Hey folks. If it's okay with everyone I'd like to use this thread for updates and my little 'notes' section for the DIY that will be coming. I'd also like to hear from anyone else that's installed a new clutch on a T-56 (this is my first time into this transmission). Any tips or tricks would be appreciated. The DIY will probably be huge, and about an 8 on the 10 scale of difficulty. So, here we go: 5.29.09- 10:20PM - Driveshaft removal begins. I'd light a bus load of nuns on fire for a lift right now......
You guys (and gals) are gonna love this..... So, I get the truck ready to spend a few days out of service: *sigh*...damn huge driveshaft....: (and the [alleged] stainless steel Magnafail exhaust) Wait a second.....WTF is this?!?!? Smells like hydraulic fluid! I pull the clutch MC, and remove it along with the entire line: "There's yer problem....": I think I know how it happened too: The amount of torque these things put out is up there kinda high (yeah- kinda). As I was scooting into traffic, I was getting on the GO pedal fairly firmly, and with the 90 deg. turn involved the engine torqued just enough to pinch that line right there. BLAMMO! The connection at the MC is odd (2 split pins), so I'm going to have fun working up the new braided line and AN fittings. But don't worry- I'll be sure to share on the trick setup when I'm finished. Thanks everyone!
BWAHAHAH HAHAHAH *breath* BWAHAHAHA AHAHAHBAWAHAH *wiped tears away from eyes* 1. Truck's warranty expired....oh....a long time ago. 2. Last time I took the truck to the dealership for warranty work (reverse light switch on the tranny), the guy couldn't get the truck into the shop area. After 5 minutes of trying to make the tight turn, he came strolling across the shop to where I was watching the action. He says, "Mr. Geier, could you help me? I can't seem to find Reverse." 3. I did this. Well, the extreme torque of the engine did. Looks like the line got crushed at least twice. And that 2nd time it just blew up. 4. Just to bring you up to date (I know you travel a lot...heh heh), Chrysler filed for bankruptcy a few weeks ago. I'd be curious to find out how many people get turned away because 'we're broke'. I think you guys will like the uber-trick new line going in there. I just finished taking the MC apart to triple-check that my mad scientist plan will work....and....with some lightning and an AbbyNormal brain from a graveyard, there's no reason it won't COME ALIVE! (I love being the first Viper guy to do this stuff...)
lol You have more than 75K miles? Cause the Vipers (including the trucks) have a 7/75 warranty. My dealership is THE BOMB. They will NEVER turn away work, including warranty.
You need to call Bob Caldwell Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep and let them in on that little secret. 3/36 is all I got.
6.1.09- 11:10PM - Driveshaft is out. - Transmission fluid is draining. Service manual neglected to say that trans. fluid should be emptied prior to removing the driveshaft. Got a little liquid surprise on the shoulder! Because I don't have enough clearance under the truck with it being on the ground/jack stands, I have to remove the shift lever before removing the transmission.
Check again Larry. They increased it last year. No, I did not buy an extended warranty. Yea, I was surprised as well.
6.19.09 Well, after 4 solo attempts of getting the transmission back in, I finally called Keith. The extra set of eyes and hands IS ESSENTIAL to getting the thing lined up. Esp. if you're rollin' around on the garage floor. My redneck trans. lift turned out to be more of a photo joke than actually useful. If you're doing a clutch replacement in the truck, don't bother with that rig. Funny for a minute though, right? Everything will go back together today (driveshaft, wiring, brackets, etc.). Scored some sweetass yoke straps from a hardcore driveline shop here in town. They do dump truck stuff, so I think it'll hold in my truck. LOL I'll also be doing some new SS braided line with spiffy steel AN fittings. 500 miles of unfun "good kid" driving.......*sigh*.... HUGE thanks to Keith for coming over last night and helping. Couldn't have done it without ya, man!
A couple of pics..... INSTALLED! ...proof that it's not an easy job: Yes. That's real sweat. I also had a chunk of hair torn out. You don't want to know how that happened.
6.22.09 11:59PM TRUCK IS DONE! Well, it's back together and terrorizing the asphalt again. Had some ticky-tack issues: like a tiny, TINY leak in one of the AN-to-hose fittings. Rebuilt both sides....just to be sure. We were wondering why the clutch wouldn't bleed. LOL The clutch is still a little light, but I'll have Keith help me stiffen that up tomorrow. Wait....that sounded bad..... There is absolutely no mistaking this is a brand new clutch! It grabs much like I would Austin Kincaid's glutes. The only downside is the 500 good-boy miles I have to put on the clutch before I can be naughty again. *sigh* Thanks go to Rachel, Keith, Don as well as those here on the SRT/C and over on the VCA who helped. Parts for this project came from JMB Performance and JEG'S. Props to the LSx and S10 guys for their bitching, giving me an idea that you folks will be seeing soon. And lastly, a hearty FU to the admin of the VTCOA who's personal vendetta make it impossible for me to participate over there, thus their members not being able to get in on this project.
good job, I had a PITA when I replaced the clutch on my 99-t/a, it's also a t-56. cant imagine how dificult it was on the srt10
Yea, Keith is back! :clap: ...wait a minute, this job didn't qualify for Two Thumbs Up certification??? I didn't see the approval stamp. Sweat or that trans fluid you poured on yourself by pulling the plug while you were laying under it? You know, if you're soaked in trans fluid and have a couple of patches of hair missing you might try resubmitting your appeal at VTCOA. They might reconsider. :rofl:
Heh heh...it was only a few drops of trans. fluid. As soon as I saw it starting to come out, I shoved the driveshaft back in! I'm getting my hair cut tomorrow, so I'll ask if they see any missing chunks. You guessed it: Full-on mullet! Business up front; party in the back! I'm *sure* they'll take me back then!!!!
