Need a clutch, pull engine or trans to replace?

[jsledder]

So my clutch went to $hit on me today while plowing snow, been acting up all winter and I was really hoping to limp it by until Spring so I could do a lot of other work that needs done but now it's going to be a quick replace and get back at it.
Question, would it be easier to pull the motor or the Transmission ? I do not have a Transmission jack but could likely borrow one. The oil pan gasket and rear main leak terrible and I'd like to change those at the same time so I'm leaning towards pulling the motor.
If I do decide on pulling the motor, can I pull the bell housing out at the same time or do I need to to go through the pain of splitting it at the engine and leave the bell housing bolted to the Transmission ?
Working on a '83 CJ7 , I6 AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l , 5 speed manual.

 

[mtnwhlr]

There is a lot more to unhook and remove to pull the motor then removing a Transmission and Transfer Case . You can go either way but it's easier to pull the Transmission .

 

[Kane]

It is much faster to pull the Transmission out than the motor. The job is about 5-7 hours. You do not need a Transmission jack although it does help. I have used anything from a standard jack to a bottle jack on a skateboard. Get a strap or tow and used a regular floor jack and you will be fine.

 

[jp360cj]

I've pulled the engine and the Transmission several times for different(engine swap, rebuild, Transmission swap, rebuild, clutch replacement, etc). The Transmission is easier and faster to pull and that's the route I would go for clutch replacement.

As far as separating the bellhousing from the engine or Transmission , it may depend on your Transmission . For example, my T-18 has 1 bolt inside the bellhousing, so I have to separate at the engine 1st. Swivel socket and adapters, extensions, and an air (or electric) ratchet make easy work of some of the hard to get to bolts.

As far as the clutch, I would recommend LUK. I've been very pleased with mine and so has another CJer I helped install one in a few years ago. Much better than the Autozone clutch I had before. And the whole kit is only ~$100.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Disco the tranny at the bellhousing.
Leave engine in place-
Put a block under the back end of engine. To keep it from tilting back and tearing a motor mount or the fan hit'n the radiator.
LG

 

[RiverandSand]

As most have said leave the motor in, I pulled the Transmission and transfer as one using the skid plate and a floorjack, then transferred the whole unit to a moving dollie for easy maneuvering.
I also like the LUK clutch parts/kits.

 

[Manic Mechanic]

so 2 things first yes it is easier to pull the Transmission /Transfer Case to do the clutch as stated above. however you also mentioned needing to replace the oil pan and rear main seal. while both are easy to do on the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l you need to disconnect the right motor mount to remove the oil pan to gain access. now this can be done with a pole jack while on a lift or a jack and block of wood on the ground. but if you also need the clutch might want to pull it all and do the job right and save yourself a bit of time.

on a side note while the tcase is out check the out put seals on the Dana 300 they do wear out and leak and they are cheap but much easier to replace on a bench vers in the jeep.

as for clutch i would luk but i run a center force performance clutch and i love it. but i had it laying around so i didnt have to buy it. i too am running the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l T-5 Dana 300 combo.

 

[Fonchy]

I second the tranny way instead of pulling the engine unless there is engine work you have to do. I have taken the whole assembly out using the skid plate, PITA but I’ve done it. Just take the rear shaft off and the shift lever off, while those are out change the U joints while u r out it if they need to be change, get a friend, pizza and some beeer and go at it

 

[jsledder]

I ended up pulling the engine first, as I mentioned there were some oil leaks I wanted to take care of at the same time so I decided on this route.

During this process I came across the reverse linkage bolt that screws in on the driver side of the Transmission , that was hanging out by a thread. After further research it seems that was something that would require further tear down, I took off the top cover of the transmisstion which did not help in getting that problem fixed but it did uncover some damaged gears. So... out comes the Transmission and Transfer Case .

Long story short, first Transmission I ever rebuilt. Took a couple tries to get everything to mesh properly, but all in all it wasn't that bad. Oil pan gasket changed which solved my leak.

 

[Fonchy]

What fluid u used in your tranny

 

[Manic Mechanic]

Did you take any pics? We love to see the inside of Jeep's. Here is my underbelly when I did my oil pan and timing chain cover gaskets.

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