Replace clutch

[Bronco_007]

Hi everyone. I have a ‘74 with 67k original miles. The engine is stock 302; manual three on the tree. When I ease off the clutch to go into first, the truck lunges forward. Once in gear and moving there is no issue. There is nothing abnormal about going into second or third. Reverse feels normal as well. I’ve had the truck since March and that’s the way she came to me. My assumption is that the flywheel/pressure plate/clutch disc need to be replaced. Has anyone ever done that themselves? I’d like to, it’s it’s not too complex. Any advice is much appreciated. Thanks!!!!

 

[B RON CO]

Hi, where does the clutch pedal in the cab start to engage the clutch? Up high, in the middle, or near the floor? If it is near the floor you can adjust the rod underneath a little longer. Also if the idle is too high that may cause the problem. Sometimes if the clutch is out of adjustment, or the idle is too high the gears will grind going into first or reverse. Anyway, you very well may need a new clutch. I prefer to pull the engine instead of pulling the tranny and transfer case. Good luck

 

[DirtDonk]

And before you dig in to replace a clutch, find out why it’s doing it in first and not reverse.
Maybe your motor mounts or transmission mounts are failing and the torque of the engine in one direction is stretching the mechanical linkage, while the torque in the other direction is not.

It’s not always easy to tell if a mount is bad quickly, but it can be done with some careful observation.
If they are totally trashed it’s pretty obvious. If they’re simply on their way out however, you may have to get creative. Either with a prybar, or by watching the motor with the hood open.
When you first take off in first see if the engine is torquing over to one side.

 

[Bronco_007]

I never thought of that. Will do!

 

[DirtDonk]

And your description says lurches, but I wonder if that’s the beginning of a shudder?
If it is a shudder, then it can still be something with the linkage and engine mounts, but it can also mean a worn clutch.
Or more than worn, more like a little burned and getting uneven friction across the fly wheel.

The latter meaning a clutch replacement and flywheel resurface.
So with any luck, it’s still a linkage or mount issue.

 

[Bronco_007]

No please. Not a shudder. That sounds bad!

Kidding aside, it doesn’t do it in reverse. It’s only toward the top of the let off of the clutch when I’m in first.

It’s like the truck lunges forward. Maybe the diaphragm is just worn out?

 

[.94 OR]

If you have a helper that can either observer, or operate, you should be able to put in 2L and 1st with the hood up and hold down hard on the brakes when you let out the clutch. A broken motor mount will allow the motor to lever over a bit. When mine went out it did it in 1st and R, definitely a shudder.