Clutch Install - How difficult?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 7,588
Likes: 6
From: Montreal Qc
It can be done but it involves dropping the rear end and tranny and removing the torque tube. If you're patient and can get a second pair of hands to help you could likely do it in one day. 
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
From: Columbus IN
Hahaha. I'm 60 and you're right on the mark. I find I no longer bend where I used to. And if I try anyway I REALLY wish I hadn't. Thanks for this post.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,762
Likes: 4
From: Chandler Arizona
First time I paid for a clutch job was 3 years ago when I was 51!! Laying under a car for 2 days just isn't what it used to be 30 years ago.
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 12,094
Likes: 197
From: Colorado Springs, CO
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
Fortunately I had a good friend (aintqik) help. The first install we were tired, got electricuded, were hungry, and were ok with the tear down. I woke up the next morning with it 90% done as RJ let me sleep 1/2 the day away to wake up to music and a car almost ready to drop to the ground.
The clutch suked and was taken out 4 months later when it killed a slave cylinder with all the banging it did going into gear. Ram 921's are the worst clutches ever made.
I did the next one myself on jackstands and said the 40 year old remark above as my uncle stood there telling me I was a cheap azz and if he had my money he would burn his.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,969
Likes: 8
From: NJ
Coming from me, a guy that lives for tearing apart my car on a weekly basis, I hate doing clutches. It is a ginormous pain in the rump. I probably still wouldn't pay for one but I tell ya what its tempting. If I could get a good shop like Cartek, or ECS to do it in one day while I was standing there I would gladly pay. If you are interested in a step by step PM me or Spin.
Lol, I remember doing Spin's car. We were up late and he was tired. I got bored, got up early and almost had it butoned up by the time he woke up. It can certainly be done in a day on jackstands.
Lol, I remember doing Spin's car. We were up late and he was tired. I got bored, got up early and almost had it butoned up by the time he woke up. It can certainly be done in a day on jackstands.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,596
Likes: 19
From: Portland Oregon
It can be done on jack stands, but I watched some one doing that way. Man I surely didn't want to be them. But it can easily be done on jack stands with a good tranny jack under the transaxle. The only hard part was the inconvienence of having to roll around on creepers or laying on your back. It really isn't that bad just tedious work and time consuming when on your back. On a lift using a tranny jack with the GM Tool attached to it is a cake walk. I am at least standing up and have the ease of just guiding it out once its all loose.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 4,148
Likes: 5
From: Roxbury NJ
I have done a few at my house, and I don't mind doing it at all, but it's never a one day job around here. More like 2 or 3 at a relaxed pace. I do have a 4-post lift and a beer fridge in the garage though. Laying on the ground would take the fun out of it real quick. I'm 39, so I guess I can expect a change soon. 
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,276
Likes: 8
From: Tucson AZ
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Pro
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 626
Likes: 0
From: Hollywood California
Not to scare you or anything but The easiest way to do it is drop the whole rear end, it takes a little while but your car has to be high enough for the rear end to slide out :/ it would be easier for yourself to get it done at a mechanic shop............... unless you have a nice lift and required tools all the power to you
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,969
Likes: 8
From: NJ
I think that is what we are all talking about. I use jackstands and an atv jack. I take the rear cradle off, prop up driveline with stands, then use the atv jack to drop the whole driveline. Easy peasy. Beer is a must have... and a good stereo, and a nice wife to hand you tools, oh and a dog, there always must be some kind of dog lying around the shop.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 3,604
Likes: 396
From: Austin, TX
I'm in my early 40's and I did it three times in my C5.....in the garage with no lift. It is a real pain but doable. Getting the driveline (torque tube) stabbed back in is one of the hardest parts.
Hope I won't be doing this on my '08 for YEARS!!!!
Good luck. I have a bunch of pics of my C5 adventures if your interested.
Hope I won't be doing this on my '08 for YEARS!!!!
Good luck. I have a bunch of pics of my C5 adventures if your interested.
