the crossmember on the 4x4 goes to the top of the frame and it's really tight and the port-a-power is used to release some of the tension to make it easyer in and out. Dad bought a cheap one for $50 and they have a lot of uses around the shop. Might not be a must but it sure helps

 

I found out when installing my clutch that the frame is closer at the bottom than the top in the area where the crossmember is. If you remove the clamps holding the fuel line on the drivers side, the crossmember can be raised up and pushed back for fairly easy removal.

 

I'm not sure I'd want someone doing my clutch in 1 hr and 50 mins.

 

ive done my own clutches before and let me say not alot of fun by yourself. i just paid 450.00 for the first time. it was worth it

 

I have done a few....i am very experienced with a wrench......and i cringe anytime i have to do one on a 98.5-02 Dodge...heck even the new ones (But the X-member is WAY easier to do!!). The hard part is not getting it out....its getting it to spline back in. The last one i did (BY myself with a tranny jack) just kicked and screamed! (had to call for help before i got my pistol out!!!) I also had one that just popped right in! Here are some hints that i found that makes it easier:

To spread the frame: Use what came with the truck. Get the stock jack out and a piece of 4x4 lumber. Just put it between the frame rails and spread. That is by far the best way i have found....bottle jacks don’t always work (Old, worn) and they sometimes are awkward and heavy.

To help spline the Pilot bearing: Make sure you have the tranny in gear and rotate the output shaft. ONCE You get it splined into the clutch disk.....(You have to be 100% on this part....its not hard to tell when you have it! Shaft wont spin) Have someone push in the clutch (Make sure your slave cyl is hooked back up into the bell housing). Usually it will pop right into the pilot bearing as soon as the pedal is pushed.

Slighty jack up on the fnt of the engine to get it to lean back somewhat....

Use a tranny jack!!!!!!

 

Dan, the whole push in the clutch trick works great, BUT not on the 6 speed because the bell housing is part of the tranny

 

If oyu have trouble getting it back on the pins try and take a wrench and crank the engine over by hand, i did that on mine and it pulled the tranny on 1/2" and it was on fine then. and i did mine and it wasnt that hard but since mine is in a chevy i dont have the same problems yall have.

 

I still don't understand why you have to spread the frame apart. I took my 6 speed out and put it back in and never spread the frame.

 

the tapered cross member that holds/bolts directly to the trans is wider at the top than at the bottom. on some trucks it might be tighter than others an if you have had yours out several times it might be streatched far enough apart not to need one. But i did with my 2 clutch installs.

 

You would if you knew the individual and family owned Dodge dealer involved. Carrigan Motors enjoys an execellent reputation by "bombers" within a radius of several hundred miles. Clay Carrigan's mechanical skills, especially at clutch exchanges, are renouned around here.

 

Good info guys!

 

......all 5 speeds on this odometer! haha.....never had the pleasure of a 6 speed........