Hello fellas,

Well After putting over 6K miles on my truck that sat for over 15 years and had a clutch of unknown age, it now sounds like a bunch of marbles in there trying to get out, until I press the clutch pedal then it quiets down.

This is an original 4 speed T-98.

I've reviewed the shop Manual and see that the clutch housing alignment is critical. So my question is can I remove the transmission, leave the clutch housing in place and remove the pressure plate, friction disc, pilot bearing and flywheel all from underneath and without removing the transfer case?
Or should I just bite the bullet and take it to a transmission shop. So far I've done everything to this truck except install the new tires on the rims

 

Sounds like your noise might be the trans bearings not the clutch.

 

Thanks for the info, shifts fine, have noticed granny gear is a little jerky lately.

 

I was thinking the same thing. If the clutch has exploded, it would not quiet down when you push the pedal. Does the clutch still work?

 

Yes sir, clutch works fine, I hear the noise right at the flywheel cover so I was thinking it might be the throw out bearing or pilot bearing.

You guys are also welcome to explain why I should keep this battle Axe T-98 vs a modern 5 speed or automatic. (cringe)

 

If its the throw out bearing, it would be quiet with the clutch pedal out.... Its not spinning (if adjusted properly). Pilot bearing would vibrate if its that bad.

& Its only original once.... I wish mine was!

 

I'll probably end up doing what ever is cheapest as that works for me, but the granny 1st leaves a lot to be desired. Fingers crossed its the pilot bearing or bushing.

 

I agree on the granny... Not much use for a daily driver.

If you do go to a 5 speed, its an easy conversion back if you decide to go back.

 

Drooling over a ZF 6 speed on ebay, snaps back to reality and the original question: Can I do this R&R in the truck or is it hopeless.

 

If it will bolt up, & is not too long to go to the transfer case, then it is not hopeless....

All that left now is the $$$ !!

 

LOL I'm just talking about the existing clutch.
Maybe I should by a lotto ticket.

 

Oh.. whoops!

When you say the clutch housing, I assume you mean the bell housing.

Yes, the bell housing has to come off. You can not get the clutch & pressure plate out of the small hole for the trans. Ive done a few... very easy job, especially if you pull the floor pan out & get at it from above. But I still think you will find the trans front bearing is gone. I've never done that job, but I hear its not too bad.

 

So that means I have to remove the crossmember that hold the rear engine mounts which means I might as well pull the whole enchilada (motor and tranny)
which is a pain as my truck takes up my whole garage and there's no room for an engine hoist.

 

The rear of the engine can be supported easily with a floor jack & wood blocks while you pull the trans & bell. With the floor pan out, the whole job is real easy.

I wish they still had that option in the newer cars!

 

OK I got it thanks!

Being a 4x4 might make this a challenge, as it's way the hell up there off the ground