93 clutch replacement questions

[Mel Fuelling]

I am replacing the clutch in my 93 work truck(265K) with a SBC Con O. The clutch release arm and pivot ball were polished, not galled, but starting to groove out; so I ordered a new pivot ball at my local dealer. I received a ball that is plastic on the top half. I didn't think it would stand up long in the polished but grooved release arm, so I ordered a new release arm. 1)How long has Dodge been using this plastic pivot ball, and does it last very long?



DPuckett has posted that, at least in high milage CTD's, we should replace the cam plug in the block any time the clutch is replaced. The cam plug shouldn't move or deteriorate unless there is excessive wear on the thrust plate under the cam gear should it? 2)What has been your experience/observations on this potential problem.



The rear main seal on this truck is absolutely dry. 3)Should I be replacing it

now?



Thanks,

Mel

 

[TKingsbury]

I have no idea about the pivot ball, never had mine out. Are you certain they looked up a diesel application? On replacing stuff that is behind other stuff, it's all about your comfort level. If you generally have good luck with stuff that is working staying working, leave it all alone. If in the past, things that you thought you should've replaced "while you were in there" crapped out shortly after buttoning up the project, replace everything. If it were me, I'd probably do them just because they are WAY hard to get to and relatively cheap to do.

Travis. .

 

[dpuckett]

The rear main being completely dry is a GOOD thing- it is a double lipped teflon seal that is required to be seated on a dry surface upon install. If it is wet, it is leaking. Or are you meaning it is dry rotted? One more thing to consider is that to replace the cam plug, you also have to replace the rear main. I dont know about the slack in the thrust plate under the gear, but my plug has held for 40K. I think maybe the loc-tite gets old, or the thing vibrates loose. Mine is one of the rougher idling engines I've been around. Cant quite feel it through the seat, but the mirrors will vibrate a little at idle.



Daniel