Clutch install tips please!
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 280
Likes: 0
From: North Royalton, Ohio
Clutch install tips please! I am getting ready to install a McLeod single disk clutch, adjustable m/c and new slave in my car. I have seen the installuniversity guide, and I guess it covers most of the main points, but I was hoping those of you who have done your own clutch installs can lend some insight. I have done my own cam installs and such, but never attempted a clutch transplant before. I am going to be doing this with the car on jackstands, or should I just pay a shop to do it? I kind of like taking pride in doing every mod to my car myself......
A few initial questions...
- Do I need to get a transmission jack?
- Do I need a clutch allignment tool? Where do I get one?
- Do I need a flywheel holding tool?
Thanks to all who reply and help me out! I appreciate all wisdom!!
A few initial questions...
- Do I need to get a transmission jack?
- Do I need a clutch allignment tool? Where do I get one?
- Do I need a flywheel holding tool?
Thanks to all who reply and help me out! I appreciate all wisdom!!
Re: Clutch install tips please! Yes you need a transmission jack. You can get away using a couple of hydraulic jacks, but the transmission jack makes it much easier.
Yes you need a clutch alignment tool. I think most kits come with it. If not, you can probably get one at your local parts store.
flywheel holding tool is nice, but a buddy holding a crowbar in the teeth of the flywheel will work.
Make sure you bleed the clutch good.
Yes you need a clutch alignment tool. I think most kits come with it. If not, you can probably get one at your local parts store.
flywheel holding tool is nice, but a buddy holding a crowbar in the teeth of the flywheel will work.
Make sure you bleed the clutch good.
Teching In
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: La Porte,TX
Re: Clutch install tips please! I agree with everyhting that last guy said. I just did headers last week and they were a tougher job than the clutch. I also went by the write up on install university and had no problems. Make sure you line up the disk with the pilot bearing exactly in the middle, it took me two times to get that right but that was my only problem. Good Luck!
Re: Clutch install tips please! u do not need a tranny jack, but it will make it easier. u can use ur own floor jack if u do not have the money to buy one, just make sure u have 3 guys helping u if u use a floor jack. 2 supporting and guiding the tranny in/out under the car, and 1 guiding and helping with the floor jack. u really do not need a flywheel holding tool. I used a long punch and stuck it thru one of the holes in the flywheel not being used. there are fins on the block where the punch will stop and hold the flywheel from turning. I've done this twice, so it can be done without those 2 things. u do need an allignment tool, 28 spline. typical Chevy allignment tool.
Re: Clutch install tips please! Unless you are physically unable to hold the front of the tranny when sliding it out, then you don't need a tranny jack. I do clutch installs on my back, and use a regular jack to support the rear of the tranny for removal. It's very easy this way. Autozone should have an alignment tool. Shouldn't be more than a few bucks. Finally, you can have a friend hold the flywheel while you tighten the bolts. I hold it myself and use gloves while I tighten it down. Simple 2 hour operation.
Re: Clutch install tips please! 3 hours then. I did my first clutch swap in under 2.5 hours. One other tip though, it does help to remove the Y-pipe first. Just take your time, and don't rush through it. Also, put some grease on the dowels in the bellhousing before reassembly. Makes it easier for the next swap. And make sure the flywheel is totally grease free before you mount the pressure plate. Use lots of brake cleaner.
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Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 280
Likes: 0
From: North Royalton, Ohio
Re: Clutch install tips please! Thanks everyone..... these are exactly the kinds of responses I needed! The clutch did not come with any tools, so I guess I will be heading to the parts store for that stuff. I will probably skip the flywheel tool and see if I can rent a tranny jack. If not, I will doing what I can with my floor jack. How heavy is the tranny anyway? Probably pretty heavy......
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TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 550
Likes: 0
From: Michigan, auburn HIlls
Re: Clutch install tips please! dude i did every thing by my self, no friend holding the flywheel. NO, u do not need a transmission jack (just jerry rig a standard jack with some boards and towels and tie the trannie on to it. No flywheel holding tool is nessary a screwdriver works fine. HOwever a clutch alignment tool should be used and it came with my spec clutch
Re: Clutch install tips please! I like ARGON Z,thats the way i did it,pain in the but, bleedin like u know what,didnt even use a alignment tool just made sure it was in the middle,and i wasnt just lucky i have done it about 4 times maybe more including changing rear main seal, I just cannot be easy on that clutch its mine i paid for it. 
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,220
Likes: 0
From: Germantown, MD
Re: Clutch install tips please! I don't know why but McLeod does not include a clutch alignment tool. You'd think with all the money we pay for the product it would, but whatever. Anywho be sure to bench bleed the M/C very well. if you don't know how to check this link out.
http://www.phpinc.biz/clutchbleed.html
It's the stuff I wish I knew when I did my clutch.
Mike
http://www.phpinc.biz/clutchbleed.html
It's the stuff I wish I knew when I did my clutch.
Mike
Re: Clutch install tips please! Hi Samba, greetings man! I've done it on a 1st gen and a 3rd gen a couple of times both with and without the tranny jack, and it's much easier with the jack. Pep boys and Sam's Club both sell a motorcycle lift pretty cheap that looks like it would be good for dropping a trans or even an engine. Load capacity was over 1000 lbs I believe. Hardest part is getting the splines on the tranny to line up with the clutch; you might need to twist the tranny a little to help them to line up. Once the splines line up, then you have to get the input shaft to line up with the pilot bearing. To do this, move the tailshaft in a circle and push like hell! Might want to eat some Wheaties that morning . . . LOL!
