Raising Question

[Gil Sissons]

It looks like we are going to have to replace the clutch in our Vicky.
One of our members has offered to lead out with this.
We have toe car up on regular jack stands…. But now realize the
Car will need to be raised higher so we can pull the rear end
back and away from the car and gain access to the clutch etc.
We know the car will need to be raised higher to clear the
rear end and wheels. Problem is… if going much higher looks
like we would hit the garage door opener.
Anyone be able to tell us how high the car should be jacked up
for this to clear?
Gil. NoCal

 

[nkaminar]

I have never pulled the rear end with the wheels on. If you take the wheels off you will not need as much height. Support the differential bango on a floor jack that has it's own wheels. If you leave the spring in the car that will save some height too but you will need a good quality spring spreader. If you do decide to use the spring spreader, be super careful as there is a lot of pent up energy in the rear spring.

The clutch jobs I have done recently have been by pulling the engine and placing the engine on a stand with it's nose down. That makes it easy to install the clutch plate and the pressure plate. Also easier if you have to pull the flywheel for surfacing.

 

[Joe K]

Agreed. I would pull the engine.

Make a lifting eye using the threaded portion of an old spark plug. With the porcelain removed, put the eye thread through the hole and use a nut on the "inside" to keep it together.

Use this in the 3rd plug position. The engine balances fairly well with the transmission attached - just enough "tilt back" so its like taking your foot out of your shoe.


Joe K

 

[Synchro909]

I agree with those above who have said they would pull the engine.

 

[old ugly]

when you pull the rear end you will have to do it with the wheels off. (like said above). then drag out the rear on the concrete. the spring arch is high.
And, the jack stands will have to be positioned on the frame forward of where the wish bone bisects it so the rear end will slide out.

i have a low ceiling which also has a garage door opener and i have performed this repair a few times.

as far as which is easier to remove , the engine or the rear end, for me they take about the same length of time.