Replacing Clutch on a 85.. Need Info
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 12,772
Likes: 17
From: Indianapolis IN
I have an 85 clutch fork sitting on my desk in front of me. Email me if you are interested.
ldickey10@comcast.net
EDIT, It is on its way!
ldickey10@comcast.net
EDIT, It is on its way!
Last edited by LD85; Feb 23, 2005 at 12:16 PM.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
From: Miami FL
thanks again... found the strap bolts at autozone like you said.. now todays problem.. I took the flywheel to the machine shop this morning and had it turned. Just picked it up and got home when I noticed that the mark I made on the flywheel with paint for reinstallation is gone.. I guess they cleaned the flywheel 
.. I am installing a new clutch pressure plate and clutch disc.. the new clutch pressure plate has a dab of yellow paint on the rim of the plate.. alignment mark I suppose.. but the one on my flywheel is gone.. What do I do? does that only matter if your using old stuff? any help would be great.. Also.. The pilot bushing is a needle bearing type the new one that came with my clutch is like a bushing.. is this right?
.. I am installing a new clutch pressure plate and clutch disc.. the new clutch pressure plate has a dab of yellow paint on the rim of the plate.. alignment mark I suppose.. but the one on my flywheel is gone.. What do I do? does that only matter if your using old stuff? any help would be great.. Also.. The pilot bushing is a needle bearing type the new one that came with my clutch is like a bushing.. is this right?
Pro
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 644
Likes: 0
From: Denver Colorado
the flywheel was balanced with the rest of the drivetrain, there's a possibility it might be off balance, I don't know how this would feel, or what it would damage, but an unbalanced driveshaft will take out a tranny, and second, if the bearing came with the kit specifcally for the vette i'm sure it's what goes back in, i have a 95 though so maybe someone who has an early year knows more
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,270
Likes: 3
From: Seattle Area WA
I think that bushing is right, I honestly am in no way sure though.
As for the flywheel, I really want to see the answer to this one. I don't think, do to the bolt pattern, there is more than one way to bolt it up...right? Or is there? I can't for the life of me remember. If there isn't, no big deal. If there is....hmmm..
Here is a bump for you!
As for the flywheel, I really want to see the answer to this one. I don't think, do to the bolt pattern, there is more than one way to bolt it up...right? Or is there? I can't for the life of me remember. If there isn't, no big deal. If there is....hmmm..
Here is a bump for you!
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Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 12,772
Likes: 17
From: Indianapolis IN
Originally Posted by rsauron
how do i get that pilot bearing out.. 
? there is more than one way to bolt the pressure plate up.. 
thanks guys
? there is more than one way to bolt the pressure plate up.. thanks guysTo get the pilot bearing out, fill the hole with axle grease and then drive something that is a slip fit, into the hole. I used a socket attatched to an extension, hit it a few times, then put more grease in, repeat with hitting and adding grease until it pops out. I am always amazed at how well this works.
On the flywheel, I thought there was a dowel pin on the end of the crank? If not then have them nuetral balance the flywheel for you for @ $20, then the clutch should already be nuetral balance.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 12,772
Likes: 17
From: Indianapolis IN
Originally Posted by rsauron
how do i get that pilot bearing out.. ? there is more than one way to bolt the pressure plate up.. thanks guys
? there is more than one way to bolt the pressure plate up.. thanks guysTo get the pilot bearing out, fill the hole with axle grease and then drive something that is a slip fit, into the hole. I used a socket attatched to an extension, hit it a few times, then put more grease in, repeat with hitting and adding grease until it pops out. I am always amazed at how well this works.
On the flywheel, I thought there was a dowel pin on the end of the crank? If not then MAYBE have them nuetral balance the flywheel for you for @ $20, then the clutch should already be nuetral balance.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Mine didn't have a dowel pin on the crank, but line it up with the hole anyways.
The pilot bushing is a bitch. I had a helluva time getting it out with a slide hammer.
Putting the new one in is a pain in the *** too. I destroyed one on the first attempt.. but they're only like $2 a piece.
Be sure to grease up the fork pivot before you slap it all together.
Also, a nice tip for putting the tranny back in, get some 1/2"-13 all thread, cut 4 pieces, 5" long or so.
Thread these into your bellhousing, then slide the tranny onto em. It makes it easier to thread the needle on the pilot bearing as they locate the tranny for you. You can use them to pull the tranny into place also, by tightening a nut over em.
The pilot bushing is a bitch. I had a helluva time getting it out with a slide hammer.
Putting the new one in is a pain in the *** too. I destroyed one on the first attempt.. but they're only like $2 a piece.
Be sure to grease up the fork pivot before you slap it all together.
