79 Corvette clutch replacement...
Racer
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 349
Likes: 44
From: Spokane, WA
I do all of them, guide studs, step on clutch, and I have used the plastic alignment tool successfully.
Last time I "pressed" the pilot bushing in, instead of pounding it in, and I got nice and flush with the flywheel. I then lifted the tranny (and engine) to a more elevated (higher up) position.....the tranny slipped in so easily that I was then wondering what the heck I forgot???? SO, I pulled it back out and lowered the tranny to check. Hmmmm..... I didn't forget anything so i raised it back up high and shoved it in again ---again very easily.
Last time I "pressed" the pilot bushing in, instead of pounding it in, and I got nice and flush with the flywheel. I then lifted the tranny (and engine) to a more elevated (higher up) position.....the tranny slipped in so easily that I was then wondering what the heck I forgot???? SO, I pulled it back out and lowered the tranny to check. Hmmmm..... I didn't forget anything so i raised it back up high and shoved it in again ---again very easily.
Pressing it in probably retained the ID which is why both you and I had the same install results (and reaction).
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,718
Likes: 1,373
I bolted my puller onto the flywheel and used it backward to press the pilot bushing in..... it was actually easier than pounding under there and it went in deeper. I then unbolted my contraption and lock-tighted the 2 flywheel bolts back on.--- easy peasy. I'll probably have to figure out again next time I have to do it (again).......
I think a key thing here is what method and/or what tool is used to install the pilot bushing. I used a tool specifically for this that retains the ID of the bushing. Otherwise, I think if you just pound it in, the ID get smaller making the trans more difficult to install.
Pressing it in probably retained the ID which is why both you and I had the same install results (and reaction).
Pressing it in probably retained the ID which is why both you and I had the same install results (and reaction).
Last edited by carriljc; Apr 20, 2020 at 11:53 PM.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 349
Likes: 44
From: Spokane, WA
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 45
Likes: 7
From: Perris Ca.
Update
So, I`m back to work.. I drive 3 hours daily to San Diego and don`t have time to mess with the car but I have been doing lots of reading on the inner workings of our 4 speed trans. You guys turned me into a junkie! I removed the flywheel a few days ago but now it seem like I should have removed the pilot bushing first. Is that right? the The Trans look dry, no leaks. I took pictures of everything but I will work on posting them for opinions. The flywheel and pressure plate have no groves but they look glazed. The clutch fork needs to be replaced, socket is no longer round so you know the ball on which it pivots is also in bad shape. I have been de greasing parts for now. I do not intend to let the car sit for too long so soon I will be asking you all to tell me about your experience with the clutch kits you are using....I decided it`s more economical to get things back to the factory setup. I have lots of questions but for now I want to thank you all for all the support!
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 45
Likes: 7
From: Perris Ca.
Update
So, I`m back to work.. I drive 3 hours daily to San Diego and don`t have time to mess with the car but I have been doing lots of reading on the inner workings of our 4 speed trans. You guys turned me into a junkie! I removed the flywheel a few days ago but now it seem like I should have removed the pilot bushing first. Is that right? the The Trans look dry, no leaks. I took pictures of everything but I will work on posting them for opinions. The flywheel and pressure plate have no groves but they look glazed. The clutch fork needs to be replaced, socket is no longer round so you know the ball on which it pivots is also in bad shape. I have been de greasing parts for now. I do not intend to let the car sit for too long so soon I will be asking you all to tell me about your experience with the clutch kits you are using....I decided it`s more economical to get things back to the factory setup. I have lots of questions but for now I want to thank you all for all the support!
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 45
Likes: 7
From: Perris Ca.
79 coevette clutch replacement
Update..I spent the last three months in Anchorage, Alaska and returned on the 29th. The car is still sitting on jack stands and its time to dive in. I got all new components in, but l need to tighten all bolts, put Trans fluid in and set up shift linkage. Thanks again for helping me get this far. Question #1..I have one quart of Valvoline "limited slip" high performance gear oil SAE 80-90 W is that a good gear oil for my trans.
Last edited by clevan barclay; Oct 2, 2020 at 02:56 PM.
