Are there anything i should replace/upgrade while im dropping the tranny? And are there any special tools i need in this process of changing the clutch/flywheel?

 

Get the new pilot bearing, throw out bearing, and uh, a torque wrench. Other than that, the axles can be a bitch to get out sometimes, but that's my only gripe.

 

Yes, make sure you put a new release bearing in and a new pilot bearing.

Also look for excessive wear on the main shaft of the tranny. If you have any, you will know immediately what I am talking about. You should not have any ring looking wear on that shaft.

As far as getting the axels out, you only have to worry about the axles at the differential, not at the hubs. You can remove the axles from your tranny by removing the control arm bolts and releasing the lower ball joint and sliding the assembly out of the way. When removing the axle, NEVER PULL ON THE AXLE SHAFT! You can cause the CV joints to come apart which is not fun!. Instead, slide a flat head screw driver between the transmission case and the inboard joint assembly and slightly pry the axel out, being careful not to catch and tear the axle seal. They usually release pretty easily at that point once the set ring pops out of it's groove. Once they have released, take care to pull the joint assembly straight out so you dont tear the axle seal. I almost always smear a little grease on the seal after removal of the axle to keep the seal soft and it actually helps a little when re-installing the axles.

Other than that, the only other helpful item is an alignment tool that you will probably get with your new clutch kit.

If you are using your old flywheel, get it resurfaced. There is nothing more irritating that a nice new clutch disc and pressure plate, that pulsates when you are engaging the clutch because of a hot spotted or uneven flywheel!

You will need a torque wrench to put the flywheel and pressure plate bolts back in, and always tighten bolts opposite one another in a criss-cross pattern when you install your parts. I have to admit that I usually just use an impact to reassemble these once I get them snug with a wrench, but I dont recommend this. (Kind of do as I say and not as I do... OMG I am my Dad now!!!!)

Hmm.. thinking.. anything else....

Oh yes... Be careful when you remove the slave cylinder that the clutch pedal is not pushed in while it is unbolted. You can accidently expand the push rod past it's seat and and lose fluid that way. If you do, you will need to bleed the system after installation.

Also, do yourself a favor and out the tranny in neutral before you start work. It will make things easier for you, I promise.

That's really about it. It's not a super difficult task, but it can be a PITA sometimes.

I really recommend taking a good look at all the bolts you are going to work with (Tranny mount bolts, control arm nuts and bolts, etc; and see if they are rusty. You may want to hit them up with some good penetrating oil the night before you start so you dont bust your knuckles when you start your work... hehe!

 

cool! thanks for the long write up!