My 2002 3.9 2 wheel drive has gotten hard to shift, and, when sitting idleing it sounds like marbles in a clothesdryer coming from the clutch area. I assume this is the throw out bearing, please advise me if I'm in error. So, in any case, no matter what the problem a full new clutch kit is going back. My question is, what size, 11'', or 12''. the 2000 book says the 3.9 has a 10.3 diameter disc, the 2003 book doesn't say, and, I don't have a 2002 book. O'rileys only list a 12'' disc, Rock Auto list both 11, and 12, The O'riley stuff is pricey though. Should I stay with the 11, or upgrade to 12? Thanks

 

The EASIEST thing to do would be go to a dealer and get it from them. They'll run the VIN and you know it will fit.

Besides, I've never really been happy with aftermarket clutches. They just don't have the same friction characteristics.

That's assuming you can still get one, OEM. They should be able to give you a part number to cross reference at any rate.

 

Hmmmm, I had no idea aftermarket fitment was a problem. However, these days, all the parts are made in China, soooo, yeah, I get it. Hebus, I can only imagine the boatload of money required to buy the kit from the sharks at the dealership, but, it ain't a job that you wanna do twice. Oh, has anyone ever used one of those cheapie low trans jacks from Harbor Freight? I'm getting way too old to pig wrestle a transmission.

 

i have one of the cheapie harbor freight tranny jack. it saved my *** when i changed my clutch. it only has limited adjustment tho. so i had to use the floor jack on the motor when i was putting things together.

 

Thanks Vladek, I dunno, I may just rent one, but, like I say, I dunno. My interest at the moment is ordering a clutch kit. 00DakDan's recommendation of dealing with the dealer goes against my grain in many ways, I just have huge aversion to dealers, and, dealer pricing, even though he may be right that that's the only way to get a proper kit. Thats why I'm asking you guys, what clutch did YOU use. Where did you get it, how much did it cost, and, would you use it again. I'm not a racer, just a daily driver situation, no towing. I need to find a clutch kit today and order it so I can complete this swap before the kid tears up my truck. So, you can understand my sense of urgency. Thanks again

 

To answer your question, my kit came from the dealer. With the amount of labor required, especially since I have a 4x4, I'm not going to try to save a few bucks.

I'm no fan of dealers too but I hate replacing parts twice, or having them not fit and then trying to find them fast, even more.

My first clutch lasted over 100k anyways and only was replaced because of the throwout bearing too. I'd hope for at least the same with another OEM.

There is too much crap out there.

 

It looks like either 11" or 12" will work my guess is 12" is considered the heavy duty towing package model.

 

On my 2.5 I needed a new clutch at the 80K mark I used to clutch a lot in the city plus I have always feathered in my clutch driving let’s just say it’s needed. I had a shop replace it as at that time I was way to busy to do it.

 

I remember back when I had my old Jeep Comanche pickup the clutch went out at about 140,000 miles. I had Cottman Transmission replace it, they charged about $650.00 for parts and labor but they did tow my truck from my house to their shop for free. I remember the shop manager insisted on using an OEM clutch kit from the Jeep dealership. He said there were too many problems with aftermarket kits and they would not do the job unless I agreed to use OEM. I figure there must be very good reasons to use OEM if that is the only kit a transmission shop will use. I sure hope I do not need a clutch in my Dakota any time in the future.

Jimmy

 

Thanks for the information gentlemen. I'm going to check on the availability of a dealer kit, I'll probably need a chair, and, a stiff drink nearby afterwards, but, hey, it's only money. Thing is, I was inches away from selling this truck 10k miles ago when my kids car bit the dust so I gave it to him. Dang it. Oh well we are off to Darlington for the big race. Have a good Labor Day everyone, and, thanks for the help.