89 Sho clutch problems

[RedEyedDEMON]

Hello, I just bought my 1989 3.0 5 speed sho. I've noticed that it's hard to put in gear while running. Now when not it goes into gear with no problem. I don't know much about shos but I had a similar problem with a probe I had cost 410. I hope it's not as bad. My question is is there a way to flush the clutch system? any info is helpful.

 

[SVOFANATIC]

This system is cable it has no fluid. You can pull up on the clutch pedal and see if it adjusts you will hear it click if not then it needs to be replaced. The 89 had a smaller clutch and wore out really quick so ford changed them from (if I'm not mistaken) an 8.75in cluth to a 9.25 which lasts longer. So if it is bad get a flywheel from a 90 or up and get a clutch for the same year and it won't wear out as fast??? I'm not 100% on this but I know the 89's had smaller clutches.

 

[RedEyedDEMON]

Cool thanks. it still goes in gear. I just have to half a## force it. Randomly goes in with no problem. lol. I'll check it out today.

 

[kevinspann]

Sounds like the clutch isn't releasing all the way. Is the it making any noises?

 

[RedEyedDEMON]

I don't know i just got the car a week ago.

 

[rubydist]

your other candidate is the blocking rings in the trans are shot, which is also fairly common on these vehicles.

is the 'hard to get into gear' the same for all gears, or worse for some than others? if its very consistent, then a non-releasing clutch is more likely. if its is worse on some gears than others, then the trans is more likely.

 

[LOUDSHO92]

Checked the motor mounts?

 

[SHOspazz92]

Does it grind at all? Will double clutching between gear changes make it easier?

My Frontier has a bad 3-4 Snychro, It's not a total PIA to get in to gear but it will grind sometimes, no matter how fast or slow I shift. Now, If I double clutch the 3-4 shift it's perfectly fine.

 

[SHO1]

This system is cable it has no fluid. You can pull up on the clutch pedal and see if it adjusts you will hear it click if not then it needs to be replaced. The 89 had a smaller clutch and wore out really quick so ford changed them from (if I'm not mistaken) an 8.75in cluth to a 9.25 which lasts longer. So if it is bad get a flywheel from a 90 or up and get a clutch for the same year and it won't wear out as fast??? I'm not 100% on this but I know the 89's had smaller clutches.

They were upgraded to 9.75" from 9.25".

 

[sperold]

Start looking for a deal on a clutch kit.
Most 89's are on their second clutch at least, so it has probably been upgraded to the 9.75 by now. You can find that out by removing the starter and looking at the pressure plate. The little pressure plate looks like it is welded up from flat plate.
If you can change the clutch yourself it is about a $200.00 deal if you catch a sale.
Count on $500.00 for labour if you farm it out.
Take it to a muffler place to have them back off your exhaust pipes at the engine if you want to save some grief, and oil up your subframe bushing bolts before you start.
Don't let this discourage you, you have the nicest SHO going, and the new clutch will bring back some magic.

 

[kevinspann]

If that car has been in New Mexico all it's life, he shouldn't have too much to worry about.

 

[SVOFANATIC]

They were upgraded to 9.75" from 9.25".

Ok I knew it was a .5in increase.


Red the clutch change isn't hard me and a buddy did it in 1 day and I had only had the car for 1 week.

 

[itwonder]

The symptom you describe is indicative of a clutch throw-out bearing nearing the end of its useful life. Eventually, you will not be able to get it to go into gear unless the car is off. Once moving, you will be able to get in a higher gear so you can get to a repair shop. It will cost more the $410 for a SHO clutch job, but you can save by doing it yourself. shonutperformance.com sells an excellent video on how to do it.

 

[RedEyedDEMON]

Before I bought the sho it sat in a field in Colorado for 3 years. "Owned by an old man" It seems to be working a lil better now that it's being used. It grinds in reverse and when not up to 3500 rpms or so except 1st. double clutching does not help. I'm going to be putting in a stereo in so will check a few things. Thank you for the help.

 

[rubydist]

well I suppose a loud stereo would make you not notice the grinding, but that is not my recommended resolution to the problem.....

reverse does not have a synchro, so it will grind unless you shift to 1st or 2nd first to be sure the input shaft has stopped.

it does sound like the clutch is not releasing all the way, so either adjust the cable or replace clutch is the real solution.

 

[RedEyedDEMON]

I'm installing a stereo for the **** of it not the clutch problems.
"It grinds in reverse and when not up to 3500 rpms" It grinds when not up to 3500 rpm when I shift. Sorry.