Clutch and plate replacement

I have a 1976 CJ5 in great shape, but I believe I have throw out bearing gong out since it is whinning very much. I enjoy taking on new challenges working on my jeep and learning from the experience. I am mechanically inclined but never taken on removing the Transmission to replace clutch, pressure plate ect. Are there any good sites/info available for guidance to do this replacement. This site has been a incredable resource for problems I have encountered and resolved. Thanks in advance!

 

there are a few ways to go about changing the clutch. you'll hear varying opinions about them.

in my cj, i've replaced the clutch using the two most common methods, 1 - remove the engine to access the bellhousing and 2 - remove the transfer case and transmission.

i prefer to remove the engine, and i prefer to remove the radiator and grille to do it. you'll need a moveable engine hoist, or lift the engine and move the vehicle out from under it. it's my opinion that this is an easier method, with fewer things to disconnect/reconnect, and has the added advantage of allowing you to not have to lie on your back to do most of the work, so you can see what you are doing - which leads to fewer mistakes.

if you choose not to remove the engine, you've got to disconnect the driveshafts from the transfer case, support the case and trans with a moveable jack, and unbolt the transmission from the frame crossmember (or unbolt the crossmember itself and remove the case/trans/cross as a unit. all this on your back if you don't have a vehicle lift.

i'd really inspect the pilot bushing in the end of the crank, too. replace it if there is any wear evident. maybe replace it, period.

when putting it back together, the hardest part (for me) is to get the clutch assembly (attached to the engine) to line up and slide onto the transmission input shaft/bearing retainer/throwout holder - it needs to be just right. don't force it. eventually, things will get aligned correctly and the input shaft splines will slide through the clutch plate and the tip of the input shaft will settle nicely into the pilot bearing. do not force any of it, or you will warp/break something.

 

I have replaced a few clutches in a few different jeeps and thinking back to the first time I did it I think the easiest way to do it is to drop the transmission/transfer case. And I agree with wally the hardest part is definately lining everything back up and getting the transmission and transfer case back in. Makes it alot easier if you have an extra set of hands to help guide it back in.