Jay1313g

It's a long story, but I have a clutch with only 5K on it, but I need to change the throw out bearing. (First one was put in backwards.) This is on a 1986 4X4 with a 22r and 5 speed.

The question is: Can I unbolt and maneuver the transmission back far enough to exchange this bearing or do I need to pull the transmission all the way down? (Obviously, I would have to disconnect the rear driveshaft, slave cylinder, and shift levers off the top.)

I have access to a transmission jack, but it'll be a pain to go get it and take it back. I'd rather be creative with a floor jack and some ratchet straps if I can.

Thanks!!

jbtvt

I've pulled several trans using a floor jack, 2x8 wood and straps, just pull the shifters and lower it as if you were using a trans jack. If you crack it two inches, strugle the bearing in and mess up clip placement, and have to pull it off again you'll be cursing yourself the entire time I would think.

scope103

I've used a floor jack and straps to remove a transmission more than once. I never dropped one, ....

But the next time I have to pull a transmission, I'm getting a transmission jack.

Just my $0.02.

Sturmcrow

One summer while I was in High School, my dad had 4 cars that needed clutches (we had 9 kids in a Brady-type Bunch, so many of early driving age). I changed out all of them and got a nice 30-30 rifle for my trouble. We did all of them without even using a floor jack.

Fast forward 15 years to last month, when I pulled the tranny out of my pickup by myself. I bought a Harbor Freight tranny jack (maybe $55 with the 20% discount coupon) with the intention of bringing it back when I was done. It was so much easier to drop and reinstall that tranny than I ever expected that the tool went into my attic for next time rather to going back to the store.

And to scope103, if you are ever in the OC area, I will gladly give my tranny jack to you in exchange for all of the excellent advice you have shared with this board through the years.

RJR

Did that cheapie Harbor Freight jack work OK? Is that the one with the screw lift (not hydraulic)? I've looked at it and contemplated it for some upcoming clutch and transfer case work I want to do, but wasn't quite sure it would be up to the job. I'd love to have more detail on what you got for $55 and how well it worked.

BTW, I love my Aussie lunchbox in front. Awesome offroad. Make sure you get manual hubs for on the street, though.

Thanks!

dirtrider0129

The Harbor freight hydraulic jack worked for me when I did my clutch a few months ago. I didn't go with the screw type one as I was worried about the load capacity. And it looked cheesy as hell when I went to go look at it in person. I ended up selling it on Craigslist pretty close to what I bought it for, so it all worked out in the end.

jbtvt

I bought the NAPA attachment for the last tranny I dropped out of my '85. Paid over $100 but it's beefy enough for anything. I'll never go back to the jack, strap, and 2x method either, but as I get older I prefer to spend a little $$ than time struggling with these things. Maybe OP hasn't reached that point yet, nothing wrong with that.

nmtoy

i also recommend the HF trans jack. I have changed 5 clutches since I bought it 5 years ago.