replacing clutch 'n stuff - pull engine?

[jaxtaterror]

Hi Guys.

Need to replace clutch, flywheel, and leaking rear main seal. I'm thinking it would be easier to pull the engine and trans together then just the trans. (I've pulled them out before and have all the tools)

Am I crazy? I used to have a link to an engine pull check list - anyone have one for reference?

Planning to go with South Bend OFE Street Series Clutch Kit and Fidanza flywheel - would appreciate any comments/suggestions here as well.

Thanks,
Don

 

[Mk3runner]

Pull it as one whole unit.. Easy. Less crap and you can torque everything.

 

[a_sesshoumaru]

i would only take the trans out, it`s a lot easier than taking the whole motor out, to take the trans out you just need to remove the shift knob and stick, remove the pressure plate bolts throu the inspection covers, the fork and the mount holding the trans. That`s about it.
Edit, plus the driveshaft bolts and block to trans bolts.

 

[toy fanatic78]

I too would pull just the trans,it's not that hard.The only bolt hard to get at is the top one for the starter.
*drain trans
*remove interior panel(console)to remove shifter
*remove driveshaft
*remove speedo cable,and back-up light switch(connector)at trans
*trans crossmember(support engine as it will tip down when the brace is removed)
*bellhousing to engine bolts,tranny "wings"(braces),and starter.The top two trans bolts are easier to get at with the engine/trans tipped down slightly
*remove trans and there's your clutch

This is for a W-58,not sure how much different the R-154 is.

 

[ForcedTorque]

http://www.supramania.com/forums/showthread.php?t=423

 

[tbcmorris]

remove as one it is much easier imo then just removing the trans.

 

[ForcedTorque]

Removing is the easy part. It's the torquing and alignment going back in that is much easier when pulled together.

 

[nosman4]

Are you removing it on jackstands or up on a hoist? If you have access to a hoist I would just pull the trans, so much less work.

 

[Poodles]

Torquing everything is just as easy with the engine in the car.

Most people have issues getting the tranny lined back up, if you have a tranny jack (like I do) it's MUCH easier to pull just the tranny.

 

[Mk3runner]

Turbo trans alignment is a snap, upper bolts is a bitch. I'll always pull as a unit. Trying to gut a trans in sucks.

 

[Poodles]

That's why I have the tranny jack

It's cheap from harbor freight!

 

[Mk3runner]

Tranny jack ftw. But I don't have one and a good excuse is better inspection when pulled as one. LOL sounds good to me at least.

 

[Poodles]

Taking the interior apart to get the ECU disconnected, removing the wiring harness without breaking it (hard), and much more shit to disconnect...

if your time is worth money, buy the damn jack LOL

 

[Mk3runner]

Very true on the the glove box and shoving old harness is a bitch.. Tranny jack at local harbor freight I think was 89 last time I checked.

 

[Poodles]

also good for other things (dropping gastanks, jacking engines up...)

 

[Mk3runner]

True.

 

[GrimJack]

Guys, it's simple a matter of time.

Pulling the engine / tranny as a combo to replace the clutch, then putting it back in takes me at the least 2 days with 2 experienced guys.

Pulling the tranny by itself, replacing the clutch, and putting it back in takes me at least 4 hours with 2 experienced guys.

Do the math: 25% of the time and effort. Leave the engine in the car unless you need access to it as well.

 

[enjoi.this]

Guys, it's simple a matter of time.

Pulling the engine / tranny as a combo to replace the clutch, then putting it back in takes me at the least 2 days with 2 experienced guys.

Pulling the tranny by itself, replacing the clutch, and putting it back in takes me at least 4 hours with 2 experienced guys.

Do the math: 25% of the time and effort. Leave the engine in the car unless you need access to it as well.

+1

Now if you were replacing the clutch on a civic pulling the hole motor is the thing to do. I had it down to 45mins, engine out on the floor, by myself with the old hatch back. RWD MUCH more room to move around, and once tranny mount is removed it can be lowered down slighty to make more room. Just dont cut off the heater core hoses against the firewall.

 

[jaxtaterror]

OK guys - thanks for all the input. I'll get a tranny jack and try it that way. At worst, if I can't get lined up on install I'll pull the engine then.

I'll be doing the job pretty much by myself - my girl will hand me wrenches and stuff, but she's not gonna wrestle with a transmission!

Is this the HF tranny jack you were using, Poodles?

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=39178

$89.99

Saddle tilts for easy positioning
Lift range: 7-1/4'' to 23-1/4''
Cradle size: 6-7/8'' x 13''
3'' non-marring swivel casters
Maximum capacity: 450 lbs

 

[Mk3runner]

I put my trans up by myself.. With the inspection covers off you can almost fully see where the input shaft goes.