Clutch job: what am I getting into?

[2t2-crash]

my NV 6-speed needs a new clutch.
What type should I avoid? How much time should I plan to do this with two experienced shade tree mechanics?
Are there any special tools needed besides a trans jack?

What should I consider while doing this?

I’m hoping to do this in one day.... am I dreaming?

 

[Shiner]

It will take most of the day on the floor. I took my sweet @zz time on my lift, rebuilt the transfer case, new clutch, and rear main seal.

 

[KATOOM]

I have the 5 speed but basically the same job... Truck was high enough off the ground so no need for jack stands. A $125 transmission jack I bought from harbor freight, a rope spanned across the frame for added security, and a jack stand holding the transfer case from swinging down since I left bolted to the transmission. It helps to have another person there for muscling things around because you're talking around 300-400 pounds of metal you'll need to move smoothly.

There was plenty room for tools and things most things were easily accessible. The worst part was getting the crossmember out and then back in.
My truck isnt a daily driver so I took a few days taking my time.

If your truck is stock and will remain stock then you can replace it with a LuK clutch from the auto parts store. If you're adding power then anymore than about 60-65 hp over stock and the factory clutch will start to slip. Southbend and Valair are good companies who build clutches for diesels.

 

[S.Morris]

Make sure you have a HD jack as used on Class 8 trucks with tilt able deck front to back and side to side. You can leave Tcase attached .
Consider Southbend and upgrade to better pilot bearing.
If this is a long term truck, consider hydraulics , slave and master change, as well as rear main seal. Also possible starter contacts while its out.
At any rate, new clutch fork and pivot bushing,release brg at a min, as well as resurface flywheel.
If you have proper jack and knowledge, ,tools and all necessary parts it should be easily accomplished in one day.

 

[Shiner]

I also forgot to add, I replaced the flywheel and bellhousing, fork and ball, etc. Make sure bellhousing is flat and don't bump it around a bunch. I also took my time, more because of the bellhousing snafu(I had to order it).
, but also since I like to have adult beverages and ponder things.. My rush days went out the shop door along time ago. Do have 2 people, much easier, especially when working on ground. Mine was done via me lonesome, but it was on a lift with telescoping trans jack. etc.

 

[2t2-crash]

day two, got the transmission down, pressure plate off. that clutch is toast!

I was told the clutch had been replaced prior to me buying the truck because the prior owner was an older man with a bad left leg, causing him to have issues keeping the clutch pressed in. the fly wheel surface is dug in deep and the clutch is almost totally gone.

this is a major PITA... but worth the $1000 I'm saving by doing it myself.

 

[Shiner]

day two, got the transmission down, pressure plate off. that clutch is toast!

I was told the clutch had been replaced prior to me buying the truck because the prior owner was an older man with a bad left leg, causing him to have issues keeping the clutch pressed in. the fly wheel surface is dug in deep and the clutch is almost totally gone.

this is a major PITA... but worth the $1000 I'm saving by doing it myself.

Always a good thing to save some green. Then you can buy other stuff for your truck!

 

[CVR222NV]

Consider Southbend and upgrade to better pilot bearing.

Does South Bend not include a new pilot bearing?

https://www.southbendclutch.com/clutches/SDD3250-GK-ORG-11062/

 

[KATOOM]

Does South Bend not include a new pilot bearing?

Stock is a non-sealed needle bearing about the same size as a common bushing type pilot. SB uses a larger sealed roller pilot bearing.

 

[2t2-crash]

got the flywheel in, pressure plate and clutch mounted (and centered up with an alignment tool) and the transmission up and positioned but the splines aren't lined up between the transmission and clutch.

 

[NIsaacs]

Turn the input shaft until it does. What clutch did you get?

 

[Shiner]

got the flywheel in, pressure plate and clutch mounted (and centered up with an alignment tool) and the transmission up and positioned but the splines aren't lined up between the transmission and clutch.

It can be a pain, just be patient....once it goes.....that instant whew! and a beverage is in order.

 

[KATOOM]

Leave the transmission in gear when you drop it down. That way when you put it back up and you're trying to align the shaft and clutch splines you can turn the rear output shaft which will rotate the input shaft.

 

[jgillott]

got the flywheel in, pressure plate and clutch mounted (and centered up with an alignment tool) and the transmission up and positioned but the splines aren't lined up between the transmission and clutch.

If you still can't get the spines to engage, pull the trans back and double check that the clutch is indeed centered. I've made the mistake of trusting the alignment tool in the past and it was just slightly off. But, it was off enough that I could not get that input shaft in.

 

[petersonj]

Assuming that you are using a transmission jack, make yourself two long guide pins - two long bolts with the heads cut off. Install the guide pins (one on each side) using only your fingers to thread them in. When both guide pins turn easily with your fingertips, the transmission is perfectly aligned. With the transmission in gear slightly rotate the tail shaft as mentioned above and with a little forward pressure and a bit of jiggling things should start going in your favor. If not, recheck the pressure on the guide pins; if you can't rotate them easily with your fingers, then the transmission is out of alignment.

- John

 

[2t2-crash]

Thanks for the tips guys, I’m going to go get a couple of long ass bolts to use as guide pins, plus try to get her in gear.

 

[KParsons]

did you have the fly wheel cut?

 

[ranger 393]

I used a semi trans jack. NV5600 is heavy w/transfer case attached. Really long extensions w/ swivels will allow you to get to the top bolts from the rear of transmission (more room). I put the front wheels on 4in blocks to give me more room to clear the shift tower when you drop the trans. I also put a floor jack under the front of the engine to support it to take some of the stress off the motor mounts and to keep front of engine from leaning forward.just my .02

 

[2t2-crash]

The two bolts as guides worked like a charm!
Now the drive shafts, clutch linkage and small stuff need put together!

Thanks for all the help

 

[2t2-crash]

did you have the fly wheel cut?

I bought a new one. I’ve had this truck for two years, supposedly it had a new clutch installed before I bought it because the PO has a bad left leg and trashed the first one.