Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 96 Clutch inspection

[Budro]

Has anyone ever drilled an 1 1/2" inspection hole in the bell housing to inspect the throwout bearing / clutch? If so, what is the best location to locate the hole? I am contemplating doing this with a hole saw and then plating it a 1/4" plate larger than the hole. Drill and tap the plate in place.



This is a basically stock '96 4x2 with 377k on the odometer. I bought it used last February. The transmission has been hard to shift at times the past few days. Sometimes it works normal, other times you more less have to "Float" the gears. It acts as though the slave cylinder is not activating the throw-out brg far enough. The transmission looks to have been out at sometime in the past. It has worked fine up until now. Pulls solid with no slipping which leads me in the direction of the slave cyl problem. Just need a look-see to confirm.



Thanks in advance.

 

[GAmes]

To verify if the clutch linkage is failing try to pump it up the next time you have a problem. My experience though is when it quits, it stays quit. If you can pump it up it is an easy replacement. My guess is the pilot bearing or bushing is failing. I do remember that when my original factory oil got old (about 70k) the transmission shifted badly. An oil change with Syntorq fixed that. Changing the oil is the easiest thing to try, but expensive.

 

[Budro]

GAmes,



Thanks for the info. Will try to make it to this weekend to tear into it. Is the needle bearing prone to come apart? And do they make a regular brass pilot brg for that application? Now that you mention the pilot brg, that may be the culprit. I'm use to dealing with Roadranger 9 -10 - 13 sp transmissions. Been a long time since I was into one this small. Sure miss the inspection plate.



Our Prayers go out to ya'll in the Ft. Hood area. Hope you didn't have anyone involved in that mess.



J. Jones

Graham, TX



'96 2500 mostly stock, EGT and Boost guages, fresh air cowling intake (homemade), working on the rest. 23. 7 mpg

 

[SRadke]

You won't be able to see much from the bottom. I have seen multiple needle pilot bearing failures. Typically a clutch kit will come with both needle and brass bearings. The better kits like SBC come with new flywheels that have sealed roller bearings machined and pressed in.

Failure in the clutch master cylinder is common as well. Pumping can often temporarily overcome this as well.

-Scott

 

[GAmes]

I've used all the pilot bushings and bearings at one time or another. The best one is fron South Bend Clutch. You may have to get the flywheel machined for it, but it is worth it.

 

[kenny61]

make sure you check the transmission fluid level... don't ask me how I know...