is it terribly difficult to change a clutch in a 2wd 82 250? ive changed probably 20 automatics in gm rwd cars, but never messed with a standard...doesnt seem like it should be too hard...also, i can change the rear main seal on the engine when the tranny is separated, right?? thanks for any help...

 

Changing a clutch in a 2wd is a whole lot easier than a 4x4 as you don't need to drop 2 drivelines and a transfer case. If you can change out an auto tranny, then a clutch is gonna be a piece of cake.
One word of advice though, get your flywheel resurfaced before you put the new clutch disc in. If you have any burnt spots on the flywheel or oil on it, it can ruin the new disc within 50 miles. Also, change out the pilot bearing at the same time. It's the bearing that sits inside the end of the crankshaft. You can get either a bronze bushing or a caged bearing type of pilot bearing, either one is fine. A good clutch kit is gonna have a clutch disc, throw out bearing and pressure plate, the pilot bearing is extra.
Also, if you don't have one, get a clutch alignment tool specific to your truck. It should be under $5. This job is where a good repair manual is a must. Anything either I, or anyone else here may miss, will be covered in the manual.

As far as your rear main seal is concerned, it depends on which engine you have and if it's a 2 piece seal, but generally speaking, you can access the rear main seal after the tranny is out. On my 460, you have to drop the oil pan and lower the crankshaft a hair so I can fish out the pieces of the rear main seal. If you have a 351W, it'll be a 1 piece design and you can just pry the old one out without damaging the main bearings, and seat it in with a suitable tool the same size of the seal so as not to damage it.

Good Luck.

Danny

 

thanks for the information...how much does it cost to have the flywheel resurfaced? i know the clutch will have to go eventually so im trying to keep up...i do have a 351W so the one piece seal will make life a little easier...if i dont beat the truck real hard, i mean i dont off road or race or anything, do i need to get anything more than a regular type of inexpensive clutch? i use the truck for towing a trailer on occasion. around 2000 pounds probably...how much could i expect to pay for an adequate clutch kit???

 

I don't remember exactly how much it was for my flywheel to be resurfaced but it was under $100. If you were to go to Napa or some other parts house, they carry the LUK clutch kit. It should be under $300 for the whole kit. For the kind of driving you do, a Centerforce or McCleod clutch kit is overkill. If the factory style clutch lasted this long, a factory style replacement should last well over 150,000 miles.