transmission help

[ryansmachone]

So I have rebuilt my engine an have been wanting to purchase a new clutch disk but due to low funds is there a way to look at my old clutch disk to see if it's any good? Also any tips or drinks when putting transmission back in and together. Should I connect the transmission to the engine and use a cherry picker to put it all in at one or do one or the other first. Thanks

[ylwhrse]

I am not sure I follow your description. If you have rebuilt the engine it should be out of the car and the flywheel and clutch set-up would have been removed. If that is not the case and you are going to rebuild the motor then at that time would b the best place & time to inspecthave it. As far as looking at it any other way you really need to remove the transmission then unbolt the clutch assembly and inspect. Whether you replace the whole assembly or just the disc is your choice, however Im a replace all of it while you are there kind of guy so 6 months down the road when the pressure plate goes bad you don't have to do the whole job over. That being said also remember to get your flywheel surfaced and cleaned up or you may have clutch chatter with your new clutch. As far as parts you can get a reman clutch at oreilly auto parts for around 150 bucks I think and unless you have heavily modified for performance, the factory clutch will be more than sufficient. As far as re-installing the engine and trans together, it's doable but things can get fairly tight clearance wise trying to fish the whole assembly in as a unit. I prefer to sit the engine in place then put the trans in from underneath the car or set the trans in and bolt up all the driveline, trans mount ect then stab the engine in. It does take some time to get everything lined up that way but it's not bad as long as you take your time. I have no idea on your mechanical background so I cant say how long it will take you. I have done literally hudreds of them and occaisionally will still have one that fights me and needs some TLC to get things lined up.questions don't hesitate to ask. Best of luck.
YLWHRSE

[Steven Harris]

ylwhrse has given you some good advice.

There is a whole lot that depends on experience and what you have to work with.

I have put transmissions in both as a unit with the motor and separately. I don't know that I have a preference, it just depended on the circumstances and tools available.

You could always share a picture of your clutch disc for comments as well. Although I agree with ylwhrse. Why do the job twice?

[Mustangmike]

All excellent advice...my preference is to install the pilot bearing, flywheel, clutch, and pressure plate onto the motor and drop that into the car as one sub assembly then install the transmission from underneath as another sub assembly.

Determining whether or not your old clutch disc is re-usable you would need to carefully inspect the disc for cracks and also determine how much wear the disc has. You could always bring your old disc to your local parts store and compare it to a new one to give you an idea how much wear your clutch has using a digital caliper tool.

You also need to examine the flywheel and pressure plate for heat marks and stress cracks. This can also tell you a little about the life of your clutch disc. Like Ylwhrse said, you can have the flywheel resurfaced at your local machine shop which is an acceptable and proper repair at a much lower cost than a new flywheel. The machine shop will advise you on whether the flywheel can be resurfaced based on its condition. I would recommend knowing the price of a stock replacement flywheel before going to the machine shop. This way you will have a decent idea if you are being overcharged for the resurfacing. I am saying this because if they are going to charge you $100 to resurface the flywheel and you could get a new flywheel for $125, I am buying new. Shop around machine shop prices as they can vary.

Unless I was the sole driver on that clutch, and depending on how much mileage is on it, my personal preference would be replace the clutch and pressure plate. Most performance clutches and pressure plates can be as much as $300 - $500 but a decent stock set-up can be purchased as low as $100 - $150 at local parts store.

[JTS71 Mach1]

What they said. Do it once and get it over with. Unless it's a daily driver, and it has to go! Wait until you get the extra money, and buy the new setup. Otherwise you won't be satisfied with the results. Just some thoughts. JTS 71 Mach1

[ryansmachone]

I cant get my picture of my clutch disk to load it says its too big if one of you wouldn't mind sending me your email address so I can send a pic of it to your email from my phone because I cant message you on here and attach the picture. unless you guys have a different approach. I have tried resizing it and still says its too big for this site.

[1973Mach1351C]

If your taking the pic with a smart phone. You can screen shot your pic and upload it to the forum. Its a pain but it works. You can check your flywheel with a steel flat edge. About 6 inches long. Place it all over the flywheel where the clutch makes contact. You shouldn't have any gaps. check with a light behind the straight edge. Your clutch should have even wear on front and back with at least 1/16 groove. 1\8" to 3\16" distance at the pins on your clutch disc. Check each finger spring on your pressure place for even pressure. Have minimum wear on the plate and where the through out bearing runs. Going new is always good insurance especially if your motor has more HP.

[ylwhrse]

Also look at your flywheel for hot spots. Typically bluish in color or just dark spots on the face of the flywheel or small hairline cracks. If you see any of those you should have it surfaced at a minimum. If it's too bad it will have to be replaced.
YLWHRSE

[JTS71 Mach1]

E mail To psycholone58@yahoo.com I'll look at the disc, flywheel, pressure plate, and give you an honest opinion. JTS 71 Mach1

[Steven Harris]

Hey JTS,

share the picture with us and we will second guess your opinion.