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Flywheel Replacement 101...

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Old May 24, 2006 | 10:51 AM
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Flywheel Replacement 101...

Alright guys, today I pulled off the starter to lube the Bendix. I took a look at the flywheel and bad news, in the one spot alone where the starter was (just happen to stop spinning there) the flywheel gears were pretty marred up. So, I called ford to get a quote on the work.... want a grand just in labor! I said not happening and hung up. Now here are my questions for you folks...

1. Is flywheel replacement really something a weekend wrench can do? I have air tools, torque wrenches, etc, no access to a lift, so i would be doing it in the garage. I have one heavy-duty 3-ton jack, (could get another if needed) jackstands... Does this sound do-able?

2. Where can i find a solid set of directions to replacing it? Somewhere with picks would be very helpfull, as i mentioned, this will be the most extensive work I have done on the truck

3. Where's a good place to get a new flywheel? I'd rather not go to the stealership if I can help it...

Any info/ideas/comments would be very helpfull!

-Robb

EDIT: note the truck is a 97 F-350 4x4 AUTO
 

Last edited by Robbgt; May 24, 2006 at 11:13 AM.
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Old May 24, 2006 | 11:09 AM
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I think that you should be able to handle the job with what you have but I would buy ,rent or borrow a tranny jack it makes the job so much easier.I am sure that someone will be along with some directions for you or just try the search feature and see what you find.Asfar as finding a flywheel I would try some junkyards first then the local parts stores, depending on your time frame hunt the internet or maybe a local tranny shop. My question is why did it happen ,was the starter loose or is it not engaging all the way I would hate to see you wreck a new flywheel .

Dave
 

Last edited by 1996pwrstrk; May 24, 2006 at 11:20 AM.
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Old May 24, 2006 | 11:12 AM
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Originally Posted by 1996pwrstrk
I think you should be adle to handle the job with what you have but I would buy or rent or borrow a tranny jack makes the job a lot easier. I would also change to an aftermarket singlemass flywheel and clutch like a LUK or a southbend I wouldn't put a dualmass flywheel back in I believe it would cost as much as a complete conversion kit.As far as detailed directions I am sure someone will be along with some or just try using the search .

Dave
thanks dave!.... should have mentioned the truck is an auto, the reason i'm replacing is because the starter is grinding...
 
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Old May 24, 2006 | 11:19 AM
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It is not as bad as you think. Sounds like you have the tools needed. I would reccomend the solid flywheel conversion from LUK. I put this in my 96'. The original flywheel from the factory is dual mass and sucks. The LUK conversion comes with a new flywheel with a ring gear and pilot bearing, and new clutch and throw-out bearing. It comes with pretty good instructions to. You can get a transmission adapter for your floor jack, you may also want another jack. When I do clutches and flywheels I leave the transfer case atached(assuming it is a 4x4), this does make it somewhat akward to handle. If you got a buddy that can help you, that would be good. You can get a service manual from your local parts store probably, I think chilton and haynes have pictures in their manuals as well. If you havent already I would replace the turbo down pipe while you are at it, as you will see the stock one is flat and very restrictive. It is a little bit of work but worth it in the long run, and with the tranny out is is so much easier. I can give you step by step instructions if you would like, or if you have any other questions just ask. I usually check the forum once a day or so.
 
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Old May 24, 2006 | 11:22 AM
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I edited that sorry I looked at your sig after I posted.
 
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Old May 24, 2006 | 11:32 AM
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Originally Posted by 1996pwrstrk
My question is why did it happen ,was the starter loose or is it not engaging all the way I would hate to see you wreck a new flywheel .

Dave
Dave, the idiot that had the truck before me had a crapy starter in there for a while, then replaced it. I don't think he torqued the top bolt down, when i pulled it off it was prety loose. I got a new starter and installed it, figuring that would solve the problem, but no avail. Today I went to lube up the Bendix shaft thinking that might fix it, and the flywheel is marred. Oh well. Thanks for the info!

Originally Posted by dieseldoc
You can get a transmission adapter for your floor jack....If you havent already I would replace the turbo down pipe while you are at it, as you will see the stock one is flat and very restrictive.
That sounds like a good idea just getting the adapter, I know the free-standing ones are a little pricey. Just replaced the DP 2 days ago... ha guess i should have waited and it would have been MUCH easier... oh well... Thanks for the info!!

-Robb
 
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Old May 24, 2006 | 11:36 AM
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I think that harbor frieght tools has tranny jacks for around 75.00 to 100.00 .
 
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Old May 24, 2006 | 11:37 AM
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i think the hardest part is getting the tranny out of the truck. i replaced the flywheel in my 79 ford f-250{i know a little diff but same deal} i had more troubles getting the old tranny out then i did getting hte new ring gear on the flywheel and getting hte tranny back in.
but i think you can do it, just have lots of beer on hand.
good luck
Mitch
 
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Old May 24, 2006 | 11:40 AM
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An extra pair of strong hands are real helpful when your under there also.
 
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Old May 24, 2006 | 11:49 AM
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Originally Posted by dieseldoc
I would reccomend the solid flywheel conversion from LUK. I put this in my 96'. The original flywheel from the factory is dual mass and sucks.
Do trucks with autos have the dual mass flywheel? I thought it was only manuals that had it.
 
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Old May 24, 2006 | 11:54 AM
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No autos do not I mistakenly thought he was talking about a man. tranny after I posted I looked at his sig and saw that it was a auto and I edited the post sorry about the confusion.
Dave
 
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Old May 24, 2006 | 01:03 PM
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Originally Posted by 1996pwrstrk
No autos do not I mistakenly thought he was talking about a man. tranny after I posted I looked at his sig and saw that it was a auto and I edited the post sorry about the confusion.
Dave
Whew ya had me scared!
 
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Old May 24, 2006 | 05:40 PM
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Robb....trust me on this This little dude (click) is worth it's weight in gold. I've used it four times now on OBS and Superduty diesel trannys. It's kind of a pain on the transfer case as you'll need some wood to shore it up even, but it makes the tranny remove/install nearly painless.

Tranny replacements are very doable at home, you'll get through it fine. It is nice to have a second pair of hands if you can con a buddy into helping.
 
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Old May 24, 2006 | 09:43 PM
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Thanks Scott! looks like i'll be placing my order for one of those jacks tomorrow. Any Ideas where to pick up a decent flywheel other than the stealership? Autozone has them for about $100, Here's the link It's a Pioneer and apperently replaces O.E.M. #F5TZ-6375-AA, I just want to be sure that I don't get a crapy one that will get eaten again. Thanks!

oh also, this will be my first time pulling a trans off the engine.... any place i can find some instructions to pull this off would be great!

-Robb
 
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Old May 24, 2006 | 10:13 PM
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i would have to agree with scott. get that jack it looks like a nice one. but another thing htat works very well is a ATV lift. i used one on my 79 NP435 tranny worked like a lucky charm.
when it comes to flywheels i think napa would be the best place unless u wanna spend 3 times the amount and go to the dealership and get hte same ringgear. i guess you get what you pay for some way or some how?
im not to shure where to get online directions, id just get the reapair manual for the truck, that should tell you everthing. but it should be pretty straight forward. remove tranny lines, starter, driveshaft, electrical wires, and all of the mounting bolts. id start from the bottom and work ur way up.
Mitch
 
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