Doing a clutch in the driveway. Any tips??

[84CUCV]

Did this once before in a fully equipped shop. Don’t have that this time around. It’s a 88 k5 if it matters. We have the basic tools.
any tip or tricks would be great. just trying to save are backs a bit. Thanks

 

[toomany]

Here's a tip...don't let the 465 fall on you.

Seriously though, it's pretty straight forward. Make sure to put the disc in the correct way, it should be marked "Flywheel Side". Use a new throwout bearing and it wouldn't hurt to replace the piliot bushing. Getting the old one out can be tricky. I've tried the packing with grease method...never had any luck with it. Also tried the slide hammer way...again not a whole lot of luck. Usually I end up chiseling them out. If you have a spare trans laying around you can use the input shaft to align the clutch. Works allot better then the plastic tool that comes in the kit. If you use the plastic tool, don't set the disc up there and expect the tool to hold it in place while you turn around and grab the presure plate and bolts, it may break (ask me how I know ). Wouldn't be a bad idea to get the flywheel resurfaced while you're in there either. For reinstalation, I use a couple of long bolts to attach the bellhousing to the block. Makes lining up the splines/piliot bushing easier.

 

[Chevy305]

if you have an engine hoist go through the floor of the cab, its much easier. also replace the flywheel bolts if you take the flywheel off.

Also when its back together make sure you put the dust shield and clutch fork boot back on. Also every thousand miles or so check the bellhousing bolts and make sure they haven't loosed up to the point that the flywheel is hitting the bellhousing... ask me how I know

 

[84CUCV]

hitting the bellhousing?? didnt know that could happen

 

[RedDwarf]

Goes w/o saying but please chock at least 2 wheels in both directions with something substantial.

A ratchet strap is also your friend, you can use it across the frame rails under the trans to help balance it

Tranny jack is worth renting if you can't borrow one, might save you from having back probs or a broken hand

All about safety

I have some real long extensions I use with a u-joint in between for getting to the bellhousing bolts easier

 

[84CUCV]

thanks

 

[cabledawg]

Before I got the trans jack, I used the crossmember to balance the trans. Two ratchet or camlock straps, one on each side of the crossmemeber. Then you can twist, lift or lower the trans with a regular floor jack and the crossmemeber/straps provide some saftey while allowing you to position the trans for best alignment.

When you put the trans back in, the last inch or so is usually the hardest. Get it lined up, long bolts in, and bump start the engine. It'll seat the trans in one shot instead of fighting to get the damn thing in. Just make sure to pull the power to the ignition module so the truck doesnt actually start.

 

[84CUCV]

thanks

 

[johnnychimpo]

Don't try to tighten up the trans to bellhousing bolts to pull the trans the last difficult inch up to the bellhousing, the aluminum threads will strip.

 

[84CUCV]

thanks

 

[kgblazerfive]

Don't let it fall its really haevy and it hurts ask me how I know, but if you young and strong you can pick/maneuver it back in.

 

[YZEATER]

Don't try to tighten up the trans to bellhousing bolts to pull the trans the last difficult inch up to the bellhousing, the aluminum threads will strip.

i believe most people install the complete trans with bellhousing already together to the engine.

 

[Chevy305]

i believe most people install the complete trans with bellhousing already together to the engine.

its easier to install the bellhousing then possition the trans and slide it in. I mean as far as getting to the bolts on top of the housing.

 

[protechk5]

its easier to install the bellhousing then possition the trans and slide it in. I mean as far as getting to the bolts on top of the housing.

x2


and like said before, using a engine hoist and going through the floor is by far the easiest way to do it.

 

[YZEATER]

we've always do it the other way.

 

[cegusman]

A little lube on the trans input splines and the shaft the throwout bearing ride on really helps. Just got done installing my trans last weekend. We fought the thing for hours, gave up ate dinner. Went back out added a little lube and it went in the first try. Just don't use alot, you don't want it to get all over the clutch disk.