This past Monday, I took my '94 to the Chevy dealership to have my bad
clutch replaced, after suspecting slippage upon acceleration on occasions. Price quoted, around $1300. Wednesday AM, I was told they
were having "parts problems". Huh!?? Apparently, as I was told, in the past, the clutch and its immediate parts, whatever they are?, came boxed as a unit. This clutch came by itself, as I was again told. And the
other parts needed (throw-out bearings, etc.) would have to be ordered
separately, adding an additional $500 of labor. It appears that they are
having trouble locating these parts and I might be "lucky" to get my car
by next weekend (2 weeks). My question: Are these 94 clutch parts
difficult to obtain? I just want my ride back. Your thoughts would be
appreciated. Thankyou

 

i went through the same thing this spring when i bought my 94 that needed clutch . absolutely could not find one anywhere . i ended up using a clutch kit for a 93 ( not sure what the difference is but the 94 adn 95 have a different part number ) but everything bolted on fine and has been working great for me all summer . not sure why the manufacturer of these clutches arent making them but it sure is making it a pita for all us late c-4 owners

 

What a crock of !

Centerforce or Carolina clutch can provide everything you need. I just recently bought an OEM (Veleo) clutch disc, pressure plate, pilot and throwout bearings with a lifetime warranty from AutoZone for about $275.

If you have had some slipping, then you might have some damage on the flywheel, and that too might need to be replaced. However, if the surface is flat and there are no obvious hot spots or surface cracks, you may likely get by just fine with a long straight bar and some 220 grit wet/dry paper to de-glaze the surface, if that is even necessary.

As for an additional $500 to install a throwout bearing, I would think that would only come into play if the trans had to come off. If it was part of a clutch overhaul, even if the bearing had to be placed on the pressure plate and the retainer ring snapped on, (with the clutch kits I've seen they're already included and snapped into place) there shouldn't be any additional charge for that. If there is, then the shop is definitely one of those that is gouging the hell outta ya!!

Something else...Make sure the shop doing the work hammers out any dents on the shim plate (goes between the bell housing and the engine block) before reassembling the clutch. Should the plate be wrinkled, it doesn't take much and the trans input shaft bearing will be the next trip to the shop...Don't ask me how I know - and the reason I do all my own work, whenever possible.

By myself, I can have the trans and the clutch out and back into the car inside 5 hours**, working off of jack stands with a bottle jack and a common floor jack (weeee doan need no transmission jack - regular floor jack centered underneath and just ahead of the shifter assembly is a good balance point.

**The key to speedy in and out depends on

1) Bill Boudreau's C-Beam plates
2) A spare 26 spline input trans shaft, or one of the special pilot shaft tools you get from a good parts store. That plastic POS that comes in most kits is junk.
3) Bleed the clutch master/slave while your in the "hood".

Good luck!

P.