Clutch Replacement Time

[eacyde]

I have recently aquired a 1995 MTX in need of a clutch. The car came with a centerforce clutch.

I am wondering if anybody has the SHO nut video they would like to part with.

I have the Ford service manual and it doesn't specifically have clutch & PP replacement instructions and it has a long list of "Special Tools" required. Do I need these?

On a scale of 1-10, what would the job be?

I am pretty mechanically inclined.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[TwistedMunky]

http://www.shophoenixproject.com/clutch/clutch.htm

VERY helpful, this covers everything you need to know. Its not that hard just take your time and check every thing twice. Make sure the disk is in right.

 

[Johnlemon]

that looks like a scary job, good luck!

 

[sperold]

Like a lot of things, the job you have to do, before the job you need to do is, can be the harder part.
Those subframe bolts are difficult when frozen in place.
The exhaust manifold studs (on the engine where the pipe bolts up) can be a difficult thing to undo if they have not been off in a while.
Start blasting them with penetrating oil.
Get help with those things and try taking them off, one bolt / nut at a time.
Those two things are huge when you are doing the job, and they are the things that add a lot of time and money to the job if you take it somewhere to have it done.
Consider having another set of mounts available, as often they are found to be bad while you are doing this job.

 

[AREA 91]

Just buy the video from SHO NUT. You won't regret it! Worth every penny!

 

[eacyde]

It seems like a job just getting to the clutch.
What have people done instead of the engine cradle that SHO Phoenix purchased? Can I just use an engine picker?

 

[rubydist]

no, you don't want to be under the car if the engine is just held up w/ a cherry picker.

however, it is possible to pull the engine from the top to change the clutch rather than pulling the subframe off and lowering the trans. while pulling the engine from the top is more work, if you don't have access to the tools you need to do the other, its not important if its more work, just that you can accomplish it.

its definitely a job just getting to it, that is why people scrap $2000 cars that need a clutch replaced, since its almost as much to pay someone to change the clutch as what the car is worth. on the other hand, if you can do it yourself, you can have a decent car for not much cash.

 

[jimtash]

You can yank the engine out without the tranny attached if you're going do it from the top. By far the easiest method and if you want to do a timing belt install, that's the time. All the pulleys need to come off to clear the frame. Was thinking about this method tonight as a matter of fact and will probably do it the next time I need a clutch installed.

 

[eacyde]

Thanks for the tips. I will fab up a support.
I'll keep everyone posted. I need to get the car running first, it has been sitting for 3 years.

 

[eacyde]

here is a few pics. its a 95 with full tan leather interior.

 

[mcrowe3797]

For a person that hasnt done a clutch replacement, what should be the average time to do this?

 

[eacyde]

For a person that hasnt done a clutch replacement, what should be the average time to do this?

My mechanic quoted 9 hours if all goes smooth, but we all know nothing is smooth when wrenching on these cars.

I just bought the engine support off ebay.:woo-hoo:

 

[rubydist]

book time is 7.5 hours, so the 9 hours quote is padded a little. since you have never done it and since you will likely struggle w/ rusted bolts, figure 15-20 hours.

 

[itwonder]

FWD engine supports are pretty generic. You can fab one, but to save your time and energy for something else they are readily available at Harbor Freight or ebay. The one I bought off of ebay folds up and takes up very little storage space. I would not pull the whole engine.

 

[mcrowe3797]

book time is 7.5 hours, so the 9 hours quote is padded a little. since you have never done it and since you will likely struggle w/ rusted bolts, figure 15-20 hours.

Ill start on friday by spraying everything with pb blaster crazy style, go to the store and get some beer and food for grilling.... going to be great time

 

[eacyde]

I bought another SHO last nite for $600. The body is pretty bad, but it runs and drives. perfect for a winter beater. The interior is full black leather and in good shape.

It seems to have a missfire around 2000rpm, but otherwise a strong engine.

now for the pics

 

[intimdatr]

LOL for a second i thought u had a 22 MPH speedo and looked again to see it was KPH

 

[eacyde]

Can anybody tell me if SHO nut performance is on here? I did a search and came up empty.

I emailed him a few times and have not heard back.

I want his clutch DVD, unless somebody has it and would like to part with it.

 

[JRA2000TL]

Yes, e-mail him at the address on his site and Josh will get back to you. His SHOnut business is a side business and he's often traveling/busy with his main job. Give him a little time, but he will get back to you, and you will get your stuff.

I recently ordered some things from him, and he communicated well and I received everything I was supposed to, but like I said, give him time.

 

[eacyde]

Time to start digging into my 95. What are things I should replace on my way in?
I have the clutch already (Center Force)
I think the previous owner also bought the fork from Ford.

Any insight will be appreciated.