Also, a nice tip for putting the tranny back in, get some 1/2"-13 all thread, cut 4 pieces, 5" long or so.
Thread these into your bellhousing, then slide the tranny onto em. It makes it easier to thread the needle on the pilot bearing as they locate the tranny for you. You can use them to pull the tranny into place also, by tightening a nut over em.
Last edited by CentralCoaster; Feb 24, 2005 at 11:29 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Looking at the pic of your fork, i don't see anything wrong with it. Is theh bottom tang broken?
Looks just like mine as far as i can tell.
BTW, I bought an autozone clutch, $180 for the set, and lifetime warranty. That plus $20 to cut the flywheel, I did my whole clutch install for $200.
And next time the clutch set is free!
I don't cry a bit if I smoke my clutch.
Looks just like mine as far as i can tell.
BTW, I bought an autozone clutch, $180 for the set, and lifetime warranty. That plus $20 to cut the flywheel, I did my whole clutch install for $200.
And next time the clutch set is free!I don't cry a bit if I smoke my clutch.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
I just threw the pressure plate on. I didn't see any identifying marks on it, so I suppose it's neutral balanced?
You did buy a new pressure plate right?
You did buy a new pressure plate right?
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Also, the clutch set comes with a plastic clutch alignment tool, if you didn't already have it.
I'd hate to find out after jabbing the transmission at it a dozen times, that the clutch wasn't lined up.
When I put my tranny in, I shifted it into 4th gear and rotated the tailshaft to help line up the splines with the clutch. This doesn't work in neutral.
I'd hate to find out after jabbing the transmission at it a dozen times, that the clutch wasn't lined up.
When I put my tranny in, I shifted it into 4th gear and rotated the tailshaft to help line up the splines with the clutch. This doesn't work in neutral.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
From: Miami FL
Centralcoaster.. I bought a whole clutch kit.. I have everything brand new.. As far as my clutch fork.. Yes one of the tabs that holds the release bearing in place is broken off.. pics dont show it well I tried the packing grease in method.. and that doesnt work... So I am going to try and get the tool that the book talks about today. and try again. 
I tried the packing grease in method.. and that doesnt work... So I am going to try and get the tool that the book talks about today. and try again.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
From: Miami FL
So here’s what I got done this weekend.. thanks for all the info 
1. after alot of work. finally got the pilot bearing out (got a pilot bearing puller and slide hammer from autozone) like centralcoaster I too destroyed the first bearing, trying to get it in.. but got the next one in perfect.
2. put the whole clutch assembly back together. everything is nice and clean.. got the allthreads on the bellhousing like you suggested. I should get the tranny back on tues or Wednesday..
3. replaced the u-joints on the on my driveshaft, and did the half shafts too.. this was a project.
but I got it done just time consuming.
4. drained and refilled the rearend with new lube.
anything else you guys can recommend I check out while I have the tranny out? thanks again for everything
1. after alot of work. finally got the pilot bearing out (got a pilot bearing puller and slide hammer from autozone) like centralcoaster I too destroyed the first bearing, trying to get it in.. but got the next one in perfect.
2. put the whole clutch assembly back together. everything is nice and clean.. got the allthreads on the bellhousing like you suggested. I should get the tranny back on tues or Wednesday..
3. replaced the u-joints on the on my driveshaft, and did the half shafts too.. this was a project.
but I got it done just time consuming.4. drained and refilled the rearend with new lube.
anything else you guys can recommend I check out while I have the tranny out? thanks again for everything
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
if you do the rear main put the tranny and cbeam back in first and use that to hold the motor up... otherwise you'll have no place to support it when pulling the oil pan.
you can change your rear main just by pulling the pan, oil pump and rear main cap with the tranny in place.
Maybe get yourself the shorter shifter links.
Also, on the throwout bearing, those tangs dont really hold it in place. Just set the entire fork ends inside the channel in the t/o bearing, don't clip it onto either lip or anything. also make sure to put some grease on the input snout - the stationary part.
you can change your rear main just by pulling the pan, oil pump and rear main cap with the tranny in place.
Maybe get yourself the shorter shifter links.
Also, on the throwout bearing, those tangs dont really hold it in place. Just set the entire fork ends inside the channel in the t/o bearing, don't clip it onto either lip or anything. also make sure to put some grease on the input snout - the stationary part.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
From: Miami FL
Good news just picked up the tranny today.. going to slap it in tonight.. My question is what brand and type of lubes do you guys suggest for the tranny... type for the gearbox and the auto part. thanks.. 
going to slap it in tonight.. My question is what brand and type of lubes do you guys suggest for the tranny... type for the gearbox and the auto part. thanks..
