The Ford Barn

oldspert · 04-15-2023, 09:40 AM

Opinions on wether it is easier to pull the engine or drop the rear end and trans to replace the clutch. My clutch is all adjusted out and the throw out rides on the fingers all of the time.

Fullraceflathead · 04-15-2023, 09:53 AM

I've done it both ways. I think dropping the rear end is a little bit easier and quicker as long as you have the proper rear spring spreader tool.

Will N · 04-15-2023, 10:04 AM

Depends on your garage set up and how you like to work. You can drop the rear end (and you don't need a spring spreader- just unbolt the spring from the crossmember) but unless you have a lift you'll be installing the clutch and bell housing and tranny while lying on your back on the garage floor while the car is on jack stands. If you take the engine out, you can work while standing upright while the engine is supported on a stand.

katy · 04-15-2023, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Will N

unless you have a lift you'll be installing the clutch and bell housing and tranny while lying on your back on the garage floor

Remove the floor boards and do it from the top. Did lot's of them back in the 1950s, used an overhead block and tackle to raise the rear of the car.

bruceincam · 04-15-2023, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Will N

Depends on your garage set up and how you like to work. You can drop the rear end (and you don't need a spring spreader- just unbolt the spring from the crossmember) but unless you have a lift you'll be installing the clutch and bell housing and tranny while lying on your back on the garage floor while the car is on jack stands. If you take the engine out, you can work while standing upright while the engine is supported on a stand.

But, you still have to lie on your back to match the U-Joint up to the engine as you reinstall it and then install the U-Joint clam shells. And you can't do that by yourself --- you'll need at least one other person to help you. My vote is that it's much easier (and you can do it without help) if you pull the rear end. I'll offer some keys to success: 1. get the running boards as close to 24" off the concrete as you can. 2. Make two or three guide pins to help you position the bell housing on the back of the engine as you reassemble from below. 3. make sure you have good jacks and jack stands as well as a tranny jack that will lift high enough. In my case I used my old tranny jack meant to sit on a floor jack.

WHN · 04-15-2023, 10:42 AM

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The first time I changed one was in 1962, had no idea how to do it. I’ve done a number since than.

Drop the rear end. Unless you have some other issues with the engine. Why would you want to go that route?

Easy job! Two people, one day with a couple of long breaks to admire your work.

Enjoy.

Mulletwagon · 04-15-2023, 05:03 PM

Also vote for dropping the rear axle. Tall jack stands recommended. Supporting the trans with a floor jack can be simplified by removing the jack turn table and placing a pipe nipple in the trans drain plug port. Also an excellent time to change out the U joint if any wear is noticed. Removing the floor boards is a must for easy access to bolts and moving the trans. Not a bad job but does take some time. I did it solo but would recommend help - like a stout corn fed grandson. Good Luck.

04-15-2023, 09:40 AM	#1
oldspert Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 392	clutch change Opinions on wether it is easier to pull the engine or drop the rear end and trans to replace the clutch. My clutch is all adjusted out and the throw out rides on the fingers all of the time.

04-15-2023, 09:53 AM	#2
Fullraceflathead Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Chillicothe, Missouri Posts: 1,684	Re: clutch change I've done it both ways. I think dropping the rear end is a little bit easier and quicker as long as you have the proper rear spring spreader tool. __________________ "If I asked people what they wanted they would have said faster horses." -Henry Ford "Primitive technology is not a design flaw" 1928 Ford Model A Roadster Pickup 1930 Gordon Smith Air Compressor 1941 Willy's Pickup 1960 Thunderbird-For Sale 1964 Buick Riviera 2x4 425 1965 Pontiac GTO, 455 Super Duty 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10, V-10 Viper 1977 Charger Jet Boat,460 Ford,Jacuzzi Jet Front Engine Nostalgia Dragster,Supercharged 296 "Fullrace Flathead" Ford Engine Build up on DVD ask

04-15-2023, 10:04 AM	#3
Will N Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,251	Re: clutch change Depends on your garage set up and how you like to work. You can drop the rear end (and you don't need a spring spreader- just unbolt the spring from the crossmember) but unless you have a lift you'll be installing the clutch and bell housing and tranny while lying on your back on the garage floor while the car is on jack stands. If you take the engine out, you can work while standing upright while the engine is supported on a stand.

04-15-2023, 10:42 AM	#6
WHN Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Connecticut Shoreline Posts: 1,977	Re: clutch change Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) The first time I changed one was in 1962, had no idea how to do it. I’ve done a number since than. Drop the rear end. Unless you have some other issues with the engine. Why would you want to go that route? Easy job! Two people, one day with a couple of long breaks to admire your work. Enjoy.

04-15-2023, 05:03 PM	#7
Mulletwagon Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Florida Panhandle Posts: 626	Re: clutch change Also vote for dropping the rear axle. Tall jack stands recommended. Supporting the trans with a floor jack can be simplified by removing the jack turn table and placing a pipe nipple in the trans drain plug port. Also an excellent time to change out the U joint if any wear is noticed. Removing the floor boards is a must for easy access to bolts and moving the trans. Not a bad job but does take some time. I did it solo but would recommend help - like a stout corn fed grandson. Good Luck.