jack stands. Use sturdy, strong and secure jack stands, either 3 ton or even better a 6-ton stand. Make sure the truck is supported securely and safely by grabbing at 6 or 8 places around the body of the truck and shake, move it up and down, side to side hard as you can to be sure that truck won't fall off the stands.

For what you are doing I think it would be easier on you to raise the front and back of the truck for more room and better access. Maybe put the front wheels on Rhino Ramps and raise the back end on jack stands if you don't have 4 jack stands.

Just be sure the truck is supported safely before sliding under it. There was a guy in the auto shop class at my high school who was working under a car supported only by a jack. The jack let go and the car fell on him, it crushed his skull and killed him instantly.

Better to be safe than sorry when you slide under the truck.

Jimmy