replacing clutch

[fordboi415]

i have a 2001 ford ranger 3.0v6 with a manual trans im planning on replacing the clutch within the next few weeks, i was wondering since the clutch is hydraulic is goin to be too difficult or should i just suck it up and give some shop 500 bucks to do it?

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

the only thing different about changing a hydraulic clutch over a mechanical one is bleeding the system afterwards (i ALWAYS reccomend replacing the slave cylinder while doing a clutch job). its not difficult...just more work/time.

 

[fordboi415]

sweet, what about replacing syncros cuz my third is starting to grind? is that difficult?

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

ya, splitting the case can be a little in-depth...especially because i doubt one syncro is all that needs to be replaced....you'll likely be looking at all syncros, bearings, seals, ect ect if you open the case.

if your lucky, replacing the clutch will help or eliminate the grinding. if it doesnt, shift slower or buy a junkyard transmission.

 

[mazdamama]

deffinately replace the slace cyl, i had to take my transmission off twice to because the slave wouldnt work even after bleeding the system. id say do it yourself because you probably wont find a shop who will do it for under $800

 

[fordboi415]

ok so am i going to need any special tools? oh and the clutch any recommendations? oh yeah and as far as parts besides the pilot bearing, clutch kit and slave cyl. is there anything else i need to buy

 

[MAKG]

There is a $5 slave cylinder release tool, available at any decent auto parts store.

You can do it with a screwdriver, but I wouldn't recommend it for your first time.

A platform-style transmission jack is also highly advisible. Harbor Freight sells these, or you can usually rent them from tool rental shops (though they are often the very elaborate style -- usable, but inconvenient due to weight). The transmission isn't THAT heavy, but the jack helps move it around without wearing yourself out too badly. As long as you separate the transfer case (if you have one) first.

You MAY need an impact wrench to get the Y-pipe out, but living 1000 miles from the nearest salt truck, you're probably fine with some leverage (3/4 galvanized pipe works) and some Kroil.

 

[fordboi415]

ok cool sounds easier than i imagined, where can i get a complete parts list of what im going to need as far as replacement parts

 

[dla]

What about disk allignment? Do they make a cheap allignment tool or do you not need one? Also do you need anything special to remove the pilot bearning?

 

[Earl43P]

You really should buy a Chiltons manual (or better) if you are going to tackle jobs you know very little about. I'm not criticizing, just stating that all those questions will be answered, with pictures, if you buy a $20 book.

You will absolutely need the $3 clutch alignment tool, as well as the slave quick disconnect tool.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

+1 on the chiltons manual. they are extremely handy for the aspiring mechanic...worth every penny if your going to keep the truck around a while.

90% of clutch kits come with the proper alignment tool for the clutch disk. if you ask your parts guy when ordering, he should be able to tell you if it'll come with one.

as for what parts to buy: it doesnt really matter as long as you buy from a reputible source (carquest, napa, ect) and stay away from the bragain brand stuff.

most clutch kits come with a throw out bearing, as do a lot of slave cylinders...so you might end up with two of those.

 

[goebeld]

Can you machine the fly wheel on these, or do you have to buy a new one? I am lookin to do mine soon and its 200 bucks for a fly wheel from ford and 100 from napa

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

you can have it machined, but if the truck is your primary mode of transnportation, you might want to just buy a new flywheel. it doesnt cost a whole lot more and this way you dont have to stop your work halfway through to lug the flywheel to a shop and wait for it to be machined.

 

[MAKG]

You can buy a REMAN flywheel for almost the same as it costs to resurface one.

Why? Well, remanufacturing a flywheel IS resurfacing it.

The core charge tends to be pretty big, but if you don't get it back, you really needed the new flywheel anyway (big cracks).

I recommend that route because it minimizes downtime and you don't have to figure out how to get to the auto parts store while your transmission is sitting on the driveway.