Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Clutch Work in Phoenix West Side Area?

[Matt42]

After more than nine years of Phoenix area city traffic driving, I need a clutch in my 1996 4WD. I get complete release now in the upper inch and I want to replace the works before it goes south. Can anyone recommend a good clutch repair shop in the Phoenix area, on the West side? Based on my research, I want a LuK Pro-Gold, and a new pilot bearing. (That assumes that the pilot bearing hasn't yet destroyed the input shaft!)



It's something I'd consider doing myself, except for a few problems. It looks like removing the shift lever takes a special tool. Then checking runout on the housing and the new clutch may be beyond me. Anybody have any experience in this? Am I likely to encounter runout problems?



I've replaced clutches before, but it was meatball work on much smaller vehicles. And I was able to fabricate a transmission jack using a scissors jack, some casters, and plywood scraps. Then I carried the transmission away. Probably not going to happen this time, and the LOML, SWAMBO, won't stand for buying a lot of new tools that'll never be used again.



Lastly, can someone point me to a TDR edition where this sort of work was done?



Thanks.

 

[csutton7]

Fred Swanson

623-910-9575



call Fred he is a super great guy--chris

 

[Matt42]

Maybe a dumb question, but I'm good at asking them. Does Fred operate a garage or shop?

 

[csutton7]

I'm confused by your question on shop or garage--I do know Fred owns his own business doing diesel upgrades, auto trannies and manual trannies-whether his shop/garage is as big as a football stadium or the size of a small garage I can't answer that--but he knows his stuff and better yet he's one of the nicest guys around--I'm not sure if he has employees or not, but I think not, but I could be wrong now---I've met him a few times and we had dinner together when he came up to SF for a couple of days---we talked diesel and rock crawlers, but I didn't get into his shop size, I just know what he does and he's good and honest---chris

 

[GrantP]

I'll let Fred chime in as to the size of his shop, but I'll vouch for his work. You won't be disappointed. I just wish I could afford to see the guy more often! ;-)

 

[Bob Cochran]

Fred is they guy and I think he is on the west side. A number of years ago he invited Ariz guys to his shop, but unfortunately I could not go so cannot say how big is shop or garage is. Everyone I have talked to that has had Fred do work for them says he is honest and does good work.

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

I'm going to Freds tomorrow, I'll let you know. By shop or garage, am I correct in assuming that you're wondering if he has a separate shop for his business or does he work out of his own garage?

 

[Matt42]

Yes!

I'm going to Freds tomorrow, I'll let you know. By shop or garage, am I correct in assuming that you're wondering if he has a separate shop for his business or does he work out of his own garage?

That's my question exactly! I phrased it badly before. That's not to say that working out of a redidential garage produces bad work, because I know better.



I'm not looking for upgrades, because in my usage I think that the 440 ft-lb engine is putting out out 200 ft-lbs that I don't use very often. :-laf



Thanks.

 

[K5IP]

If you do it yourself, the shift lever retaining ring can be removed by pressing it down and rotating it with two large screwdrivers. I was able to burrow a transmission jack, and trying to do it without all the adjustments a jack has would be a real bear.

Rog

 

[csutton7]

Matt--why is it important to you if he uses his own garage or has a full blown shop--just curious????---chris

 

[Matt42]

Matt--why is it important to you if he uses his own garage or has a full blown shop--just curious????---chris

It's not. It's more of a question of when I call, will I get a "hello" or a "ABC Diesel" answer.

 

[csutton7]

ok--now that I think about this more I'm fairly sure it's his own garage/shop--not an ABC diesel thing, but more a one guy operation, although he may have a helper or two now--he did have and may still another job as his main pursuit, but I'm not sure that's still the case--I haven't talked to him since he was here, although we have emailed each other a few times since----here's the info from SBC clutch--



Desert Diesel Parts

6126 N 183rd Ave.

Waddell, AZ 56355

Fred Swanson

623-910-9575

602-537-0713 Fax

 

[Regcabguy]

The Man!

Fred works out of his residence with all the proper tools and lift to do the job right the first time. He has a day job and operates desert diesel parts as a sideline. The guy knows these trucks inside and out. He's also much more reasonable than a full-time garage and comes highly regarded by DTT. I just wish he'd move to San Diego.

 

[DavidC]

Fred works out of his residence with all the proper tools and lift to do the job right the first time. He has a day job and operates desert diesel parts as a sideline. The guy knows these trucks inside and out. He's also much more reasonable than a full-time garage and comes highly regarded by DTT. I just wish he'd move to San Diego.

Nothing personal butttttt. Maybe you should get some moving quotes to Phoenix. We have a good guy here and we are keeping him



Dave

 

[Regcabguy]

Nothing personal butttttt. Maybe you should get some moving quotes to Phoenix. We have a good guy here and we are keeping him



Dave

Point well taken! Fred's a gem.

 

[Fred Swanson]

Matt, if you call, I answer either hello, or this is Fred. I operate at my residence, which is 2 acres in Clearwater Farms, just past Luke Air Base. If Maricopa county will ever approve my permit, my new building will be up soon. It took over 5 months to get the permit for adding on to my house. They move real slow.

 

[Matt42]

Has anybody heard from Fred Swanson lately? I got my tax refund. And my daughter's fiance fried my truck's clutch. It's time! Matt