flywheel Question

[outsource77]

The truck is a 1976 f100 I6 300 Flairside long bed with a NP 435 4 spd. I just about got the funds up for overhaul/replace my trans. It is grinding getting in to 3rd, sometimes down shifting into 2nd. My questionis, what should I look for on the flywheel as far wear, condtion, etc and what does a good flywheel look like for that matter. Since I am going to take out, replacing the trans and cluch I should know that the flywheel in order. It will be fun wrenching on the old girl, also going to be great to drive smooth again. All knowledeg is appreciated. Thanks

[91Bronc300]

Basically if your clutch grabs fine and doesn't chatter then then you should have nothing to do but replace the throwout bearing, friction disc, and pilot bearing while the transmission is out. There is no sense in even taking the flywheel off unless it needs resurfacing or a new starter ring gear. If you do take it off don't reuse the flywheel to crankshaft bolts, no matter how good they look. The shiny surfaces of the flywheel and pressure plate should look just that, shiny. No grooves or scuffing, or burn marks. If it's about at smooth and shiny as a brake rotor. It's good.

I would also recommend the NP435 rebuild kit from Novak Jeep Conversions. It comes with the best instructions. You can even call them and describe your grinding and they can probably tell you exactly what is going on. They are very knowledgeable gearheads.

http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/np435.htm