Changing a clutch.......

[matt_71]

Just wondering if anyone has ever changed a clutch in a 1997 F-350 diesel. I was wondering how big of a job it is. What does everyone think do it yourself or take it to a garage. All thoughts are appreciated. THanks.

[mschn99]

first of all...if you do it yourself, use a reputable aftermarket clutch kit...this way you end up with an alignment tool....this will make it much easier.....

as far as the repair...honestly, its a pain on the ground, and if you have a rental place near, rent a tranny floor jack. if you have pacience its not too bad, but sometimes the tranny will not want to "stab" and will fight you lighning up....even though you cant figure out why since it looks perfect......if your pacient and just change the angles a bunch and take your time its not too bad...if you dont have any pacience...take it in and have someone do it........marc

[matt_71]

Thanks Marc. It shouldnt be too bad I have a lift and a tranny jack so that should help out a lot.

[Radio Flyer]

Are you done yet or still working on it?

I've done a few and just put a SMF conversion kit in my '97 F-350 4x4 a couple months ago. Did it on the ground but used a big transmission jack.

Pulled the trans and t-case as one unit....the hardest part of the job was the turbocharger downpipe.

It's also easier to pull the whole shift tower off instead of just the stick....the stub shaft will tend to hang up on the floorpan and cause difficulty when going back together.

Hope this helps,

Dan-