clutch install questions - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

griesel72 · 12-20-2003, 01:05 AM

Anybody have any good advice,or step by step for installing a clutch in a 4 speed 4X4 behind a small block 400

Thanks for anything you can tell me (I have never done it before)
David

71swb4x4 · 12-20-2003, 01:28 AM

I haven't done one for a while so I will just give you a few pointers that I remember. You will have a plastic allignment tool that will fit into the clutch disc and the bearing that's on the end of the crankshaft, that will keep the disc in place while you tighten the pressure plate. Be sure to get the flywheel resurfaced, and don't get anything on the face of the flywheel, the clutch disc, or the pressure plate. It really is pretty easy. Hopefully someone else can fill in all of the holes.
For me putting the tranny back in was a 2 person job - but I did it with me and a jack - but it was a pain in the ass. Get another person to help you with that if you can.

Shawn

fast14 · 12-20-2003, 01:50 AM

Make sure when you are putting the tranny back in you put it in gear so you can turn the output shaft so you can get the input shaft lined up with the clutch.

Cat Fuzz · 12-20-2003, 01:51 AM

If I was doin a clutch on my truck I'd be more inclined to just pull the motor. I hate wrestling with a big tranny while on my back the whole time.

Blue_71 · 12-20-2003, 02:10 AM

make sure you have a weighted flywheel made for the 400 which is externally balanced... also im not sure if you can do this or not, most 400s came with autos and therefore they didnt drill the clutch Z-bar bracket holes on the block

Rooster's 67 · 12-20-2003, 02:45 AM

eat your wheaties!!!

**passthebuck** · 12-20-2003, 03:36 AM

I bought some long bolts the same thread that hold the tranny onto the bellhousing - cut the heads off & round them on a grinder. I threaded them in & used them as a guide for the tranny & as a place to rest & turn the inputshaft to align the splines. Change as many seals as you can when you pull the tranny - its easy when its out. Put on a new clutchfork boot, get the flywheel ground, use lots of brake cleaner spray, grease the splines on the driveshaft upon re-installation & IF your rearmain seal is leaking on your motor change it now - its easier with no flywheel in the way.

12-20-2003, 01:05 AM	#1
griesel72 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Howard, Kansas USA Posts: 1,997	clutch install questions Anybody have any good advice,or step by step for installing a clutch in a 4 speed 4X4 behind a small block 400 Thanks for anything you can tell me (I have never done it before) David __________________ 1969 K10 Custom 10 1997 Z71 2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 2006 King Ranch 1980 Wife

12-20-2003, 01:28 AM	#2
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	I haven't done one for a while so I will just give you a few pointers that I remember. You will have a plastic allignment tool that will fit into the clutch disc and the bearing that's on the end of the crankshaft, that will keep the disc in place while you tighten the pressure plate. Be sure to get the flywheel resurfaced, and don't get anything on the face of the flywheel, the clutch disc, or the pressure plate. It really is pretty easy. Hopefully someone else can fill in all of the holes. For me putting the tranny back in was a 2 person job - but I did it with me and a jack - but it was a pain in the ass. Get another person to help you with that if you can. Shawn __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

12-20-2003, 01:50 AM	#3
fast14 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 117	Make sure when you are putting the tranny back in you put it in gear so you can turn the output shaft so you can get the input shaft lined up with the clutch. __________________ Just a little crazy 1970 chevy full size half ton, soon to be one ton running gear, 350 turbo, 205 case, 355c.i.

12-20-2003, 02:45 AM	#6
Rooster's 67 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: DFW Posts: 765	eat your wheaties!!! __________________ The problem with America is stupidity. I'm not saying there should be a capital punishment for stupidity, but why don't we just take the safety labels off of everything and let the problem solve itself?

12-20-2003, 03:36 AM	#7
passthebuck Sisyphus was my mentor! Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Carleton Place, Ontario CANADA Posts: 984	I bought some long bolts the same thread that hold the tranny onto the bellhousing - cut the heads off & round them on a grinder. I threaded them in & used them as a guide for the tranny & as a place to rest & turn the inputshaft to align the splines. Change as many seals as you can when you pull the tranny - its easy when its out. Put on a new clutchfork boot, get the flywheel ground, use lots of brake cleaner spray, grease the splines on the driveshaft upon re-installation & IF your rearmain seal is leaking on your motor change it now - its easier with no flywheel in the way. __________________ passthebuck #5642 -TWO 1967 GMC 910's. One with L6/3-on-the tree and the other with 355 w/435hp & a 700r4. -a 2013 Honda Civic as my "sensible" car

12-20-2003, 01:51 AM	#4
Cat Fuzz My son, my joy. Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 463	If I was doin a clutch on my truck I'd be more inclined to just pull the motor. I hate wrestling with a big tranny while on my back the whole time.



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